Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay - Kepler Track

Wednesday 11th Feb 2009

We had a leisurely breakfast this morning and chatted to family back in the UK via the web cam before heading out for a half day walk along the Kepler Track.

The Kepler Track is a loop which skirts Lake Te Anau, then climbs to panoramic views from Mount Luxmore before descending to Lake Manapouri.
We planned to walk a very short section of the track from Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay.

We started the walk by crossing a suspension bridge which traversed the river and then we followed a very pretty track lined with lichen, ferns and silver beech trees. The track followed the river for the most part and was where some scenes of Lord of the Rings were filmed.

We were lucky enough to encounter several birds, in particular a brave and handsome New Zealand Robin, several fan tails and some friendly tomtits.

Halfway along the track we made a detour to a wetland area where local information boards informed us about the bog plants, wildlife and the importance of these swamp-like areas. There were all sorts of plants, blue orchids and some plants that were carnivorous.

We continued along the track until we reached Shallow Bay where we enjoyed a picnic lunch, sitting on an old piece of timber overlooking the lake and enjoying the views of the Kepler range and Jackson Peaks.

Sandflies played their part yet again and after lunch we made our way back the way we had come meeting more fantails and tomtits on the return walk.

As the cottages at Kepler Mountain View were fully booked after our 2-night stay we relocated to Te Anau and Birchwood Cottages which are just outside the township of Te Anau. A lovely spacious and luxurious cottage was our home overnight and we plan to stay over on Friday (13th), as well. (www.birchwood cottages.co.nz).

Before dinner we popped in to town and had a look in the local shops and also walked along the lakeside where there were some lovely views of the lake surrounding mountains and views in the distance of yet more mountain ranges.

The weather has been fine and settled so far and we are hoping it will continue as tomorrow we are driving the Milford Road which will take us to Milford Sound.