Family-Friendly Adventures

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.


Plan My Walk app home screen

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.


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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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.


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 copy

Be Inspired

Read about the tramping adventures of other families: