Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 5.9km

Signposted time: 2 hours

Bookings Required? In summer season only

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Not permitted

4wd required? No

Parking: For the shortest route, park at Rainbow Reach. You can make the walk longer by walking from the main Kepler Track start, however this is significantly longer.

Track: The walk is very easy, almost 100% flat, and usually wide enough for 2-3 people to be walking next to each other the whole way - almost as wide as a 4wd track! There are a couple sections where the track has had to be re-routed due to slips, so there is a few sections that are not as nice, but in general it is a fantastic track. Being a great walk, it's also kept well maintained too.

With a toddler being carried, and a 5 year old walking on her own, this track only barely took us longer than the signposted time. Including the detour to the bog viewpoint, it took 3 hours including all breaks.

Boating, kayaking or packrafting from Manapouri township or the end of Supply Bay Road is another way to get to this hut. Be aware it is an 8km paddle that's not super sheltered.

The Hut: Be aware that being on a great walk, this hut does book out very fast in-season. Out of season there are likely to be many beds spare, so don't worry about not having a booking. You'll still have a spot. The one exception to this would be the first week after the season finishes, and the first week before the new season starts. The track is often full of people trying to do the whole Kepler Track outside of the bookable season, but while the weather is still nice.

Recommendations: This is an amazing first hut to visit. The track is easy enough that toddlers can walk huge sections. It's also well maintained. In-season, the hut has flushing toilets too, which is a bit of a luxury for those who aren't fans of long drops.