Fiordland National Park introduced the Kepler-Edith multi-day trek spanning 68 kilometers across varied terrain. The route starts at Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound with four new huts providing 24 bunks each. Construction completed in May 2026 after three years of development.
Daily hiker numbers are capped at 48 to protect the environment. Permits cost 185 New Zealand dollars per person and include hut reservations. The trail passes through ancient beech forests and offers views of snow-capped peaks previously accessible only to experienced mountaineers.
Fiordland receives over 600,000 visitors annually but most stay on shorter walks. The new route addresses overcrowding on the nearby Milford Track. Local iwi consulted extensively during planning to incorporate cultural storytelling at key viewpoints.
What this means for you
Apply for permits immediately on the Department of Conservation website when sales open July 1 as first-season slots are expected to fill within days. Train for multi-day hikes with elevation gains of 800 meters per day. Pack lightweight rain gear as the region averages 200 rainy days yearly.
Book transport from Te Anau to the trailhead through approved operators listed on the permit site. Carry a personal locator beacon as cell coverage is nonexistent along most of the route.
Additional trails in the same region are planned for 2028 based on hiker feedback and environmental monitoring.