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
AU$646.42
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:
- Y6619XUrobs0 contributionsAn amazing 3 day experienceA fantastic 3 days, a helihike on Kepler, Milford sound walk and cruise, and the Routeburn track. Brilliant guides …explaining about the hills, woodlands and wildlife. Being guided made a real difference and I can’t recommend this enough.Written 1 December 2024
- jimilibi0 contributionsGreat day trip to Milford SoundOur day trip to Milford Sound was fantastic. Helen our guide was terrific. Her knowledge about the area, environment and history made for an entertaining and interesting day. The cruise on Milford Sound was lovely. We saw beautiful waterfalls, sea lions and the scenery was superb. The packed lunch was also tasty. Highly recommend this company.Written 1 December 2024
- Jansool0 contributionsMilford tourVery nice tour. Great tour guides, comfortable and safe transport. Only slight negative thing was that there were too many stops, however you don’t need to walk, it’s optional.Written 29 November 2024
- leewaterhouse0 contributionsWell worth it!Considered driving ourselves in and out of Milford Sound, but I’m glad we didn’t! The tour was awesome, our guide Jacob was very knowledgeable and gave us heaps of good info!Written 27 November 2024
- Flysouthforwinter0 contributionsA great way of seeing and learning about this beautiful part of the countryDespite the cloud being low on Milford Sound we had a great day out. The upside to the weather was that the waterfalls were phenomenal. It is so much easier than navigating a very busy and winding route and parking a way away from the boat terminal. Plus you get to see a lot more on the way. Andres was a great guide, so knowledgeable about the area, the wildlife and with just the right combination of humour. Took us to some beautiful places along the way and was a real advocate for this wonderful part of the world. The lunch was delicious. Really fresh.Written 27 November 2024
- RajenShah680 contributionsGreat day trip to Milford Sound by a great tour companyThe whole day was super. Our guide Geoff was so engaging and informative and helpful. The vehicle we were in was brand new. The lunch that was provided was fresh, tasty and substantial. My advice is take this tour from Te Anau so you do the cruise in the Mir I g before the large coaches arrive in their masses from Queenstown. Trips & Tramps charter small boats which have far less passengers and great views.Written 25 November 2024
- Cocky_QLD0 contributionsMilford sound and Te Anau tourGreat day out with Jacob to see and learn about the Milford Sounds and surrounding area, and one of the best tour guides I have experienced. Nice small group size for the tour. Plenty of stops to look around and break up the drive to/from cruise. And the cruise was also a must. Lunch provided was very good and some natural glazier water scooped up at one of the stops helped wash it down.Written 25 November 2024
- 351summerf0 contributionsAmazing - would do it again in a heartbeat 💗What an amazing part of the world. The whole trip was amazing, the views spectacular, the boat trip beautiful, the guide was informative and kind and a very safe driver. I would do it again next time we are there. To top it off, the lunch was perfect , the van was a small group of 12, in a new mercedes small bus.Written 24 November 2024
- Fiona W0 contributionsFab day trip to MilfordWe had an awesome day with Harri who is a walking encyclopaedia on all things Fiordland! The walk was beautiful and a great way to experience just a small part of the Milford Track. Fab boat trip into the Sound on a small boat which was so much nicer than being on one of the large boats which tours the Sound. All round great trip 👌🏻Written 23 November 2024
- 879jessh0 contributionsOne my favourite days ever ⭐️We had the best day doing this tour! We were picked up at 8am from outside our accommodation on a rainy morning, but fortunately for us it made the day more special. Our tour guide was Ro and she was a riot, full of energy and that gorgeous kiwi spirit. We were told so many stories on the drive out to Milford Sound about the areas we were driving through - their history, older and newer, and the people. The boat we had for cruising around Milford Sound was ideal for us - we had no interest in sitting inside and looking out the windows, which was fine because the top deck is mostly open to the elements with some bench seating and plenty of rails, but also the front section on the top was covered in (very useful if you're right close to a waterfall and want a little protection!) The tour guides for the cruise were fantastic with great commentary (plus also were an all-women crew which I thought was super cool) and full of knowledge. Also we were provided with a decent packed lunch (vegetarian option was yum!) On the drive back to Te Anau, Ro took us for several lovely "tramps" (aka a walk in nature!) and I further spent the day in awe of the natural beauty of mountains, trees, moss, water, mist etc. We saw a couple of the famous Keas as well! We were very lucky to see so many temporary waterfalls because of all the rain the night before and in the morning - Milford Sound was so extraordinary and the people and events surrounding the journey there and back again made for the very best memories. Highly, highly recommend this fantastic tour!Written 22 November 2024
- Adi S0 contributionsA beautiful day with a great tour companyThe tour was very well organized. The minibus driver and guide, Ross, was very knowledgeable and a good storyteller . The crew on the boat were very friendly and informative, and led us through all the fascinating parts of this voracious sound.Written 22 November 2024
- pollockn0 contributionsExcellent tour with fantastic local guideWe really enjoyed the Milford Sound tour. Our guide Ross was fantastic, the trip was totally stress free and Ross provided lots of information at the various stops and during the walk - he was a pleasure to listen to. Lunch was great too. We will certainly recommend.Written 18 November 2024
- stevencZ9188CY0 contributionsphenomenal tour to Milford Sound with PC sd our guide!Our trip was phenomenal! Our guide PC was awesome and extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and everything in between. Milford Sound is beautiful and a must see for anyone’s bucket list. Leaving from Te Anau is the only way to go. I couldn’t imagine sitting on a bus from Queenstown for hours!Written 17 November 2024
- Ginny F0 contributionsPerfect day!PC is the man! He was so knowledgeable and passionate during our tour. Couldn’t have asked for a better day! Tour company was very flexible and communicated well!Written 16 November 2024
- ralphkA7461DA0 contributionsQueenstown to Milford bus and cruise with buffet.Milford Sound was an unforgettable experience, and we were fortunate to have perfectly clear sunny weather and calm waters on the Fjord. The trip was long, 5 hours to Milford from Queenstown, with 3 stops for bathroom and sights; and 4 hours return with minimal stops. However, our bus driver/tour guide Greg made that enjoyable too! He was very knowledgable, safe, genuinely engaged with us, and funny. The brunch buffet on board the cruise ship was fine. I'd do it again, but try to stay in Te Anau and take it from there instead, to make it a shorter day.Written 13 November 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
Terrible
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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, CO838 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.
Ingrid K
Canberra, Australia53 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Great experience of a section of the Kepler Track doing the helicopter flight to Luxmore Hut and then return hike. Moderate effort required. Great constraints of landscapes and our guide was very informative and helpful. Trips and Tramps are super organised and efficient. We loved our hike and the Kea birds!
Written 6 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 heli hike is such a great walk, though definately challenging with the long downhill it offers such a great and diverse look at this NZ Great Walk.
Thank you for your review!
Written 13 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rubberdog818
St. Andrews, UK60 contributions
The guides are excellent- friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the trail, location, history and nature. We learnt lots and had a great time. We felt safe while still having freedom to move at our own pace and stop for photos. I would like to particularly mention Jacob, Yoshi, Michelle and Maddie who looked after us over the 3 day trekking multi route package.
Written 8 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.
Thanks for your review, stoked you had a great time with us and felt safe as well as being able to enjoy without too much structure or rush. I'm sure your review will help other travelers make the choice to travel with us :)
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg McCoy
Greater Melbourne, Australia52 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
First hike of three with Trips and Tramps. The helicopter ride was amazing and provided great views and a very easy ascent to Luxmore Hut. Geoff our guide was amazing and knowledgeable and very entertaining. The walk down the hill was a challenge and was definitely the more challenging of the hikes we did. Views are spectacular. Lunch was great. Just loved the whole package
Written 28 February 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.
Hi, thanks for your review. We're lucky to haven fun, knowledgeable (and funny!) guides! You're right about the downhill, it can surprise some people. So glad you had a good time with us :)
Written 1 March 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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