Despite a visual impairment that means she can only see light and dark, Mary Fisher is a keen tramper and advocate for getting out and enjoying New Zealand’s natural environment. Mary shares with us her experience walking the Kepler Track.
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New Zealand’s mountain peaks, native forests and pristine lakes can now be viewed from anywhere in the world on Google Maps. We go behind the scenes.
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In April, 11-year-old Summer Jubb tackled the mighty Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park after her family won the experience as part of DOC’s involvement in the Venture Southland campaign.
Summer and her dad conquered the whole track in some challenging weather. Her mum, Mel, plus younger sisters, 9-year-old Poppy and 6-year-old Bella, met up with them at Luxmore Hut and Moturau Huts during their adventure.
Summer writes:
Let me tell you about my experiences on the ridges and valleys of the Kepler Track.
Summer high up on the Kepler Track
The first day was so much up hill — it just kept going up, up, up. About three quarters of the way up there were limestone boulders. They were so high and huge that it made me feel very small.
Walking, up, up and up!
The bearded forest (that’s what we called it) was amazing— there were drips of moss hanging off the trees that looked like a beards.
When we finally got to Luxmore Hut we were exhausted, but we still had enough energy to go for a 10 minute walk to the Luxmore Caves. They are amazing! Then I found out that food is really, really good when you are cold and hungry.
Family photo on the Kepler Track
I think the second day was the best. It was first up hill then in the alpine and ridges of the mountains. I loved the part when you are on the top lookout, when you can see everything below you. When there is an hour and a half to go it is all down, down, down. There are 97 switch backs and 24 stoat traps to count along the way. Finally there was Iris Burn Hut. There is a river just by the hut that you can go swimming in, it is quite cold though. As well as the river there is an amazing waterfall that’s 20 minutes away from the hut.
Along a ridge on the Kepler Track
Thankfully, the third day is all flat. There were these gorgeous purple mushrooms along the way. At Moturau hut there is a lake that is just warm enough to swim in and cool down your feet.
A misty valley
I loved all my experiences on the great four day walk known as the Kepler Track. It was awesome to do with my family.