A helicopter lands you on the Kepler ridge and a guided descent takes you from alpine tussock to beech forest and lakeshore in one spectacular day. This guided heli-hike pairs aerial access with secure, local guiding — ideal for travelers who want Fiordland’s high-country views without the multi-day slog.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The helicopter lifts off from the Te Anau valley with a soft thrum and the lake shrinks into a gray-blue coin below. Within minutes the Kepler Range unfurls: wind-swept tussock, jagged rock ribs, and a thin ribbon of track leading to Luxmore Hut perched on the ridge. You step out into a wide, cold light — alpine air that smells of stone and peat — and for the next half-day the landscape will set the tempo: broad panoramas above, intimate beech forest below.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate to fit — comfortable with sustained downhill walking and uneven terrain; good knee strength recommended.
Wildlife
History
The Kepler Track was developed in the late 20th century as part of efforts to open Fiordland to walkers; it traces routes used for land surveys and local travel.
Conservation
Fiordland is a protected national park—stick to the marked track, carry out rubbish and respect habitat recovery zones to limit human impact.
Reserve your spot on the Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Protect your knees on the descent
Bring or request trekking poles and take shorter steps on steep downhill sections to reduce impact on knees.
Dress for rapid weather change
A waterproof shell, warm mid-layer and hat are essential — conditions on the ridge can shift from sun to sleet quickly.
Carry snacks and 1–2 L of water
Energy bars and electrolyte drinks keep you moving; there’s no reliable water treatment access on the ridge.
Bring a small daypack only
Light packs improve balance on rocky sections; large luggage is stored in Te Anau and not taken on the heli.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provide ankle support and grip on rocky, sometimes muddy sections.
Waterproof shell
Protects against sudden rain and wind on the exposed ridge.
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Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain during the steep 800 m descent; available from operator if needed.
Insulating mid-layer
Lightweight fleece or down for comfort during breaks and alpine winds.