Kepler Track Heli Hike: Alpine Walk with Helicopter Access

The helicopter lands you where the Kepler Track's hardest climb ends.

A guided day hike on the Kepler Track near Te Anau, starting with a scenic helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut and finishing with a water taxi back across Lake Te Anau. You walk the alpine tussock fields and descend through native beech forest and past limestone bluffs, covering roughly 8 kilometers on foot over three to six hours depending on fitness and pace. A local guide leads the way, provides hot drinks and safety equipment, and the operator arranges hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau.

The experience

The day opens with a helicopter flight from Te Anau that takes you straight to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track, bypassing the steep 1,600-meter climb that most hikers tackle first. You land in the alpine tussock fields with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Te Anau spread below. From there, the walk descends roughly 8 kilometers through the landscape at whatever pace suits the group: faster hikers move through more quickly, while others take time to absorb the terrain.

The descent itself is the heart of the day. You walk a well-maintained but uneven and rocky trail through ancient native beech forest, pass beneath towering limestone bluffs, and gradually work your way down toward the lakeshore. The sustained downhill can be tough on the knees, so the operator provides walking poles if you need them. Your guide carries safety and communication equipment, and hot drinks are available along the route. The walk typically takes three to six hours depending on your fitness level and how often the group pauses to take in the views.

Once you reach the lake, a short water taxi ride carries you back across Lake Te Anau to the town. The operator includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau, so you don't arrange your own transport. Rain jackets are provided if required, and the hike operates in all weather unless conditions become unsafe. You'll want to bring sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, practical clothing (jeans become cold and heavy when wet), and any medication you need. The operator can arrange walking poles and rain gear in advance if you let them know.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track.
• guided walk through alpine tussock fields and native beech forest.
• water taxi across Lake Te Anau.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau.
• local, experienced nature guide.
• hot drinks along the route.
• walking poles and rain jackets if required.
• safety and communication equipment.

Options for this experience

3 options

DepartureTime:09:30:00Guide in English · 09:30Pickup is included

Hiking picnic with dietary options, departing at 9:30 AMGuide in English · 09:30Dietary hiking picnic: if you have dietary needs or allergies, select this option and provide details. Pickup is included

Standard hiking picnic, departing at 9:30 AMGuide in English · 09:30Standard hiking picnic: a standard lunch with no dietary requirements or allergies. Pickup is included

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (8 to 70 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Trips & Tramps

Is this one for you?You need moderate to high fitness and sturdy hiking boots to manage the 8-kilometer descent and three to six hours on foot, but the helicopter flight means you skip the steep climb most Kepler Track hikers face first, so you arrive fresh and can focus on the walk itself.

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Top questions

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 fit do I need to be for the Kepler Track heli hike?

Medium to high fitness is required. The walk covers roughly 8 kilometers with a minimum descent of 800 meters, and walking time ranges from three to six hours depending on pace and fitness. The sustained downhill can be tough on knees, so the fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy the trip. The operator recommends a minimum age of 8 years and does not recommend the hike for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the Kepler Track hike from Te Anau?

The helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut, the guided walk, the water taxi back across Lake Te Anau, hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau, hot drinks along the route, walking poles and rain jackets if needed, and safety and communication equipment carried by the guide are all included. A local, experienced nature guide leads the walk.

Can I bring my own lunch, or is it provided?

You can bring your own lunch or pre-order a hiking picnic directly with the operator for an extra charge. The operator offers dietary and standard hiking picnic options at checkout if you'd like to arrange one in advance.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the hike?

The hike operates in all weather, including rain, unless the operator deems conditions unsafe. You should bring a good waterproof rain jacket and wear practical, sturdy hiking boots. The operator can provide a rain jacket if you arrange it in advance. Do not wear jeans, as they become cold and heavy when wet.

Does the hike go to the summit of the mountain?

No. You explore the alpine area above Luxmore Hut if weather permits, but the route does not go to the summit. The walk descends through the tussock fields and beech forest toward the lake, rather than climbing higher.