In short
Kepler Track 2027: great Walks bookings open on Tuesday, May 18, 2027, starting at 9:30 a.m., Auckland time, based on previous years. Best season: late October to late April.
Estimated date: in 2026, Kepler Track bookings opened on Tuesday 19 May at 9:30 am New Zealand time, with a virtual queue. 2027: same weekday, to be checked.To be confirmed once officially announced.
What are the dates for 2027?
- Today
- May 18, 2027 Great Walks bookings open9:30 a.m., Auckland time
- Late October to late April Best season
What do you book and at what price?
| What you book | The huts along the track |
| Price | Price per night, adult (2026-2027 season):
|
What is the route like? from OpenStreetMap
Move your finger or mouse along the curve to read the km and the altitude. Approximate curve, from a terrain model.
Kepler Track
61.6 km+1,636 m gain181 m → 1,399 m
Altitude by distanceMin 181 m · max 1,399 m
6 huts, lodges and campsites within 400 m of the route, shown on the 3D map. Length measured along the OpenStreetMap track, one way; elevation gain and altitudes from a terrain model. Approximate figures, check them against the official guide. Tracks © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Kepler Track on the 3D map Follow the route in 3D, then explore the 62 other trails and races on the map. Open the 3D mapHow do you book, step by step?
- Create your DOC accountOn the Department of Conservation website, before May 18, 2027.
- Choose your nights and a plan BLuxmore is the most popular hut: start with it.
- Log in on May 18, 2027 before 9:30 amNew Zealand time. A virtual queue sets the order.
- Keep the confirmationThe ranger asks for it in each hut.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each.
The next bookings to open
Other great hikes that need booking, in order of opening.
Frequently asked questions
Kepler Track 2027: what is the opening date?
Great Walks bookings open on Tuesday, May 18, 2027 at 9:30 a.m., Auckland time. Estimated date: in 2026, Kepler Track bookings opened on Tuesday 19 May at 9:30 am New Zealand time, with a virtual queue. 2027: same weekday, to be checked. To be confirmed.
How much does the Kepler Track cost?
NZ$132 per night in a hut for an international adult, NZ$88 for a New Zealand resident (2026-2027 season). Camping costs NZ$42 per night (NZ$28 for a resident).
Is the Kepler Track hard?
It requires good fitness: 60 km and a long climb to Luxmore Hut, then a windswept ridge above 1,000 m.
What if the huts are fully booked?
Check the DOC website again: cancellations put nights back on sale all season. Off season (May to October), huts cost less but the walk requires experience.
Kepler Track: when should you go?
Best season: late October to late April.