Experience the Freedom Hiking the Kepler Track: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Alpine Beauty

Day Trip: Helihike to Luxmore Hut

The Guided Kepler Track Heli Hike is a fantastic option for those looking to experience the track without committing to the full hike, or for anyone short on time but still eager to take in the stunning views. This tour combines both air and land, making it perfect for those who want to skip the challenging uphill climb and jump straight into the beauty of Fiordland. You’ll start by flying in a helicopter up to Luxmore Hut, and then hike back down with your guide.

Though on the pricier side, soaring over Lake Te Anau and landing at Luxmore Hut is a truly unforgettable experience. Once you’ve landed, you’ll trek down the well-maintained, scenic trail, enjoying the views as you make your way to a sandy beach where a water taxi will transport you back across the lake. Starting in the morning, this tour wraps up by dinner time, with the entire experience lasting around 8 hours.

Day 1: Te Anau to Luxmore Hut (15.8km / 9.8 miles)

Your Kepler adventure begins at the Te Anau Visitor Centre, where the track leads you along the lake path. Following the shores of Lake Te Anau, you’ll pass through serene forests of mountain and red beech trees before reaching the stunning Brod Bay. This picturesque spot is perfect for a break—enjoy a morning tea while soaking in the breathtaking views, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

After Brod Bay, the track begins to climb steadily for about two hours. As you ascend through limestone bluffs, the forest clears, and the first panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin, Takitimu Mountains, and Snowdon and Earl Mountains unfold before you. It's also here that you might spot the famous Kea—New Zealand’s large, highly intelligent alpine parrot. Keep your camera ready, as these playful birds are known to interact with hikers.

From this point, it's just a 45-minute walk to Luxmore Hut, your accommodation for the night. Luxmore Hut is a popular choice for hikers, thanks to its close proximity to Te Anau and the incredible views it offers. While the bunks are a bit basic (bring earplugs for a good night's sleep), the living area is spacious and welcoming, with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the surroundings. From the hut, you’ll enjoy a stunning view across the South Fjord of Lake Te Anau, with the Murchison Mountains rising majestically in the distance.

Day 2: Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut (14.6km / 9 miles)

Day two is all about the views! Starting with a climb to the ridge just below the summit of Mount Luxmore (1,472 meters), you'll be treated to even more stunning vistas. If you’re feeling energetic, you can make the 10-minute detour to the summit for 360-degree views of Fiordland’s mountainous terrain.

From here, the track zigzags down to the Forest Burn Saddle, traversing a series of ridges dotted with small tarns (alpine lakes). The scenery here is spectacular, with wide views over the valleys below. As you descend through a beautiful beech forest, you'll eventually reach Iris Burn Hut. This hut, nestled in a large tussock clearing, offers a quieter, more peaceful setting than Luxmore Hut, perfect for resting your legs after a day of exploration.

The area around Iris Burn is also home to Iris Burn Falls, a stunning 20-minute walk from the hut. This short jaunt is well worth it, as the falls are a tranquil spot to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings and take in the sounds of the forest.

Day 3: Iris Burn Hut to Moturau Hut (16.2km / 10 miles)

Today’s hike is a more steady journey through lush forests, with glimpses of rivers, gorges, and lakes. You’ll pass through beech forests filled with native birds like bellbirds, fantails, and chaffinches, before reaching the shores of Lake Manapouri. The Moturau Hut, located right on the lake’s edge, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting to relax for the night.

Moturau Hut is a bit more remote than some of the other huts along the track, but it offers stunning views over Lake Manapouri and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The sounds of the native ruru (owl) and kiwi can be heard as the sun sets, adding a magical touch to the evening.

Day 4: Moturau Hut to Rainbow Reach (6km / 3.7 miles)

The final day of your Kepler Track adventure is a shorter, more leisurely stroll to the finish. As you follow the terraces of the Waiau River, the track passes through beautiful beech forest, offering a tranquil conclusion to your journey. Keep an eye out for yellow-crowned parakeets flitting among the trees.

The track ends at Rainbow Reach, where you can cross the swingbridge over the Waiau River and enjoy one last look at the stunning surroundings. From here, hikers can catch a shuttle bus or arrange transport to take them back to Te Anau.

Why Choose This Hike?

• Challenge and accomplishment: Highlights the demanding nature of the hike and the sense of achievement.
• Unparalleled scenery: Emphasizes the diverse and stunning landscapes encountered.
• Freedom and flexibility: Focuses on the personal nature of the freedom hike and the ability to explore at your own pace.

Ready to go?

If you want to start planning a trip to New Zealand  First Light Travel has everything you need to get started. They have a number of prescribed self-drive NZ tour itineraries, as well as a dedicated NZ Travel Blog and Travel Guide to answer the most common questions about visiting New Zealand. You can also contact their NZ travel experts directly to ask any questions, and they can help you put together your own, customized New Zealand travel itinerary.