Iris Burn Marathon

A great way to run a marathon distance on easily accessible trail near Te Anau and Manapouri!

This section of the Kepler between Rainbow Reach and Iris Burn Hut is lovely undulating forest trail, making a gradual ascent. You're also protected from the elements in the forest here, and being at lower altitude, this section is possible year-round weather permitting. From Rainbow Reach carpark, cross the bridge over the Waiau River, then at the fork follow signs for Moturau Hut.

About 6 km in, you will arrive at Moturau, where you can use the facilities and enjoy the beach on Lake Manapouri. There are sandflies here though! The trail continues undulating through the forest until you meet your next landmark about 8 km after Moturau Hut, the Rocky Point Shelter, where you can use the toilet. This shelter represents the halfway mark between Moturau and Iris Burn Huts.

You may spot whio (native blue ducks) anywhere in the Iris Burn between here and Iris Burn Hut!

After Rocky Point Shelter is when you feel that the trail really starts to climb a bit. It flattens again as you cross "The Big Slip," formed by a flood in the 1980s-- takahē have occasionally been spotted here, having wandered over from the Murchison mountains. After crossing the Big Slip, the track climbs a bit again, and you are nearly there! Iris Burn hut, the turn-around point, is a great place to have a rest, use the toilets, and re-fill waters before heading back the same way you came. There are, however, sandflies about. Kea and kiwi are also known to live in the vicinity.

The run back should be slightly easier as you will gradually be losing altitude.