Part of the Kepler Track from Rainbow Reach Bridge, you will be able to see where parts of the Lord of the Rings movies was filmed.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge over Waiau River, you will find yourself amidst tall red beech trees. The walk is a mix of a thick forest of these trees, low-lying vegetation and bog. Views of the mountains can be seen from Shallow Bay Hut, but this part of the Kepler Track is mostly forest due to its low elevation.

About one hour into the walk, you will reach Amoeboid Mire, which is a bog located on a terrace that formed as the Manapouri glacier melted. From the lookout over the bog, you will see sphagnum moss, other mosses and wire rush with a range of herbs, shrubs and other plants. There will also be a visible tarn within the bog.

The path opens onto Lake Manapouri, where the track divides in two. Following the left path along the shore of the lake, you will arrive at Shallow Bay Hut, while the right path will take you to Moturau Hut.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 3.5 hour walk
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Bikes allowed: No
  • Route: One way
  • Elevation: None
  • Wet Feet: Yes, after snow, rain or when walking too close to the river
  • Toilets: There are toilets at Shallow Bay Hut.
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Unknown
  • Last Updated: April, 2020

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Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The track offers views of Lake Manapouri and takes you through the Amoeboid Mire. Some scenes from the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed near this walk.

Track Quality

The track is a mix of wooden footpaths and well-packed forest floor. It is cared for by the Department of Conservation.

Hazards

Unknown

Transport

Te Anau is a stop on InterCity bus’ itinerary. Te Anau is quite small and most places, including the Visitor Centre, are accessible on foot. However, there are shuttle services to the car park.

Water

The tap water at Moturau Hut must be boiled before use.

Driving Instructions

Follow the Manapouri – Te Anau Highway for about 10.6 km, then turn right at the signposted road to the Rainbow Reach carpark.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

The closest shops and restaurants are in central Te Anau.

Area & Trail History

Fiordland National Park was officially constituted in 1952. Today it covers over 1.2 million hectares and was declared a World Heritage Area in 1986. The town of Te Anau was established shortly after the Milford Track opened. It is a common place to stop for a few days for tours through Milford Sound and as a stepping stone to the rest of the Fiordland. This walk is part of the Kepler Track. The Kepler track is a 65km track that opened in February 1988.

Map Location

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