Great Walks of New Zealand: Kepler Track (Feb 08-10, 2027)

# Great Walks of New Zealand 2026/2027: The Fiordland Quadrilogy

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
We are tackling four of New Zealand’s most iconic Great Walks—the Kepler, Hump Ridge, Milford, and Routeburn Tracks—in one incredible, multi-week adventure through Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks in February 2027.
Flexibility: Members may register for one, two, three, or all four of these magnificent hikes.

### ARRIVAL LOGISTICS (Read Carefully)

If you are joining only a specific hike, you must arrive in Te Anau no later than the date listed below to be ready for the morning transport start. Participants doing multiple hikes will already be in Te Anau for rest days.

• Kepler Track: Arrive by Saturday, February 6 (2 nights before start).
• Hump Ridge Track: Arrive by Thursday, February 11 (Allows for rest/prep).
• Milford Track: Arrive by Tuesday, February 16 (Allows for rest/prep).
• Routeburn Track: Arrive by Monday, February 22 (Allows for rest/prep).

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### 1. KEPLER TRACK (60 km, 3 Days)

• Start Date: Mon, Feb 8
• Finish Date: Wed, Feb 10
• Difficulty: Moderate to High
• The Experience: An iconic loop track known for its majestic alpine vistas, serene beech forests, and views over Lake Te Anau. Features a long, steady climb to the alpine ridges.
• Logistics: A loop track easily accessible by local shuttle or walking from Te Anau.
• Accommodation: 2 Nights DOC Huts (Luxmore, Iris Burn).
• Estimated Cost: $210 – $260+ NZD
• Includes: Hut Fees ($160/2 nights) and Return Shuttle ($50–$100).

(Rest Days: Feb 11 & 12)

### 2. HUMP RIDGE TRACK (61 km, 3 Days)

• Start Date: Sat, Feb 13
• Finish Date: Mon, Feb 15
• Difficulty: Challenging
• The Experience: Features spectacular coastal views, historic railway viaducts, and sub-alpine terrain. Managed by a charitable trust, it offers a unique mix of coastal forest and mountain beech.
• Day 1: Rarakau car park to Ōkaka Lodge (20.6 km). Ascends to the sub-alpine zone.
• Day 2: Ōkaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge (20.7 km). Follows the ridge before descending to the historic viaducts.
• Day 3: Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau car park (20.2 km). Coastal track return.
• Logistics: Starts and ends near Tuatapere. Transport is required from Te Anau.
• Accommodation: 2 Nights Private Lodges (Ōkaka Lodge, Port Craig Lodge).
• Estimated Cost: $600+ NZD
• Includes: Lodge Fees and Return Te Anau Shuttle.

(Rest Days: Feb 16 & 17)

### 3. MILFORD TRACK (53.5 km, 4 Days)

• Start Date: Thu, Feb 18
• Finish Date: Sun, Feb 21
• Difficulty: Challenging
• The Experience: Widely regarded as the 'Finest Walk in the World.' Features the stunning Mackinnon Pass (1,154 m), Sutherland Falls, and culminates at Milford Sound. Requires excellent fitness.
• Logistics: Strictly a one-way track requiring mandatory boat transfers at both ends.
• Accommodation: 3 Nights DOC Huts (Clinton, Mintaro, Dumpling).
• Estimated Cost: $476+ NZD
• Includes: Hut Fees ($276/3 nights) and Transfers ($250 for shuttles/boats).

(Rest Days: Feb 22 & 23)

### 4. ROUTEBURN TRACK (33 km, 3 Days)

• Start Date: Wed, Feb 24
• Finish Date: Fri, Feb 26
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• The Experience: A classic alpine adventure crossing two national parks (Fiordland and Mt Aspiring). Features Harris Saddle, Key Summit, and stunning mountain views.
• Logistics: One-way track. We start on the Te Anau side (The Divide) and finish at the Routeburn Shelter, using a shuttle service that takes us directly to Queenstown.
• Accommodation: 2 Nights DOC Huts (Routeburn Falls, Lake Mackenzie).
• Estimated Cost: $315+ NZD
• Includes: Hut Fees ($160/2 nights) and Shuttle Package (~$155 Te Anau start/Queenstown finish).

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### ITINERARY & BASE ACCOMMODATION

Te Anau & Queenstown Stay: Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation in Te Anau for the rest nights between hikes. Early booking is essential due to high season.
Recommended Te Anau Nights (Book These Dates):

• Pre-Kepler: Feb 6, 7
• Between Kepler & Hump Ridge: Feb 10, 11, 12
• Between Hump Ridge & Milford: Feb 15, 16, 17
• Between Milford & Routeburn: Feb 21, 22, 23

Recommended Queenstown Nights:

• Post-Routeburn: Feb 26, 27, 28...

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### FINANCIALS & BOOKINGS

All costs listed above are based on the 2025 season and are ESTIMATES only. Final costs will be confirmed in mid-2026.

• Group Coordination: The organizer will coordinate all booking requirements for the group (shuttles, water taxis, boat transfers, and Hut/Lodge bookings) to ensure everyone secures a spot.
• Member Contribution (must be paid 2 weeks before the hut bookings)
• NZ citizens and residents: $50
• International ($100): Overseas visitors

Individual Costs (Not included in Group Booking):

• Flights (Auckland–Queenstown return): Est. $300–$450 per person.
• Base Accommodation (Te Anau/Queenstown): Est. $50–$150 per person per night.

### IMPORTANT NOTES

• Mandatory Training: All participants must attend the mandatory training events organized by the group prior to the hike dates.
• Fitness Level: All tracks require a moderate to high level of fitness.
• Bookings: Hut and transport bookings are essential and will be coordinated by the organizer. Attendees are expected to pay the required funds promptly upon confirmation.
• Safety: The organizer will carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Your safety remains your individual responsibility.