Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike
5
Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike
By Trips & Tramps
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 8-70, max of 12 per group
Duration: 7h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Walking poles and rain jackets are provided if these items are required.
- Hot drinks are available along the hike as required.
- Te Anau accommodation pick up and drop off.
- Helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track
- Safety and communication equipment is carried by the guide.
- Local, experienced, nature guide.
- Water taxi across Lake Te Anau
What's not included- Please bring some lunch with you or pre-order directly with the provider (extra charge)
- Bring a fill re-usable water bottle with you
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20/22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau 9600, New ZealandIf you have not selected your accommodation please meet us at the Event Center, there is plenty of free all day parking here for any vehicle. Please wait on the steps of the facility, or where we can see you, thank you.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10245P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 10245P5
From
$695.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Karen G0 contributionsAbsolutely amazing excursionAmazing tour with Andreas. He made the experience top notch in every way by showing us unexpected sights and bird encounters as well as the marvelous vistas that are beyond description in their beauty. Loved the stops and shorts walks along the way. His love of the region shines in his knowledge and descriptions. And of course the Milford Sound cruise was spectacular. The incredible weather rounded out what turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend this tour. Even if the weather is not perfect, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.Written 11 January 2025
- RobinP9430 contributionsMillford sound from Te AnuExcellent tour with a great guide, Maddy was friendly but professional. She kept us fully informed of the itinerary and her commentary was informative and interesting. It's well worth taking the tour as it's a challenging drive but with a guide you can really enjoy the fantastic scenery! We were on a small boat ....it was not crowded and everyone was able to see/photograph the spectacular views. We thoroughly recommend "Trips and Tramps ".Written 10 January 2025
- IMIUBU20 contributionsAbsolutely, fantastic trip, guide and cruiseAbsolutely fantastic guide and boat ride. our guide Ross was amazing. From the beginning of the trip till the end, he gave us good information about the area the lake the mountains, the Flora, the fauna. He was extremely kind patient and very well informed. A boat trip through Milford sound was included, and it was equally wonderful. I cannot rate this group high enough.Written 8 January 2025
- francescolB7001ML0 contributionsGreatGreat time in one of the most wondeful places I have ever visited. Great organisation, expert guide and amazing trip. Simply perfectWritten 5 January 2025
- Munichmaffy0 contributionsFriendly, personal tour, best way to experience Milford SoundWe booked the full day tour with a Milford Sound cruise and nature walks. It was an excellent way to see the Sound and its surroundings with a small group and on a small boat. Our guide Andreas was friendly and informative. The nature walks were easy and suitable for all ages. The cruise itself took us right up close to basking fur seals and the waterfalls. Great value for money. I would definitely recommend it.Written 31 December 2024
- Pathfinder6170480 contributionsIncredible cruise and short walks.We thoroughly enjoyed the full-Day Milford Sound cruise & walks. We got picked up in the morning from our hotel. The Sound was incredible. The short walks were very nice and beautiful. I saw mountain peaks, clearwater streams, rain forests and more. I wish we had more time for the walks. Our guide (Helen, I think) was very knowledgeable and pleasant. I would recommend this tour to any one who enjoy nature. Trip & Tramps (the tour operator) did a real good job.Written 30 December 2024
- Scenic568029046060 contributionsPerfect day TourMaddi was a perfect Tourguide, Driver... Entertainer and she told us a lot about the plants, mountains... lots of interesting things... a perfect select of stops... just an unforgettable trip... thanks a lotWritten 29 December 2024
- Ronsill0 contributionsMaximise your time in Milford with T&T!We done a half day guided walk on the Milford track followed by a 2 hour cruise. Very well organised. Good communication throughout from booking in the UK through to actual day of activity. Excellent guide who was engaging and fun. Would throughly recommend using this company to ensure you make the most of your time in Milford Sound.Written 20 December 2024
- T1205UHjenniferv0 contributionsThankfulWhat a wonderful experience! Our guide, Ben, was phenomenal. He was knowledgeable and really enjoyed sharing the science of the region, making time to answer questions and share stories. Milford Sound is gorgeous and the walks we took were just lovely. We are so grateful for the chance to really see this beautiful country. Thank you!Written 20 December 2024
- Global4066270 contributionsLots of photo stops and opsGreat trip with our knowledgeable guide Jeff from Trips and Tramps from Te Anau. Appreciated the small group, and small boat, going so close to the waterfall was a highlight!Written 18 December 2024
- Excursion040076832730 contributionsSo easy to walk up and enjoy the Fiordland area with this group!Fantastic people and nice vans and safe driving and tons of knowledge. Loved every day of my 3 day experience - 1 day on Kepler, 1 on routeburn and one on MilfordWritten 17 December 2024
- Woci0 contributionsFriendly knowledgeable guide and new van made for a flawless trip to Milford SoundOur guide Jacob was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and really mad e for an all around perfect experience in our private tour. He took us to several brief stops and walks on the way up to Milford Sound from Te Anau, accommodating the rainy weather when we started out and accurately predicting the clear weather once we crossed the mountains. The van he used was brand new, even with USB C chargers. And a nice lunch sandwich and fruit for each of us. Will be delighted to use him again!Written 15 December 2024
- aherlache20180 contributionsRecommend Trips and TrampsWe had a great time despite a very rainy day in Milford sound. Our guide Hurry was great and added a lot of little stops and good info along the way.Written 10 December 2024
- Chezcox0 contributionsNot just Milford SoundWe had a great day with our guide, Andres, who took us to Milford Sound from Te Anau. He talked knowledgeably about the area and was able to taylor our trip to the bad weather of the day. Our boat trip around the sound was also great, despite the weather, and we managed to get great views of the beauty of the area.Written 10 December 2024
- 563bobk0 contributionsMilford Sound Tour of MemoriesThe day was amazing. Our guide was very informative and entertaining. The drive to Milford Sound was filled with beautiful scenery. The boat was comfortable, and we were able to view and take photos of amazing waterfalls throughout the sound. The hike through the temperate rainforest was beautiful, ending in a breathtaking waterfall. Well worth the cost, providing many wonderful memories.Written 10 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
21 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
0
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0
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0
Deborah D
5 contributions
Apr 2019
Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike
Te Anau
Three different and amazing hikes
674568506
My son (doing a semester abroad in NZ) and I did the Kepler Heli-hike as well as the Routeburn and Milford one-day hikes). Small groups of hikers, well provisioned with lunch and elevenses (morning tea and coffee en route!), excellent (and very fit!) and knowledegable guides who knew exactly how to pace the climbs up and down. Not for those who are out of shape! Amazing variation of terrain that includes glacial lakes, soaring peaks, barren areas beyond the tree line, and rain forest that includes dripping mosses and ferns and unusual birds. Kepler heli hike included a brief but exhilarating ride across the lake from Te Anau and a welcome water taxi back across the lake at the end of the day.
Te Anau
Three different and amazing hikes
674568506
My son (doing a semester abroad in NZ) and I did the Kepler Heli-hike as well as the Routeburn and Milford one-day hikes). Small groups of hikers, well provisioned with lunch and elevenses (morning tea and coffee en route!), excellent (and very fit!) and knowledegable guides who knew exactly how to pace the climbs up and down. Not for those who are out of shape! Amazing variation of terrain that includes glacial lakes, soaring peaks, barren areas beyond the tree line, and rain forest that includes dripping mosses and ferns and unusual birds. Kepler heli hike included a brief but exhilarating ride across the lake from Te Anau and a welcome water taxi back across the lake at the end of the day.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review Deborah, it was nice to host you and your son during your time in Fiordland.
Written 1 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thehillfamilytravel
Sydney, Australia10 contributions
Nov 2022
Our guides Michelle and Gary were fabulous. Knowledgeable and helpful.
A change to the itinerary was made at the beginning of the day due to weather. Instead of going straight to Luxmore hut, we started with a beautiful rainforest walk from Rainbow Reach through Spirit Lake. We were picked up by the helicopter on the beach at Shallow Bay and taken up to Luxmore hut. The helicopter ride was so enjoyable and exciting.
Due to the delayed start we couldn't walk to the peak but Michelle offered a small walk up to a great lookout spot, which was really worth it.
We then proceeded the long downhill trek on Kepler track to the beach where the boat picked us up and took us back to Te Anau - it was a long walk but there were many stops with lots of information, great views and of course the friendly Kea birds.
In all, a great day and we were blessed with fine weather!
A change to the itinerary was made at the beginning of the day due to weather. Instead of going straight to Luxmore hut, we started with a beautiful rainforest walk from Rainbow Reach through Spirit Lake. We were picked up by the helicopter on the beach at Shallow Bay and taken up to Luxmore hut. The helicopter ride was so enjoyable and exciting.
Due to the delayed start we couldn't walk to the peak but Michelle offered a small walk up to a great lookout spot, which was really worth it.
We then proceeded the long downhill trek on Kepler track to the beach where the boat picked us up and took us back to Te Anau - it was a long walk but there were many stops with lots of information, great views and of course the friendly Kea birds.
In all, a great day and we were blessed with fine weather!
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Kepler Track is so amazing, and the variety in the landscape offers a great day out, even on plan B! We love the keas and their antics too. I'll let Gary and Michelle know you enjoyed their company, thank you for your review.
Written 13 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hailey Turner
13 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
I booked the 3 day guided hike trips and all the guides were amazing with a wealth of knowledge about the tracks and surrounding places.
I attended the Routeburn to Key summit, Milford track and cruise, and the Heli Hike of Kepler track. I fully recommend this package with accommodation, breakfasts and lunches included to everyone - this package is a must do.
I attended the Routeburn to Key summit, Milford track and cruise, and the Heli Hike of Kepler track. I fully recommend this package with accommodation, breakfasts and lunches included to everyone - this package is a must do.
Written 8 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Burdett P
Sayre, PA344 contributions
We few blessed to have experienced this amazing excursion. We had a short break in the weather that allowed the very competent pilot to fly us from Manapouri to the Lux hut. After a nourishing lunch at the hut we began our descent on the Kepler track. Gary, our guide, kept us safe with an excellent briefing before departing. The hike begins in alpine conditions with tussocks along the trail. We eventually hit the tree line and entered into a bush environment with beach trees and ferns. The hike concluded at the base of the mountain on the shore of Lake Te Anau. We then rode the water taxi back across the lake where a van took us to our lodge for the night. Gary provided excellent insights about the surrounding geology and vegetation. A wind kicked up when we arrived at the lake so the water taxi ride became memorable as well! Great excursion.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful to hear you had a great Kepler Heli Hike with us. There is no much variety in the day on this trip.
Thanks for the 5 star review too.
Written 20 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mandy S
Paris, France15 contributions
Feb 2023
Loved this experience. I normally do hikes on my own but all the huts and places were booked and heard about this group from a friend. I'm so glad I did it through Trips and Trams. I didn't have to plan anything, just show up and still felt like I had a beautiful day of hiking, plus my guide was so kind and showed me so many things about the landscape that I wouldn't have known. Highly recommend if you want to experience the area, learn about the history and landscape and without needing to pack in and out on your own. The team is kind, responsive and has thought through every detail but it doesn't feel over done. Can't say enough good things about them.
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome, thank you so much for the kind words, and wonderful to hear your expectations were exceeded!
Written 12 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
irene
Vancouver, Canada10 contributions
Feb 2020
This heli hike was one of the higlights of my recent NZ trip. Although I normally walk on my own two feet to the top of a mountain, I really enjoyed the combination of a short but very scenic flight, hiking and the water taxi back to Te Anau. Thanks to the flight, we got above the clouds right away and had the mot spectacular views. Once we reached the top of Mt. Luzmore, our guide made tea or coffee for us. We stopped for our pic nic lunch at the Luxmore hut and then walked all the way down to the lake shore. Our guide pointed out trees and birds along the way and explained some of the ongoing conservation projects. I highly recommend this 16 k hike with Trips and Tramps.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the awesome review. We aim to be a highlight of New Zealand tours and it's great to hear we succeeded. The combination of the scenic flight, hike and water taxi adds to the day in our opinion. The views from the top of Mt Luxmore are stunning. We appreciate the recommendation. Stay safe and well!
Written 7 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Howard K
14 contributions
Jan 2020
Never done a Helihike before, but wanted a reasonable day walk (and a warm-up for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Felt a bit of a cheat saving 800m of the climb Mount Luxmore, but got to the top refreshed (having landed from UK 44 hours ago). Easy walk, although 1200m down though the forest took time, given the distance. Geoff knew the area/route/fauna/flora intimately (no surprise when we arrived at 4:28 for our 4:30pm ferry). The short helicopter trip was great (with views off some smaller tarns that no one sees).
The weather offered stunning views, although getting gusty.
The weather offered stunning views, although getting gusty.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review of our Kepler Heli Hike. It sounds like you had a great day. Getting up in the air and seeing the views gives you a fabulous perspective of the park. Geoff is a great guide, being a local and an experienced guide he makes of the most of the day for you (hence the 4.28 pm arrive for the ferry). Hope you enjoyed the Tongariro Crossing! Stay safe and healthy!
Written 21 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
momof2wildchilds
Denver, CO837 contributions
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.
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.
Written 16 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely reivew and awesome to hear you had a great day out with Hari, he is very passionate about the area. Also we must thank you very much for your flexibility when plan A didn't quite go as plan with the helicopter trip.
Written 17 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PaulD17230
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand143 contributions
We utilised this company for 3 seperate tramps on successive days, Kepler, Milford, and Routeburn tracks. Each tramp was a full day exercise and at Milford included the Milford Sounds tour for a full day each time. There were 2 guides allocated each day and each day they were different but each time very professional and knowledgeable. They carried hot water, coffee and tea with milk and sugar, with collapsible cups to provide a hot drink just when we needed it.
Woii hi Rd recommend this company
Woii hi Rd recommend this company
Written 16 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thanks for your review and recommendation. We are lucky to have a good team of guides, each with a different skill set or knowledge base and great personality. Sometimes we will only assign one guide to a group if numbers are low. Safe travels!
Madeleine
Written 18 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kay K
Chicago, IL172 contributions
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.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are lucky to have lovely guides like Tamara (yes you spelt it right!) working for us. So good at looking after guests and with so much knowledge to share!
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katya
Seattle, Washington
Hi -- just booked this trip -- very excited!! (and yes, I read the review and ignored the star issue). Can you please confirm that lunch is included?
Written 29 September 2019
Yes, lunch is included - sandwich, fruit, cookie - excellent and locally sourced - bring plenty of water. This hike was the highlight of our month on the South Island. Excellent, knowledgeable guide, too.
Written 30 September 2019
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