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Fly up, hike down

Kepler Heli-Hike (Independent)

Explore your way across Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau before landing at Luxmore Hut to hike down the Kepler Track to Brod Bay, the shores of Lake Te Anau.

Duration 4+ hours
Landings 1 Alpine
Operates Year-Round
Overview

Best of Fiordland from Sky to Track

Experience one of Fiordland’s most spectacular adventures by combining a scenic helicopter flight with a walk on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Your journey begins with a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight showcasing the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park. Soar above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Te Anau, rugged mountain ranges, ancient beech forests, and hidden alpine valleys before landing atop Mount Luxmore. 

From here, begin your self-guided hike along one of the most scenic sections of the Kepler Great Walk.

The track descends from the alpine environment through towering limestone bluffs and into beautiful mountain and silver beech forest, offering ever-changing scenery along the way. As you make your way towards Brod Bay, you'll enjoy stunning lake views, native birdlife, and the peaceful surroundings that make the Kepler Track world-renowned.

The descent from Luxmore Hut to Brod Bay is ~8-kilometers (5-miles) downhill on the Kepler Track. Winding down through spectacular native beech forest to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the hike features a steady, continuous elevation drop of approximately 800 to 900 meters.

From Brod Bay, a seasonal water taxi can return you across Lake Te Anau to the township, or you can continue walking through the lakeside beech forest to the Kepler Track car park and on to Te Anau.

Perfect for those wanting to experience the highlights of the Kepler Track without committing to the full 60km, four-day hike, the Kepler Heli Hike delivers an unforgettable combination of flightseeing, alpine scenery, and world-class walking.

Inclusions

  • Pre-flight safety briefing
  • Transfer to Fiordland Helicopters hangar
  • Water taxi return trip from Brod Bay to Te Anau
  • Approx. 25-minute scenic helicopter flight
  • Exclusive alpine landing at Luxmore Hut
  • Experienced local pilot
  • Complimentary ticket to Ata Whenua, a local short film showcasing the landscapes of Fiordland
The Flight

Your itinerary

60 Town Centre, Te Anau

Transfer to Fiordland Helicopters hangar

Park your car on the lakefront and meet our team at our Te Anau base and we will transfer you to our hangar to start your journey.

65 Aviation Drive, Manapouri

Safety Briefing

Upon arrival at our Manapouri hangar, our team will take you through a short safety briefing before you board the helicopter.

Flight Boarding

Scenic Flight & Landing at Luxmore Hut

Hike down Kepler Track

Water Taxi return to Te Anau

Meet your water taxi at Brod Bay & board for a short journey back across Lake Te Anau to the Te Anau township.

Additional Information

All flights require a minimum of two passengers and are shared with other guests unless a private booking is made. Please be aware that all departures remain subject to favorable weather conditions, weight and balance restrictions, and operational requirements.

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