Home > Gut Cancer Foundation Kepler & Hollyford Challenge 2026
4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 2 nights hotel
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 2 Lunches
  • 2 Breakfasts

Price

3 daysfrom

$2190NZD

View Inclusions
Trip Code: SOG9316
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Trip highlights

  • Feel the spray as you jet boat the Waiau River on route to the start of the Kepler hike at Lake Manapouri
  • Lush rainforests, wetlands and wilderness lakes and rivers
  • Views of epic Southern Alps from the Hollyford Track
  • Escape the main tourist routes through the Hidden Valley
  • Two consecutive nights accommodation in Te Anau, the gateway town of Fiordland

This unique trip offering, combines two iconic NZ Trails, the Kepler and the Hollyford. Great Walks of New Zeaalnd, teaming up with Gut Cancer Foundation New Zealand, allows participants to not only explore the stunning nature found in our own backyards, but allows those taking part to raise funds for a very worthy charity.

All travel and trip related costs for the Kepler & Hollyford Challenge 2026 are to be met by the individual taking part. As this is a fundraising challenge, we request you fundraise/donate a minimum of $2000 to help improve outcomes for gut cancer patients in NZ. You will be able to setup your own online fundraising page to help raise your fundraising target for your trip. The team at the Gut Cancer Foundation will be in touch with you upon registration and will provide you with a link and support to set this up. Ongoing tips and advice will be provided to help you reach your fundraising goal.

** PLEASE NOTE: Should you not reach minimum fundraising targets by a time frame set by Gut Cancer Foundation, you may be removed from the trip and your deposit refunded. Please note that minimum numbers are also required for the trip to be guaranteed.

Itinerary

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Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital, where you will be collected from a central city location this morning to be transferred to Te Anau. This 2-hour scenic drive south along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu and the countryside of Southland will bring you to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland National Park. We start the journey with a jet boat down the majestic Waiau. This picturesque river is lined by ancient beech tree forest and features in The Lord of the Rings. Arriving at our drop point, we lace up our boots for todays challenge - a 6kms walk along the lower portion of the Kepler Track from Lake Manapouri through to Rainbow Reach. The track is mostly flat hiking through native forest, expansive wetlands and a swing bridge. A group dinner will be enjoyed tonight at Black Dog restaurant in Te Anau. ** Todays walk can be extended by 10kms if the group are feeling more adventurous.

Meals:  L,D

Your guide will collect you this morning and will then drive along the first half of the Milford Road before leaving the main highway and venturing deep inland along the Hollyford Valley. A 17km drive will take you past historic sites before reaching the start of the Hollyford Track. The hike to Hidden Falls is 7.5km and will take 2.5-3hrs. The Hollyford River is a gin-clear example of a wild West Coast river as it charts its path towards the Tasman Sea. Enjoy the lush rainforest and views of the epic Southern Alps including Fiordland's two highest peaks, Mt. Tutoko and Mt. Madeline. Your first glimpse of Hidden Falls will take your breath away. Lunch will be taken in a scenic spot and you will retrace your steps back to the van, and journey back to Te Anau. A celebratory dinner will be enjoyed by the group tonight at 6.30pm at the Fat Duck in Te Anau to celebrate all that has been achieved.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring back through to Queenstown where your challenge officially ends.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • Transport between Queenstown and Te Anau at the start and finish of the trip
  • 2 nights accommodation in Te Anau (based on twin share)
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • Tea & Coffee on guided walks
  • Guided walk on Kepler and Hollyford Tracks
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Transfers to/from your accommodation and the walk start/end
  • Jet boat down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri to start the Kepler hike
  • Access and Concession fees paid to Department of Conservation

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks other than water
  • Additional hiking snacks throughout the day
  • Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

Trail Surface

Great Walks track

New Zealand Great Walks tracks are regularly maintained by the Department of Conservation. They are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

Accommodation

Hotel

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Guests can enjoy FREE unlimited WiFi during their stay. Complimentary car parking is available as well as complimentary luggage storage if needed. The comfortable hotel rooms have a garden or lake outlook. Shower over bath. Tea/coffee making facilities plus much more.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Walks will involve carrying a small daypack, 25L in size is good. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Care needs to be taken as some sections can be slippery when wet. A good level of fitness is required and your preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three to four times a week for three months prior to your journey. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.

Departure dates


Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$2190NZD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Gut Cancer Foundation Kepler & Hollyford Challenge 2026 trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind.  The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

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