From Rainbow Reach Bridge on the Kepler Track, you will be able to see where parts of the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, 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. 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.
As you continue along the track, you will find yourself lost in the forest once more. The height of the trees makes it impossible to see anything beyond the nature around you. There will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the mountains, so taking some time immersed in the forest is just as lovely.
The path opens onto Lake Manapouri, where the track divides in two. Following the right path along the shore of the lake, you will arrive at 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 Moturau Hut.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Unknown
- Last Updated: April, 2020
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