The Kepler Track is an iconic 37-mile hiking trail known for its breathtaking views of the Fiordland National Park and the Southern Alps. It is considered one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

The trail starts and ends near the town of Te Anau and usually takes 3-4 days to complete, with several huts available for overnight stays along the way. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including beech forests, alpine tussocks, and mountain ridges, and offers an opportunity to see unique flora and fauna like endangered kea parrot and the Fiordland crested penguin.

Hiking the Kepler Track requires a moderate level of fitness, as the trail involves steep climbs and descents, and the weather can be unpredictable, with snow and rain possible even in the summer months.

However, the stunning scenery and the sense of accomplishment at completing the track make it a must-do experience for outdoor enthusiasts visiting New Zealand.

AllTrails

Official park info

Kepler Track

The Milford Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, running through the stunning Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its spectacular landscapes, waterfalls, and fiords.

The road passes stunning natural landmarks, including the Mirror Lakes, the Eglinton Valley, and the Homer Tunnel, which is a mile-long tunnel carved through solid granite. The road then descends towards the Milford Sound.

We recommend taking your time and stop whenever you like along the way to experience some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world.

Milford Highway

Milford Sound is a natural wonder located in Fiordland National Park, our favorite fjord in the world. The best way to experience this magnificent sight is to take a scenic cruise through the sound and its surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.

You will witness the famous Mitre Peak, towering 5,511 feet above the water, as well as other awe-inspiring sights such as Stirling Falls and Seal Rock. During the tour, knowledgeable guides provide information about the history and geology of the area, as well as point out any wildlife spotted along the way, including seals, dolphins, and penguins.

There are multiple vendors at the harbor offering cruises that typically last around two hours. You can simply arrive and purchase tickets on the spot, but we recommend booking in advance in peak season.



The Milford Sound Cruise is simply a must for anyone visiting New Zealand, and the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression for the rest of your life.

JUCY Cruise

Milford Haven

Mitre Peak Cruises

Southern Discoveries

Milford Sound Cruise

The Milford Track is an iconic 33.5-mile hiking trail in Fiordland National Park and is considered one of the world's greatest walks, offering breathtaking views of mountain peaks, glacial valleys, and beautiful lakes.

The Milford Track takes four days and three nights to complete, with stays in huts along the trail. The track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau (you'll need a boat ride to get to the trailhead) and finishes at Sandfly Point, near a picturesque Milford Sound.

The Milford Track is open from late October to late April and requires bookings for huts and campsites far in advance, as soon as the booking opens.

Logistics tip. This is a one-way trail starting at the Te Anau Downs ferry and ending in Milford Sound, an hour drive away. We recommend parking your car at Te Anau Downs, completing the track, spending time in Milford Sound, and then taking one of many buses from the bus station heading to Te Anau. Just check that they make a stop at Te Anau Downs ferry parking.

Booking tip for late planners. We started planning our trip to New Zealand just two months in advance, and the huts on Milford Track were fully booked by that time. We still decided to go and just checked the booking website every day for cancellations. A few days before departure we got lucky and snatched a cancellation with the starting day just two days off from our initial plan. We had to reshuffle a good part of the trip and drove 12 hours straight in one day from Wellington to make the start of this hike. But in the end, as usual – it was all worth it!

Milford Track

Roman

New Zealand

Italy

Switzerland

Iceland

Chile

Indonesia

France

Mexico

Canada

Ukraine

Spain

United States

Finland

Argentina

Denmark

Greece

Netherlands

Australia

Estonia

Sri Lanka

Poland

Türkiye

Slovenia

Hungary

Austria

Georgia

Dominican Republic

Slovakia

Czechia (Czech Republic)

United Arab Emirates

Egypt

Moldova

Holy See (Vatican)

Russia

Portugal

I’d pick Te Anau Lodge for a stay with some history. The views are part of the appeal.

New Zealand is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and boundless adventure. By sheer variety of landscapes and types of activities, it is the most diverse destination on the planet.

Te Anau Lodge is a boutique and historic bed & breakfast in the picturesque town of Te Anau, situated on a peaceful, leafy street just a short walk from the town center and Lake Te Anau.

The rooms at Te Anau Lodge are beautifully decorated with comfortable furnishings and modern amenities. You can choose from a range of room types, including their famous train wagon option.

In the morning, you can enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast featuring fresh local produce and homemade goodies. After a day of exploring the stunning surroundings, you can relax in the guest lounge, sip a drink on the outdoor terrace, or take a soak in the hot tub.

The friendly hosts are on hand to provide helpful tips and recommendations for exploring the area, including hiking in the nearby mountains, visiting Milford Sound, or taking a boat trip on Lake Te Anau.

Te Anau Lodge

Explore all must-sees and venture off the beaten path on a spectacular road trip.

New Zealand Adventure

Fall in love with New Zealand by visiting its highlights on a fast-paced trip.

New Zealand Highlights

Home to the breathtaking Milford and Doubtful Sounds, cruising these deep fjords surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls is like entering a mystical world.

Fiordlands

Te Anau Lodge

How this stay fits your trip

Before booking

New Zealand routes to compare