Fiordland Heli-hike: Scenic Flight and Mountain Trail

25 minutes airborne, then 3 to 6 hours on foot from a mountain hut

A heli-hike from Te Anau combines a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Te Anau and the Kepler Mountains with a guided hike starting from Luxmore Hut, where you descend to the lakeshore. You choose between a 3-hour or 6-hour route, and a water taxi returns you to town. A live English-speaking guide leads the hike. Landing fees and the return boat trip are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Fiordland National Park25m
2. Lake Te Anau10m · entry included

Heli-hike and scenic flight from Te Anau

• Depart from Te Anau lakeside base
• Fly over Lake Te Anau and Hidden Lakes
• Land at mountain tarn with alpine views
• Fly over Kepler Mountains
• Arrive at Luxmore Hut
• Hike Kepler Great Walk trail
• Boat trip back to town centre

The experience

The day starts at the Te Anau lakeside base with a 25-minute helicopter flight. You rise over Lake Te Anau, pass the Hidden Lakes, and cross above the Kepler Mountains before landing at a mountain tarn with views across the Main Divide. The flight is the access: it puts you at Luxmore Hut, the starting point for the hike itself, in terrain you cannot reach on foot from the town.

From Luxmore Hut, the hike descends toward Lake Te Anau. The shorter route takes 3 hours. The longer one adds the Summit Track and runs 6 hours. Both pass Luxmore Summit on the way down. A guide in English leads throughout. The terrain is mountain trail on the Kepler Great Walk route, and the physical demand is moderate. The operator notes you should have at least moderate fitness. Infants can come if they sit on an adult's lap.

A 10-minute water taxi brings you back to the town centre, completing the loop. Landing and facility fees are built into the price. Service animals are allowed on the hike.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight over Lake Te Anau and the Kepler Mountains.
• guided hike from Luxmore Hut with an English-speaking guide.
• landing and facility fees.
• water taxi return to town centre.

Options for this experience

2 options

Fiordland Heli-hike, full dayGuide in English · No fixed timeLasts 6 hours

Helihike in Fiordland, half dayGuide in English · No fixed timeLasts 3 hours

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters

Is this one for you?The helicopter flight is what makes a day-hike from Luxmore Hut possible from Te Anau. It's the only way to reach the hut and back in a single day. Pick the 3-hour hike if you want a morning or afternoon activity. Choose the 6-hour option with the Summit Track if you have the full day and want more elevation and views.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get to Luxmore Hut to start the hike?

The helicopter flight from Te Anau lakeside base lands you directly at Luxmore Hut. Without the flight, the hut is not accessible as a day-hike starting point from town.

Can I choose between the 3-hour and 6-hour hike?

Yes. The 3-hour route descends from Luxmore Hut to the lakeshore. The 6-hour option includes the Summit Track, adding extra elevation and time before the descent.

What's included in the price?

The helicopter flight, landing and facility fees, the guided hike with an English-speaking guide, and the water taxi back to town are all included. You bring your own food and water.

What is the Kepler Mountains terrain like during the hike?

The Kepler Mountains are part of Fiordland National Park. The hike follows the Kepler Great Walk trail, a marked mountain route with views over Lake Te Anau and the South Arm. The path is alpine and exposed in places, which is why moderate fitness is required.

Do I need any special gear or experience?

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring waterproof clothing. Mountain weather can change quickly. No climbing experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking on steep, uneven terrain for several hours.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

Infants can join if held by an adult. The operator requires at least moderate physical fitness for the hike. The helicopter flight itself has no special fitness requirement.