Thinking about a family hike but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re looking for a day walk or your first overnight tramp, Aotearoa has hundreds of family-friendly options for the whole whānau. Here we provide essential information and resources to get you underway.
Get Started With Plan My Walk
Planning is key to a safe and enjoyable adventure, especially when going with children. Get a head start with Plan My Walk – a free app and website designed to help make planning easier.
Use Plan My Walk to:
- Find a suitable track
- Create a trip plan and share it with an emergency contact.
- Make gear lists and tick items off as you pack, so nothing is left behind
- Get the latest weather forecasts and track alerts
- Read reviews from other families
Choose Your Adventure Wisely
When choosing your family adventure, there are a few things worth bearing in mind.
- Ease into it | To set yourself (and your kids) up for success, start with day walks or an easy overnight tramp.
- Simple is best | A trip doesn’t need to be a logistical challenge to be fun. A track just a short drive away could be as rewarding as one that requires a longer journey.
- Share the load | Kids are known to tramp best with other kids, so going with another family could work to your advantage. Not only will the kids feed off each other’s energy, you’ll be able to support each other in the planning process, share the gear amongst yourselves and provide moral support!
- Research the track | Before choosing a track, find out everything you can about it. Consider the quality of the track, how far it is, how many hills there are and whether there are unbridged rivers or any hazards you need to be aware of, like steep drop-offs. Then, think about the fitness levels and skills of everyone in your group. Are they up to it? Will they have a good time or be overstretched?
- Research the hut/campsite | As with the track, find out about your accommodation before you go. Is it bookable? Choosing a bookable hut/campsite means everyone is assured a bunk for the night, especially if you’re a big group. Does it have a summer ranger? A ranger will give you added peace of mind. They will have information about track conditions, side trips, safety and weather forecasts.
Other Things to Consider:
- What’s the best time of year to do the trip?
- What are others saying about the track/hut/campsite in Plan My Walk reviews?
- Does the hut have cookers and cooking equipment?
- Do you need to take your own toilet paper?
Family-friendly Tracks
Check out this selection of easy walks and overnight tramps that are ideal for families. For more ideas, go to Plan My Walk.
Mount Manaia Track | Northland
Just 30 minutes from Whangarei, this 4-km well-maintained track climbs to the Mt Manaia summit. The 2-hour return journey offers stunning views over Whangarei Harbour.
Montana Heritage Trail | Auckland
You’ll see the largest remaining stand of mature kauri trees on this iconic track in the Waitakere Ranges. This is a 10km loop, taking about 4.5 hours.
Daly’s Clearing Loop Track | Bay of Plenty
This8.8km looptrack through groves of nīkaucan be done as aday walk, taking about 4 hours, or an easy overnight tramp to Daly's Clearing Hut.
Rangiwahia Hut Track | Manawatū
It’s a steady incline but just 2-3 hours’ walk on this well-maintained track to Rangiwahia Hut. The cosy, 13-bunk hut has spectacular views over Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe.
Atiwhakatu Track | Wairarapa
This7-km track to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Wairarapa follows the Atiwhakatu Stream and includes several easy bluffs and a swing bridge. Families can expect the walk to take 3-4 hours to the hut.
Mount Robert Circuit | Nelson/Tasman
As well as spectacular views over Lake Rotoiti, this9km, 5-hour walk includes alpine landscapes, with the possibility of snow underfoot.It can be enjoyed as a day walk or stop overnight in the Bushline Hut.
Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk | West Coast
Graded as “easiest”,this 4.4km loop track follows Lake Matheson, famous for its mirroring effect of the surrounding mountains.
Lake Daniell Track | West coast
This well-formed 8.4-km track takes about 3 hours to reach the Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut at the edge of Lake Daniell.
Hooker Valley Track | Canterbury
If you’re visiting the Aoraki/Mt Cook area, this renowned track is a must. The 3-hour walk there and back includes three impressive swing bridges and spectacular scenery.
Aspiring Hut, Otago
Part of the West Matukituki Track, this 9-km tramp takes about 2.5 hours to reach the hut. There are several small bluffs, providing views up and down the Matukituki valley.
Essential Safety Tips
It’s important to know the basics of outdoor safety before you head out into the New Zealand bush.
Weather-Smart
- Check the weather forecast before you go
- Pack appropriate clothing for changing conditions
- Know when to postpone your trip
Pack Essential Gear
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jackets
- First aid kit
- Head torches
- Emergency communication device
- Whistle – it’s a good idea to give one to each of the kids in case they get separated from the group.
- Sun protection, including a hat and sunblock
- Plenty of snacks and water
Share Your Plan
- Tell an emergency contact where you are going and when you will be back
- Fill in intentions book at each hut you stay
Take Care of Yourself and Each Other
- Eat, drink and rest
- Always stick together
- Make decisions together
Tips for Tramping With Children
It’s the small things that can make a big difference when tramping with children. Here are some tried-and-true tips that will help everyone has an enjoyable time.
- Pack extra snacks | Kids burn energy quickly. Bring a variety of energy - dense snacks that they will enjoy and will keep them well-fuelled. Trail mix is a classic for a reason! Other ideas include fruit leathers, cheese and crackers, jerky and mini salamis.
- Take lots of breaks | Stop often to rest, refuel and let the kids explore. These breaks not only provide time for recovery but also their keep spirits up.
- Celebrate milestones | Acknowledge achievements along the way, like reaching a landmark or the top of a hill. It may be as simple as doing a little dance!
- Dry clothes are a must | Get everyone to change into dry clothes as soon as you get to the hut. Thermals and fleeces are ideal, but you don’t have to invest in new clothes. You can borrow them, buy second-hand or just make do. For example, use adult-sized thermal with the sleeves rolled up.
- Have a cuppa | A mug of Milo or hot Raro is a perfect way to warm up and settle in when you first arrive at the hut.
- Bring hut shoes and extra socks | Wet, cold feet are no fun! Lightweight, comfy shoes and clean socks keep little feet warm and dry as well as the hut clean.
- Keep them entertained | Take lightweight games, like Uno, Rummy and Bananagrams, or improvise with games like charades. A small notebook for drawing or recording the day’s events is also a good idea. Huts are also the best places for star gazing beyond the city lights.
Learn with Mia & Leo!
Mia & Leo Go Wild! children’s book is a fun and easy way for young members of the family to learn the essentials of trip planning and what to do when things go wrong.
Award-winning children’s author, Gillian Candler, has teamed up with illustrator Gavin Mouldey to create this beautifully illustrated adventure story, cleverly weaving in practical tips and advice to help you and your family get outdoors and explore safely.
The book is available from all good book retailers.
Buy your own copyBe Inspired
Read about the tramping adventures of other families:
- The best family tramp in New Zealand
- A lesson with every adventure | Currie Family Tips
- Summer stay to get away | Hooker Hut
- 4 things I’ve learnt from tramping with kids
- Day tramping with babies in backpacks