Mahsa recently completed one of New Zealand’s Great Walks — the iconic Kepler Track in Fiordland. Four days, over 60 kilometres, through alpine ridgelines, native beech forest, lakeside trails and dramatic mountain weather.
Preparing for this adventure was essential. The right gear truly changes everything when conditions can shift quickly in alpine environments. Warm layers, reliable hiking boots, nourishing food and a good sleeping bag quickly become the luxuries that matter most.
What makes the Kepler unforgettable is the variation in landscape — each day feels like entering a completely different world.
Day One
Beech forest trails from Lake Te Anau through lush native bush, climbing steadily toward Luxmore Hut as the mountains begin to reveal themselves above the trees. A steady six-hour climb, passing the Limestone Rock Walk and rising into new alpine heights — leaving the comfort of the world behind us.
Day Two
Alpine ridgelines and rocky climbs. Vast Fiordland views, changing weather, dramatic peaks and the kind of silence only the mountains can offer. Kea calling overhead, a beautiful sunset and a bustling DOC hut at the end of the day. We slowly acclimatise — mind, body and soul.
Exposed ridgelines make this day’s hiking the most challenging. Our walking poles come in handy, along with our Gore-Tex outer layers, as the weather shifts quickly across the alpine terrain.
Day Three
Descending back into moss-covered forest toward Iris Burn Hut, with waterfalls, birdsong and winding tracks through ancient native bush. Truly a highlight — walking alongside beautiful beech forest, feeling as though we had stepped into Lord of the Rings. Completely immersed in the landscape, totally in the moment and feeling everything.
Encounters with the incredible Kea along the way.
Day Four
Alongside Moturau Lake, the stillness was almost arresting — a kind of quiet that settles deeply into you. Reaching the hut, the warmth of the fire felt like a true blessing after days in the elements.
That evening, the passionate DOC hut representative spoke about conservation, the protection of native birdlife and the importance of preserving these extraordinary landscapes for future generations. A grounding reminder of how precious and fragile this part of Aotearoa truly is.
Returning to Queenstown after the hike brought a different kind of appreciation — warm fires, long lunches and slow mornings suddenly felt even better. We spent an afternoon in Arrowtown layered in our Jane Blouse, vintage denim and oversized knitwear, easing gently back into town life after carrying only the essentials for days.
Places we would recommend exploring:
At Mahsa, life is about experiencing both — the adventure and the good energy afterwards.
The challenge of the climb, followed by the glass of wine. Cold alpine mornings, followed by a warm sleep-in beside the fire.
To us, that balance is the beauty of living well.
contact@mahsa.co.nz
