Clearing cloud reveals Fiordland’s mountain landscapes. Photo: Jo Stilwell

The cold side of the Kepler

Features, Wild winter

Jo first wrote for Wilderness as our Wild Families columnist. She’s tramped extensively throughout the South Island over the past 40 years.

By Jo Stilwell

After ignoring the Great Walks, an experienced tramper bites the bullet, signs up for the Kepler Track in winter, and finds snow, solitude and sub-zero temperatures.

It was the large yellow packliners that ended my early interest in the Great Walks. Maybe I was just a super-intolerant 20-year-old, but the relentless rustling of plastic in the bunk rooms on the Kepler Track every night – at all hours – really irked me. So apart from the Kepler and cycling the Paparoa […]

About the author

Jo Stilwell

Jo has tramped extensively throughout the South Island over the past 40 years. She started writing for Wilderness about getting into the outdoors with children when her daughters were young. Living at Lake Hāwea, Jo is spoilt for choice when selecting outdoor adventures. She particularly enjoys remote areas, loves exploring untracked rivers and ridgelines, and is partial to a good bush-bash.