Best camping trails in Southland, New Zealand

Alpine vistas and lake beaches define this approximately four day hike on the edge of the Fiordland Wilderness. The region receives high rainfall and changeable conditions. Rain, snow and cold snaps occur at almost any time of year. Pre-departure planning and preparation can be done in Te Anau at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Center on Lake Front Drive. The hike can be done in other direction, but the more popular direction goes counterclockwise. It is not recommended that you hike outside the Great Walks Season unless you have extensive experience and knowledge of the local weather. In the Great Walks season (23 October - 30 April): Bookings are required for huts and campsites, huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens Outside the Great Walks season (1 May - 22 October): Facilities are greatly reduced, avalanche risk exists, experience is required Bookings are not required - huts and campsites are first come, first served $130 per International visitor per night for all ages (booking required) $65 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required) The Kepler Track also allows camping in designated campsites. Campsites have toilets, water, and picnic tables. New Zealand rate is $20 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). International rate is $40 per person per night for all ages (booking required). For a list of the hike broken into segments, see here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/kepler-trackShow more

The trail is firm most of the way with a few light muddy patches. It can be quite windy once you break tree line. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/kepler-track-carpark-to-luxmore-hut/Show more

This backpacking trail offers a taste of Stewart Island through native forest that is often completed in 2-3 days. Native kiwis and historic Maori settlement sites can be seen on the track. Before you start hiking the Rakiura Track: -Book huts and/or campsites on the track -Decide whether to book a shuttle between Oban and the end of the trail or walk or take water taxi to huts/campsites on trackShow more

Greatwalk campsite, bookings are requiredShow more