Stage 4 of the Kepler Track covers 14.8 km from Moturau Hut to Control Gates, with 269 m of ascent and 259 m of descent. The highest point is 244 m. Allow about 5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Car park and shuttle pick-up across the swing bridge over the Waiau River, 6 km after Moturau Hut and 12 km by road from Te Anau. Many walkers finish here and take a booked shuttle instead of walking the last 9.5 km to the control gates.
Large hotel in the Te Anau town centre with a restaurant and bar, about 4 km from the control gates; busy around the Kepler Challenge in early December.
Self check-in motel at 58 Lakefront Drive, steps from Lake Te Anau, with modern rooms and cafés and restaurants nearby; about 3.5 km from the control gates along the lakefront path.
Backpacker hostel at 29 Mokonui Street in the town centre, with 2 to 8-bed dorms (one female dorm) and private single, twin, double and quad rooms; about 4 km from the control gates.
Hostel on the lakefront, 48–50 Lakefront Drive, with 4 and 6-bed dorms and private rooms, laundry and secure storage; about 3.5 km from the control gates along the lakefront path. No children under 12.
Holiday park in the town centre, 15 Luxmore Drive, with sites, cabins, motel units and houses, a hot tub and luggage storage for Great Walk walkers; about 4 km from the control gates.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. In the Great Walks season (27 October 2026 – 30 April 2027) every hut and campsite night must be booked in advance with DOC; without a booking you can be fined or turned away. Outside the season only Luxmore Hut needs a booking.
Emergency: call 111 (112 from a mobile). Carry a PLB. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.