Kepler Track Gear List
The Kepler Track climbs through an alpine section with no reliable water between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut, according to DOC. In the Great Walks season huts have cooking facilities and cold running water. From May to late October DOC asks for a stove and avalanche gear.
Water on the alpine section
Fill up at Luxmore Hut
DOC advises filling bottles at Luxmore Hut before the alpine section, since there are no reliable water sources until Iris Burn Hut.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Didymo
DOC says not to take water from areas with didymo.
From DOC: Kepler Track
What the huts give you, and what they do not
Great Walks season
Bunks, mattresses, toilets, basic cooking facilities, solar lighting and cold running water.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Not provided
Food, cooking utensils and showers.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Winter huts, May to late October
Gas is not provided, so bring a stove. Running water is off inside huts, there is no emergency radio and no rangers.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Winter and alpine additions, May to late October
Food and stove
Food for at least two extra days, a stove and gas, and a lighter or matches.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Snow and avalanche equipment
Ice axe and crampons; avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Locator beacon
A personal locator beacon. A satellite messenger is optional.
From DOC: Kepler Track
DOC's packing list
DOC prints this list on the track page. It does not mark each line as required or advised.
Pack and liner
A 40 to 60 liter backpack with a waterproof or plastic pack liner.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Sleeping bag
DOC lists a 3 to 4 season sleeping bag.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Drink bottle
One to two liters.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Eating and cooking gear
Knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, a pot or pan, a cleaning kit and a tea towel.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Matches or a lighter
In a waterproof container.
From DOC: Kepler Track
First aid kit
With blister treatment.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Survival kit
A survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil and high-energy snacks.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Map and compass
Plus other gear suited to the track and the season.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Torch and spare batteries
A torch is on DOC's list for the huts.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Rubbish bag
You carry out what you carry in.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Earplugs
For communal bunkrooms.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Booking confirmation and ID
Bring both.
From DOC: Kepler Track
Gear questions for the Kepler Track
Where can you fill water on the Kepler Track?
DOC advises filling bottles at Luxmore Hut before the alpine section, because there are no reliable water sources until Iris Burn Hut.
Do Kepler Track huts have gas cookers?
DOC lists basic cooking facilities in the Great Walks season. In winter, May to late October, gas is not provided and you bring a stove.
What do you need on the Kepler Track in winter?
DOC lists two extra days of food, a stove and gas, ice axe and crampons, an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, and a personal locator beacon.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on 30 October 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in New Zealand, call 111.