My Snowy Kepler Track Adventure and Favorite Trail Gear

Last Friday, we headed down to Te Anau, arriving just in time for a beautiful sunset over the mountains. Our excitement was building for the weekend hike on The Kepler Track, where we’d be staying at Luxmore Hut. But as we settled into our accommodation, I realised I’d forgotten my hiking boots at home! All I had were non-waterproof runners, which wasn’t ideal given the forecasted snow. Thankfully, Outside Sports in Te Anau was just around the corner, so I headed there first thing Saturday morning to sort out a solution.

A creature of habit, I picked up the On Cloudwanders since I already own the boot version, On Cloudrock. I knew these trail shoes would keep my feet dry and were ready to hit the trail without needing to be broken in—perfect for starting the hike in just 10 minutes!

Once we were ready to set off, I double-checked my bag for the essentials. I had my Icebreaker merino base layers to stay cozy without overheating, Patagonia Torrentshell waterproofs (both pants and jacket) to stay dry from both rain and snow, and an Osprey 1.5L hydration bladder to make sure I stayed hydrated over the 5-hour stretch.

When it came to food, I packed a Real Meals dehydrated meal—perfectly filling and something to look forward to at the hut. I also brought along our Jetboil Flash stove, which boils water in seconds, making it easy to whip up a hot drink or a quick meal. For the cold, my Dexshell Drylite gloves kept my hands warm and dry, and my Sea to Summit Aeros pillow made sleeping at the hut much more comfortable. And as a final treat? A bottle of pinot noir! It felt like a fun indulgence to share at the end of a long day.

Our journey began at the control gates in Te Anau. As we entered Fiordland National Park, we started the 13.8km walk to Luxmore Hut, beginning with a stroll through the tall, moss-covered forest. We stopped at Brod Bay for lunch—where we encountered plenty of sandflies, so bug spray was definitely helpful!

As we climbed higher, the light rain turned to snow, transforming the landscape into a stunning winter scene. The last stretch, with the Luxmore Hut sign in sight, was challenging as a snowstorm rolled in. The buried boardwalks along the way proved tricky to navigate, and everyone took a few tumbles, but the soft snow made for a gentle landing.

Finally, we reached Luxmore Hut, perched at 1,085 meters above sea level. With around 25 people staying the night, we had plenty of space to dry off our gear and get comfortable. We warmed up by the fire, shared some laughs over card games, and tucked into our Real Meals dinner. Full and content, we settled in for a good night’s rest.

The next morning, a playful group of kea birds entertained us, tapping on the hut windows and pecking at the broom outside. These lively, colourful birds added a little fun before we started our descent.

A Kea at the hut!

Heading back down, we passed some early-morning runners, including Lee, the Outside Sports Te Anau store manager, who was out for a brisk run along the trail. This snowy hike, my first, was a memorable and unique experience made even better by great company and the right gear.

If you’re planning a hike on the Kepler Track, be prepared for changing weather and don’t forget to stop by Outside Sports in Te Anau for any last-minute essentials. This was truly a weekend to remember!