Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Take an unforgettable journey with our awe-inspiring guided day experience on the Kepler Track. Start off in style with a scenic helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut. Feel the rush of excitement as you soar above the rugged landscape, treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the serene expanse of Lake Te Anau.

Upon arrival at Luxmore Hut, immerse yourself in the tussock fields and panoramic mountain vistas as we set off on foot to explore the alpine wonders. Let every step lead you deeper into the heart of nature, igniting a sense of wonder and awe.

As the day progresses, descend from the heights of the mountain through ancient native beech forest and marvel at the towering limestone bluffs, as you make your way towards the sandy shores of the lake.

Complete your adventure with a short water taxi ride back to Te Anau, where you can reflect on the day's experiences and carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Recommended minimum age 8 years, maximum age 70 years

Track is well maintained and well formed, however can be uneven and rocky in places.

Operates in all weather conditions (including rain) unless the operator deems it to be unsafe. Please carry a good, waterproof rain jacket, drinking water, any medication that you may require and wear practical, sturdy shoes for walking in (heels, slip on shoes, jandals/flip flops/thongs are not suitable). Do not wear jeans as they become cold and heavy when wet. The operator can provide a good rain coat and walking poles, please contact them in advance to have this arranged.

The operator may refuse participation if clients are not dressed suitably.

Medium - high level of fitness required, minimum 800 m descent, 8 km walk (from Luxmore Hut), walking time 3-6 hours. We will also explore above the hut in the alpine area, but do not go to the summit.

The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trip, note the sustained down hill can be tough on knees.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Hot drinks are available along the hike as required.

Local, experienced, nature guide.

Helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track

Te Anau accommodation pick up and drop off.

Walking poles and rain jackets are provided if these items are required.

Water taxi across Lake Te Anau

Safety and communication equipment is carried by the guide.

Please bring some lunch with you or pre-order directly with the provider (extra charge)

Bring a fill re-usable water bottle with you

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Embark on an unforgettable journey starting with a breathtaking helicopter ride to Luxmore Hut, soaring over the mesmerizing Lake Te Anau before landing alongside the Kepler Track. Traverse through the alpine tussock field, soaking in the panoramic mountain vistas, and if weather permits, venture higher above the hut for an elevated hiking experience. Descend along a meticulously maintained trail, winding through pristine native beech forest and beneath majestic limestone bluffs, until you arrive at the tranquil lakeside. Conclude your adventure with a water taxi ride back to Te Anau, reflecting on the beauty of the journey.

Options

Kepler Track Guided Heli Hike

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

27 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great trek
Quentin H,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic guided hike on part of the Kepler track (about nine miles or 14 km total) with great views
Glorious hiking, wonderful guides
Wildavsky,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the Fiordland Great Walk 3-Day Package, staying in Te Anau. We had three glorious days of hiking, with a helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut and a boat ride around Milford Sound included. We particularly want to mention the excellent guides who work at Trips and Tramps. We had a different guide each day - Tara, Olivia, and Helen. Each was well prepared, well organized, very knowledgable, and enthusiastic. We particularly appreciate the patience and kindness they showed in meeting the individual needs of different hikers. We can’t recommend this itinerary and this company highly enough.
Wonderful day on the trail and in the sky.
J4900NAlauram,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely wonderful day on the trail with Mel who was just delightful and so knowledgeable. The walk up toward the summit and then down through the forest was incredible. Loved the heli ride to the Luxemore Hut in the morning. Couldn’t recommend this more. Thank you!
Great day on Kepler track
FrequentFlier280182,
Jan 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This trip was great. The hike was moderate though I was intimidated by the write up I found it equivalent to hikes I do at home. Jane was excellent, informative and also provided personal space. I would highly recommend this day hike though if I had it to do over I think I might have done one of the three day overnight hikes
Family hiking adventure
momof2wildchilds,
Nov 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The goal was to take a helicopter & hike on Friday but Mother Nature did not cooperate (way too cloudy on the Peak) so our guide Hari adapted quickly with the assistance of Fiordland Jet boat skipper Lex we toured the Waiau river where 3 different scenes were filmed in the first Lord of the Rings Movie - Fellowship of the Ring. Once Lex our jet boat captain let us off on the beach we hiked over 10k on the Kepler Trek while Hari pointed out flora & fauna along the trail. He had delicious lunches for all of us & we even enjoyed a cup of coffee while in Snapper Bay. We ended our full day hike around 4:30 pm Shout out to Hari for being knowledgeable, friendly. It was evident he has a passion for the plants & land of the South Island. It was fun to even run into him again on Sun as we left our Milford Sound Cruise. He was escorting another group in the Milford Sound area. Great tour company. We would use Trips & tramps again in a heartbeat.
Fabulous team and experience
Rubberdog818,
Apr 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guides are excellent- friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the trail, location, history and nature. We learnt lots and had a great time. We felt safe while still having freedom to move at our own pace and stop for photos. I would like to particularly mention Jacob, Yoshi, Michelle and Maddie who looked after us over the 3 day trekking multi route package.
Wonderful day trip
Karen K,
Apr 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing. Tamora (hope I’ve spelled your name correctly) was such a lovely guide. She picked us up at our hotel. We drove to the helipad. The helicopter ride was under 10 minutes. The pilot, Mark, pointed out a few sites and gave a very smooth ride over to Luxemore hut. We got out and hiked toward the summit and came back to Hut to eat lunch. Beautiful views. Flushing toilet and clean facilities at Luxemore hut. Then we started the descent. The tracks in New Zealand are so well kept it is amazing. I wish we could have gone further!! Tamora was informative, shared a lot of knowledge and good stories. Would highly recommend her, Trips and Tramps and this walk. It was fabulous.
A pleasant stroll on Kepler Track
D7546XJgregm,
Feb 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
First hike of three with Trips and Tramps. The helicopter ride was amazing and provided great views and a very easy ascent to Luxmore Hut. Geoff our guide was amazing and knowledgeable and very entertaining. The walk down the hill was a challenge and was definitely the more challenging of the hikes we did. Views are spectacular. Lunch was great. Just loved the whole package
Great Day!
Carolyn C,
Jan 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was great to see a DOC hut, and the hike down to the lake was easy and beautiful! A good way to see the landscape without having to hike up the mountain!
3 Day Great Walks Tour was exceptional
DrSwest,
Dec 18, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the three day Great Walks Tour Package. Incredible. Guides were exceptional. Everything was perfectly coordinated and well-planned. Spectacular scenery. Wildlife. Challenging but fun hikes and each was very different.