From Te Anau: Full Day Kepler Track Guided Heli-Hike

Imagine soaring above some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes before stepping onto the world-famous Kepler Track—a true highlight of Fiordland. For $407, this full-day adventure offers a perfect blend of aerial views, guided walking, and relaxing water transport, all starting from the charming town of Te Anau. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you get a real sense of the region’s wild beauty and ecological importance.

What we really love about this experience is the helicopter flight over Mount Luxmore, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective on Fiordland’s rugged terrain—something that adds a touch of excitement and exclusivity. Also, the guided walk on the Kepler Track is tailored to be both accessible and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the flora, fauna, and geology.

One potential consideration is the price, which might seem steep at first glance, but when you factor in the helicopter, water taxi, and expert guidance, it’s actually quite good value for an all-in-adventure. Keep in mind that moderate fitness is needed for the 8 km walk and 800-meter descent, so this tour suits active travelers who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

If you love stunning mountain vistas, exploring native forests, and appreciate small-group environments with expert guides, this outing is ideal. It’s especially suited for those who want a full-day, immersive experience that combines adventure, education, and scenery in one seamless trip.

Key Points

• Unique combination of helicopter flight and guided hike provides a diverse experience.
• Expert guides enrich the day with insights into local ecology, geology, and conservation.
• Stunning scenery from mountain vistas to alpine herb fields and native forests.
• Relaxing water taxi at the end offers a scenic return across Lake Te Anau.
• Moderate fitness level required; suitable for active travelers comfortable with some steep terrain.
• Limited group size ensures a personalized experience and better interaction with guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Full-Day Kepler Track Guided Heli-Hike

The tour begins with what might be the highlight for many—a 15-minute helicopter ride over Fiordland’s rugged landscape. As you lift off from Te Anau, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of pristine lakes and dense beech forests below. This flight isn’t just a thrill; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the scale and remote beauty of the region that’s difficult to see from the ground.

Landing at Mount Luxmore, the starting point for your guided walk, you’re immediately immersed in the alpine environment. Your guide will share insights into the region’s ecology, pointing out native plants and explaining the region’s conservation efforts. The walk to Luxmore Hut offers a mixture of terrain, from alpine scrub to lush forest.

The guided walk is designed to balance scenic vistas with educational commentary. As you hike downhill through magnificent mountain and silver beech forests, you’ll notice the change in vegetation and landscape—proof of the drastic altitude and weather shifts in Fiordland. Here, your guide can tell you about the unique flora and fauna, and even share stories about the region’s Māori history.

At the halfway point, a highlight awaits—passing under towering limestone bluffs. Your guide’s geological explanations will bring the awe-inspiring scenery to life, giving context to what you’re seeing. You might find yourself marveling at how nature has carved such dramatic formations over millions of years.

The walk concludes at Brod Bay, a sandy beach on Lake Te Anau’s edge. This is where your water taxi awaits, whisking you across the lake with incredible views of the coastline and mountains behind. Many reviews highlight how this final leg feels like a peaceful, fitting end to a day packed with adventure and natural beauty.

Throughout the day, your guides take part in active conservation efforts, which they’re happy to share. Their knowledge makes the experience more meaningful, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing work to preserve Fiordland’s fragile environment.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

Your ticket covers the pickup from your Te Anau accommodation, the helicopter ride, the fully guided walk, safety gear, hot drinks, and the water taxi back to Te Anau. It’s a comprehensive package that ensures you won’t be left guessing what’s next.

Lunch isn’t included, but many travelers choose to bring their own packed meal or buy something locally before the tour. The tour’s duration is about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Since the experience operates in most weather conditions, the guides are prepared to adapt if the weather turns challenging, especially in alpine areas. This flexibility is a plus, but it’s always wise to come prepared with outdoor clothing, rain gear, and sturdy hiking shoes.

Group sizes are limited to 12 participants, which enhances the experience by allowing for more personalized interaction with guides and less crowding on the trail.

Firsthand Perspectives from Travelers

One traveler from Australia described the experience as “awesome, starting with the helicopter ride and a very friendly guide,” who even took some of the group up Mount Luxmore when others couldn’t reach the summit due to fitness levels or weather. This flexibility and personalized touch seem to be common praise.

Another review from Doug pointed out how having a guide explains what’s happening around you—plants, history, geology—which adds depth to the walk. He also calls the helicopter ride “really exciting,” and considers it worth the extra cost.

Many reviews emphasize the stunning views and the quality of guides, who make the day both informative and enjoyable. The moderate challenge of the walk is appreciated by those who enjoy active travel, and the scenery is described as “just stunning,” with some noting the variety of landscapes—alpine, forest, limestone bluffs—that keep your eyes and camera busy.

Value for Money

At $407 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest day trip in Fiordland, but the combination of helicopter, guided hike, and water taxi adds up to a full, immersive experience. When you consider the cost of helicopter rides and private guides, it’s a reasonable investment for those wanting a memorable, all-in adventure.

It’s especially appealing for travelers seeking something beyond the usual sightseeing, craving an active day with expert insights. The small group setting also ensures you get more personalized attention and flexible options during the walk.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure suits active travelers who are comfortable with moderate hiking and a bit of altitude change. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate scenic variety—from mountain vistas to lush forests—and want to learn about the region’s ecology and geology from knowledgeable guides.

If you’ve already done some of Fiordland’s boat cruises or scenic drives, this tour offers a different perspective—aerial views and a guided walk—making it a great addition to your trip.

It’s not ideal for young children under 8, or travelers with mobility issues, as the terrain can be challenging. But if you’re fit and eager for a full-day adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes for authenticity, scenery, and a touch of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the helicopter flight?
The helicopter ride lasts about 15 minutes, offering a quick but stunning aerial view of Fiordland’s mountains and lakes.

Is there any physical fitness required?
Yes, a medium level of fitness is recommended, as you’ll walk about 8 km with a descent of 800 meters, and the walk can take between 3 to 6 hours depending on your pace.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, sun hat, rain gear, hiking shoes, packed lunch, gloves, outdoor clothes, a reusable water bottle, and a daypack. Jeans are not recommended as they don’t dry well if wet.

Are children allowed?
No, children under 8 years old are not suitable for this tour.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but the guides may modify or cancel parts of the trip if alpine weather becomes unsafe.

Is this a small-group experience?
Yes, group sizes are limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience with your guides.

What is the main highlight?
The helicopter flight over Mount Luxmore and the guided walk through Fiordland’s forests and alpine areas are the most praised aspects.

Can I add lunch?
Lunch isn’t included but can be arranged at an additional cost. Many travelers bring their own to enjoy a picnic on the trail or at Lake Te Anau.

How do I get back to Te Anau?
The tour ends with a water taxi across Lake Te Anau, offering relaxing views of the surrounding mountains and forests before your transfer back to your accommodation.

This guided heli-hike from Te Anau offers a well-rounded, deeply engaging way to experience Fiordland’s most iconic scenery. Perfect for travelers who want an active, educational, and visually stunning day—while enjoying the comfort of small-group guidance and smooth logistics. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just looking for a memorable day in New Zealand’s wild heart, this tour is hard to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: