Hanging Valley Emergency Shelter

Hanging Valley Emergency Shelter is a DOC-managed backcountry shelter on the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, placed on the exposed ridgeline between Luxmore Hut and Iris Burn Hut. It’s there for wind- and weather-protection when you’re crossing this high-alpine section and visibility turns poor.

The shelter is basic but includes toilets and a reliable water source, with use focused on stopping for safety and rest in severe alpine conditions. It sits around 1,390 m on the track, and the Kepler approach passes the Hanging Valley Emergency Shelter between a named “Shelter and Toilet” point and the later drop toward Iris Burn.