Are We the Right Fit?

16 Aug 2026

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Fiordland gets under people's skin. The scale of it, the silence, the way the weather moves across the mountains, valleys and fiords.

If you are considering our Fiordland Great Walks Package, you probably understand the appeal, but may be less certain whether the walking will suit you. You do not need extensive hiking experience, but you do need good general fitness, moderate agility and realistic expectations about walking in Fiordland.

The three-day package includes guided day walks on the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Tracks. Each day offers a different landscape and walking experience, with a return to your Te Anau accommodation each evening.

From flat wetland trail to walking in the mountains, there is plenty of variety

Who is this package made for?

This package suits active travellers who enjoy being outdoors and are comfortable walking on varied terrain over three consecutive days.

You might be a couple who walks regularly at home, friends looking for a proper Fiordland experience without carrying overnight packs, or a solo traveller who would rather join a small group than walk alone. If that sounds like you, read on.

What does each day involve?

Each walk offers a different challenge and experience.

Kepler Track

There are two options for the Kepler day.

The Kepler Heli Hike is the most demanding. It covers approximately 8 to 16 kilometres, depending on whether you continue all the way to the summit, and includes around 8 kilometres of sustained downhill walking. That descent can be hard on the knees, even for reasonably fit walkers.

The Kepler Jetboat and Hike stays mostly on flatter, easier terrain and is much kinder on the body. It is a good alternative if you are concerned about the long descent or would prefer a gentler day.

If you are unsure which option suits you, talk with our Te Anau team before booking. We can explain the differences and help you make the best choice for you.

Milford Track

The Milford Track day includes around three and a half hours of walking, along with a boat journey. The terrain is mostly flat, although some sections are rough, rocky or uneven underfoot.

We pack plenty into this shorter walking day, so the group maintains a steady pace. Rain can also make the track more challenging.

Routeburn Track and Key Summit

This day covers approximately 7 kilometres over around five hours. The track climbs through forest to the alpine tussock country around Key Summit.

There are uphill sections and zigzags, so you will know you have been for a walk. With less time pressure, the group can enjoy a more relaxed pace and take in the changing landscape. It is a lovely way to finish the package.

The Great Walk Package is a shared experience in the outdoors, bring your friends or make friends along the way!

Fitness matters more than hiking experience

Previous hiking experience is helpful, but it is not essential. Good general fitness and preparation matter more. You should be able to walk for at least four hours over varied terrain while carrying a day pack with your lunch, water and extra clothing.

Regular walking that includes hills and uneven ground is the best preparation. Flat paths and gym equipment can improve your general fitness, but may not fully prepare your legs, knees and balance for roots, rocks, steps and long downhill sections.

A useful question to ask yourself is not simply, "Could I finish the walk?" It is, "Could I walk for several hours, do it again the next day and still enjoy where I am?"

What is the terrain really like?

The Great Walk tracks are well formed, but they are not always smooth or flat. Depending on the walk and conditions, you may encounter uneven ground, tree roots, natural steps, climbs, zigzags and wet or slippery surfaces.

The sections included in the package do not normally involve exposed areas with significant drop-offs. However, track conditions can change in a natural environment, and balance and agility remain important.

Choose walking shoes or boots with good grip and wear them in before your trip. Fiordland weather can change quickly, so suitable clothing and a waterproof layer are also essential.

Walking as part of a group

Our scheduled Great Walks Package is a shared experience. Guests need to be comfortable walking at a group pace, listening to their guide and allowing time for others.

That does not mean everyone must walk in step. There is time to find your rhythm, take in the surroundings and learn from your guide. However, the group needs to travel together safely and complete the planned walk within a reasonable timeframe.

If you prefer to push well ahead, need considerably more time or would rather walk independently, a scheduled departure may not be the best fit.

Health, mobility and existing injuries

Walking for several hours over varied terrain can aggravate existing aches and pains, particularly in the knees, hips and ankles.

Some medical conditions can be accommodated, depending on individual circumstances, but you need to tell us about any relevant concerns before joining the trip. This allows our team to offer appropriate advice and helps your guide look after you on the track.

The package is not recommended for guests with neurological conditions that affect balance, mobility or decision-making. It is also unsuitable for those with recent knee injuries or surgery, moderate to severe joint problems, or heart conditions.

If you are uncertain, please contact us before booking. A conversation beforehand is much better than discovering on the track that the trip is not comfortable or appropriate for you.

Explore above Lake Te Anau on the Kepler Track, with wide views across the lake and surrounding Fiordland mountains.

Would a private trip suit you better?

Being unsure about a scheduled departure does not necessarily mean missing out on walking in Fiordland.

A private trip may suit you better if you need more time or care, prefer a pace tailored to your fitness, want greater flexibility or simply enjoy a more personalised experience.

Private trips work particularly well for couples, families and friends who want to explore together without matching the pace and needs of a wider group. We can usually tailor the experience around your comfort, abilities and interests.

So, are we the right fit?

The Fiordland Great Walks Package may suit you if you:

• Have good general fitness and moderate agility
• Can walk for at least four hours over varied terrain
• Are comfortable carrying a day pack
• Can manage three consecutive days of walking
• Are happy travelling at a shared group pace
• Enjoy spending active time outdoors

With the right preparation and choice of trip, you can experience three of Fiordland's Great Walks with a knowledgeable local guide, without carrying an overnight pack or changing accommodation each day.

Can I join you for just one or two days?

Yes. If the full three-day package does not suit your plans, fitness or available time, you can book one or two guided day walks separately.

This lets you choose the walks that best match your interests and ability, while leaving time for other Fiordland experiences during your stay in Te Anau.

Have a chat with our local team about your fitness, interests and travel dates. We can help you choose the full package, one or two day walks, or a private option that better suits you.

Happy to talk it through: +64 03 249 7081 or info@tripsandtramps.com.