Kepler Track Developments 2012

From the Southland Times August 2012

Trampers on the Kepler Track could soon be sharing the route with cyclists and groups of guided walkers if two separate proposals are approved by the Conservation Department (DOC).

The mountainbike fraternity is seeking a change to the Fiordland National Park Management Plan to allow cycling on the Kepler Track, while two of the department's largest concessionaires, Trojan Holdings and Ngai Tahu Tourism, want to run fully catered and guided walks.

Representatives from Te Anau Cycling Incorporated made a presentation to the Southland Conservation Board on Thursday in a bid to make cycling the Kepler Track a reality.

Te Anau Cycling Incorporated member Steve Hoskin told the board the group was one of many organisations wishing for a change in the Fiordland plan to allow cyclists access to the track.

A change in DOC policy would bring several benefits, he said.

"More people will be able to experience the park, especially in the off-season, and luring cyclists to the region would provide an economic stimulus," he said.

Cyclists appear to have the support of DOC and the Southland Conservation Board.

DOC Te Anau programme and contracts project manager Andrew Cudby said the limitations on cycling in Fiordland National Park were setting the region back.

Any plan changes would need to place serious consideration on the impact on other users and the environment, Mr Cudby said.

Southland Conservation Board chairwoman Viv Shaw said the board supported a review of the ban on cycling in the plan.

Representatives from Trojan Holdings and Ngai Tahu Tourism also put their case to the board.

Ngai Tahu Tourism's general manager of strategy and business development, Dean Lawrie, said the plan had provisions to allow guided walks on the Kepler Track and there was enough room on the track for independent trampers and groups with a guide.

The application for the guided walking tour proposal included the construction of two lodges in the vicinity of the existing Luxmore and Iris Burn huts.

The lodges would initially accommodate 24 people, with the capacity to expand to 48 later, Mr Lawrie said.

Ultimate Hikes general manager Noel Saxon said the lodges would have low visual and environmental impact. Design concepts would ensure they fitted the natural landscape, he said.

Mrs Shaw said there would be several areas the board would need to scrutinise with any concession application, including irreversible environmental damage during expanding current facilities and developing new infrastructure.

Fiordland Trails Trust - Open Day (Walk)

As a follow up to the March 21st 2013 Trailblazing Trek story in the Fiordland Advocate About the Manapouri Te Anau Walkway:

On Sunday 24th In down-pouring of Rain a group of Hearty Trampers Met at the Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn to Try out the Manapouri Section of the Fiordland Trails Trusts Old Cycle Survey Route Linking the Kepler Track Rainbow Reach Trailhead to the Township of Manapouri.

A Group of 12 set off to Post Office Rock Point off Supply Bay, Lake Manapouri from the first bend on the Supply Bay Road for what was to be a True Rain Forest Experience. After 45 Minutes the Point was Reached and they Paused for a view of the Grey Rain Storm Rolling across the Lake. And the wild forest and Manuka/ Podocarp Glades on the track to Fraser’s Beach where passed at a steady Clip with the Spectre of the Manapouri Pub driving them on, there was brief Pausing at Kemper’s Grove below View Hill, the Annie Harris Tree, the Thong Tree, and the Orang-utan Tree as well as a diversion at the Briar Patch for some ripe Blackberries.

We where all a bit “soaked” by the time we reached the Pub where 6 of our number where given Hot Nibbles and Drinks for some reflection time.
 It was fair to say that this route is worthy of upgrading if not to a Cycle Trail maybe a Family Walking Trail and it covers a wonderful variety of Forest settings in a short distance with Half a dozen scenic diversions on the way.

It is hoped that The Trails Trust can show off more of the special places they have discovered in Our Back Yard with Further Public Outings such as this.
And thanks to those Locals who have kept the trail up since the First Public Walk Through Day in August 2007.

Aaron Nicholson
Fiordland Trails Trust

Manapouri Trail Afternoon 2013

20th March 2013 Bulletin


Just a Point on the "Walk thru Day" this Sunday from Supply Bay Road to the Manapouri Pub... If people want to walk through from Balloon Loop on their own they could start an Hour and a Half Earlier the Trail is marked and not hard to find Only one person has officially walked from Te Anau to Manapouri this way Via the Kepler Track
But if one wishes to joint that club they have to start about 11 am to meet up with the others at Supply Bay...Forcast is for Rain so an umbrella would be good ...       Pictures are from our 2007 Walk Thru day.

John Key's Dream Cycle

Aaron's Comment 2007

There is an old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, In New Zealand politics that saying rings painfully true.

Western Southland is a Heartland of National Party supporters and it is paying for it,

Southland makes huge amounts of money for the nation in agriculture and tourism yet it is ignored by the Key government because they know darn well they always get total voter obedience from this region. This is born out in the regions Cycle Trail saga. 

It's like every region for themselves now snatching at an ever decreasing purse

It may well be that the grand idea of national cycle-ways is never going to work with out a national tourism cooperative incentive.

However the Manapouri Te Anau Trail is so easy to do, one dedicated person of means could build it.
It should be a breeze for a determined community. Or Better yet, a charismatic Chief Ranger

Best Cycle Trail ever needs help

We are looking for People to help support the construction of a Cycle Trail down the upper Waiau River between the townships of Manapouri and Te Anau. This so simple a proposition that it seems to good to be true, It can happen easily all it needs is more good friends! Please write any written support here - Aaron Nicholson - Manapouri Motels and Holiday Park - manapourimotels@clear.net.nz