Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the tramp, following the gravel lakeshore for almost two hours, providing views of the
lake and the surrounding mountains on a clear day.
The track dips into a small bay, where a sign announces the short spur track inland to the
site of the historic township of Jamestown . A plaque marks the spot, but all that remains of
the settlement are apple trees planted by the early settlers. Less than one hour from
Jamestown you reach a signposted turn-off, where the track leaves the lake for good and
heads inland.
Here the track cuts through a lush podocarp forest with many impressive kahikatea trees.
About 3km (one hour) from the lakeshore you break out into the grassy clearing of the
Hollyford Valley airstrip . A sign points to Martins Bay Lodge, which provides accommoda-
tion for guided walkers, while poles lead across the clearing and around one end of the air-
strip. The track re-enters the bush of tall tutu and scrub and, just before emerging at Jerus-
alem Creek , passes a signposted junction to the Air Fiordland airstrip .
After the Jerusalem Creek ford (normally easy) the track continues through forest and
climbs a bluff. Within 45 minutes you pass a sign for the Lower Hollyford boat launch, and
just beyond that the track breaks out to a view of the river near its mouth. Martins Bay Hut
(24 bunks) overlooks the river mouth and is a few minutes up the track (2½ hours from the
shoreline of Lake McKerrow). This hut is an excellent place to whittle away an extra day,
viewing the seal colony or looking for penguins.
The seals use the large boulders of Long Reef for basking during the day. It's a 30-minute
walk from the hut, beginning with a track that skirts the bluffs around the mouth of the river.
After passing a sign for the Pyke-Big Bay Route, the track breaks out at the rocky shore.
Boulder hop across the shore towards Long Reef seal colony , one of the biggest in NZ.
There are usually seals on both sides of the point. They are used to trampers, but do not ap-
proach too closely; adults will chase you away from their pups and it's amazing how fast
they can move across the rocks. There is fascinating rock-pool examination to be had here,
too.
An old cattle track continues north then east of Long Reef; this is the track to Big Bay
and the circular route to Lake Alabaster.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kepler Track
Duration 4 days
 
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