Heli-hiking, gives you the freedom to get the sort of perspective on nature you've only ever seen on documentary films. The Kepler track is the most assessible and closest Great Walks hike from Fiordland Lodge. An amazing experience is to combine a walk on this New Zealand renowned track with a heli hike.

Begin your Kepler Track guided heli hike with a spectacular Scenic flight by helicopter directly off the lodge lawn, over the hidden lakes and beech forest of Mount Luxmore to arrive at the Luxmore Hut.

 

Guided Walk Description

After your helicopter ride you arrive at the Luxmore Hut, the first hut on the Kepler Track Great Walk. With your knowledgeable, local, nature guide, learn about the fauna and flora in the surrounding alpine tussock fields, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Te Anau basin, scenic lakes and surrounding Fiordland Mountains. After time exploring the alpine area, the opportunity is to walk to the summit of Mount Luxmore, and enjoying a true wilderness tea break. The trip from the Luxmore hut to the summit of Mount Luxmore is approximately 2-hours return up-hill from the Luxmore hut.

Then...descending through magnificent mountain and silver beech forest the effects of different altitude and weather conditions experienced in Fiordland are clear to see, as the trees and undergrowth quickly change, creating a varied backdrop for your hike. Half way is marked as we pass under magnificent towering limestone bluffs allowing the guide to share the geology of Fiordland with dramatic visual examples. The approach to Lake Te Anau is evident by the track meandering through native New Zealand ferns and other sub-tropical species. Your guide will share local conservation efforts on the Kepler Track and demonstrate a stoat trap, a tool used in controlling these introduced predators which can decimate our native bird population.

The hike is finished at the sandy beach of Brod Bay, the pick-up point for the boat cruise back to Te Anau township. The boat ride offers an enjoyable way to complete this amazing and very beautiful guided walk on the Kepler Track, offering good viewing of your path, from alpine area to the clear water of Lake Te Anau. You will be met from your boat ride and returned to Fiordland Lodge.

 

General Information

If you do not climb to the summit this is an easy downhill walk (8km) requiring a medium level of fitness. There are plenty of stops for photographs, bird-watching and interpretation along the way to break the descent. There is plenty of opportunity to learn about the natural and human heritage of mighty Fiordland. Your experienced guide will carry all safety and communication equipment to ensure your wellbeing on the guided walk.

 

What to Bring

Comfortable walking boots/shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing including hat and gloves, sun screen and sun hat, camera, lunch (if not pre ordered), water bottle, day pack, personal medication if required, and insect repellent. Walking poles are optional.

 

Trip Information

Allow up to 5 hours, group size maximum 12 people, fully guided walk and average fitness required.

Guided Rate...$655 per person, Lunch $27 extra or unguided...$325 per person + $30 per person for water taxi