Kepler Track: Carpark to Rainbow Reach
WalkSouthland
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Distance
- 9.5 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThis track begins from the Kepler Track carpark, which is at the southern end of Lake Te Anau, about 5 km (6 minutes drive) from Te Anau.
To get there by vehicle or bicycle from the DOC Visitor Centre on Lakefront Drive, follow the Manapouri - Te Anau Highway for about 2 km, turn right onto Golf Course Road for another 1.8 km and the carpark is signposted on the right.
Bus transport is available.
To walk there (50 minutes) - follow the track from the Visitor Centre to Kepler Track carpark.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 45.46797° S, 167.68389° E
About this place
A pleasant walking track alongside the river through beech forest, along part of the Kepler Track (Great Walk) near Te Anau.
The route
This is part of the Kepler Track (a Great Walk) . From the Kepler Track carpark, the track follows the terraces of the Waiau River along the Kepler Track through red and mountain beech forest to Rainbow Reach. An area of manuka shrubland marks the home of early run holder Jack Beer who during summer drove his sheep onto Mt Luxmore to graze. There is a swingbridge to cross over the Waiau River to get to Rainbow Reach. There are many lovely views of the forest and river, and good trout fishing opportunities along this track section. See Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut Track .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
Southland • 5.4 km
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels is a campsite located in the Southland region. The provided data does not include further details regarding its specific…
Moturau Hut
Great Walk • 40 bunks • Southland • 5.9 km
Moturau Hut is a 40 bunk Great Walk hut located on the Kepler Track in Fiordland. Bookings are required during the Great Walks season.
Cooking • Heating • Mattresses
Shallow Bay Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Southland • 6.2 km
Shallow Bay Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in eastern Fiordland.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
Southland • 6.5 km
Brod Bay Campsite
Great Walk • Southland • 7.1 km
Brod Bay Campsite is a walk-in Great Walk campsite situated beside Lake Te Anau on the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park. Bookings are required during…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Walks nearby
Kepler Track: Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or Moturau Hut
Intermediate • 3 - 3 hr 30 min return • 12 km • 2.84 km away
Visitor Centre to Kepler Track Carpark Walk
Easy • 50 min • 3.5 km • 3.28 km away
Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
Easy • 1-3 hr return • 5.6 km • 4.71 km away
Visitor Centre to Te Anau Bird Sanctuary Walk
Easy • 20 min • 1 km • 4.79 km away
Kepler Track: Carpark to Luxmore Hut
Intermediate • 8-10 hr return • 13.8 km one way • 6.98 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).