What is the Kepler Track and why is it significant?

The Kepler Track is a 60-kilometer (37-mile) hiking trail located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island. It is one of the country's ten 'Great Walks', a collection of premier hiking trails that showcase New Zealand's stunning natural beauty.

The Kepler Track is named after Johannes Kepler, the German astronomer who formulated the laws of planetary motion. The trail passes through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, including dense beech forests, alpine tussocks, and crystal-clear lakes. Hikers can expect to encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna, including cheeky alpine parrots called kea.

What sets the Kepler Track apart from other hiking trails is its stunning views of the Southern Alps, which can be seen from the trail's highest point, the Luxmore Summit. From here, hikers can gaze out across vast swathes of untouched wilderness, marveling at the rugged beauty of New Zealand's South Island.

The Kepler Track is significant not only for its natural beauty but also for its role in conservation. The trail is managed by the Department of Conservation, which works tirelessly to protect New Zealand's unique ecosystem from introduced pests and other threats. By hiking the Kepler Track, visitors can support these conservation efforts while experiencing some of the world's most breathtaking scenery.