Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

This heli hike begins at a Te Anau lakeside base with a scenic flight over Lake Te Anau. From the air, you’ll look out across the Hidden Lakes before flying above the local’s playground and landing at a mountain tarn. This short alpine stop gives you time to take in crisp mountain air and wide views across the Main Divide.

Back in the helicopter, the route continues over the remote Kepler Mountains to Luxmore Hut, where the hike begins on the Kepler Great Walk trail. From here, the track leads toward Luxmore Summit, with open views over the South Arm of Lake Te Anau before the descent continues to the lake shore.

The walking section takes around 3 hours, or 6 hours if you include the additional Summit Track. This makes the day suitable for those wanting either a shorter hike or extra time on the ridge. After the hike, the experience finishes with a 10 minute boat trip back to the town centre.

With a 25 minute scenic flight, a landing at a mountain tarn, a hike from Luxmore Hut, and a boat return across Lake Te Anau, this trip combines several ways to experience the Kepler area in one day.