10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and light showers developing this evening.
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1 / 10Fiordland National Park
Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
This easy track follows the first part of the Kepler Track (a Great Walk) around the Te Anau lake shore to two lovely swimming and picnicking - it's great for children and they can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal too! Catch a water taxi one way for a shorter walk.
Distance
11.2 km
Walking time
1-3 hr return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Iris Burn Hut is closed until 27 October
Weather outlook
Fiordland National Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 9:23 pm
11 October 2026
Scattered showers, becoming confined south of Doubtful Sound in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with one or two morning showers south of Secretary Island.
13 October 2026
Heavy rain developing, with snow to 2400 metres.
14 October 2026
Rain, with snow to 1900 metres, turning to showers.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
From the Kepler Track Carpark head across the control gates and then the track follows around the lake shore through mostly beech forest with some groves of tree ferns along the way. There is a picnic area, toilet and a nice beach area at Dock Bay. Following on from Dock Bay there are some nice views of the lake from Coal Creek Bridge and the track continues following the lake edge around to Brod Bay. If you have children you can enquire at the DOC Visitor Centre or look up online about the Kiwi Guardian medal your children can earn on the way to Dock Bay by writing down the special code words on the guardian posts you will see on the way.
Essential information for Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
Both of these beaches are great for swimming and picnics. There can be a lot of sandflies at times so it’s worth bringing some insect repellent or long clothing No dogs or bikes allowed Not suitable for wheelchair and buggies There are toilets at the Kepler Track carpark as well as water tanks There is a toilet and picnic tables at Dock Bay There are toilets, water, shelter picnic tables and campsite at Brod Bay
Getting there for Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
There are daily buses from the Control Gates back to Te Anau over the Great Walks season. Check at the visitors centre for scheduled times. Fiordland Outdoors Company operate a water taxi that has daily departures to and from Brod Bay. If you are getting the water taxi you can also extend this walk by walking back to Te Anau along the lake trail. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
No dogs.
Before you walk Kepler Track: Carpark to Dock Bay and Brod Bay
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.