Family-Friendly Adventures

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.

Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) | Coromandel

This 12-km round trip to Pinnacles Hut (bookings required) is popular with families as an overnight tramp. It takes about 3 hours to the hut and then another 40 minutes to the rocky Pinnacles summit (759m).

Rangitoto Island | Auckland

With a range of track options, there’s something for the whole family on this iconic volcanic island. The ferry ride there is an added bonus. 

With panoramic views and a side trip to lava caves, it’s not surprising that the Rangitoto Summit Track is the most popular walk. It’s a 2-hour return trip to the top through ancient lava fields and native forest. Top tip: Take a torch to explore the caves.

For a longer walk, the 4-hour Rangitoto Coastal Loop Track offers wartime relics to explore, including storage bases and Yankee Wharf. For younger family members, there are shorter walking options of under 1-hour return.

Montana Heritage Trail | Auckland

You’ll see the largest remaining stand of mature kauri trees on this renowned track in the Waitakere Ranges. This is a 10km loop, taking about 4.5 hours. 

Daly’s Clearing Loop Track | Bay of Plenty

This 8.8km loop track through groves of nīkau can be done as a day walk, taking about 4 hours, or an easy overnight tramp to Daly's Clearing Hut.

Ōkere Falls Track | Bay of Plenty

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained on this easy 2.5km loop track. The well-maintained path follows the Kaituna River with impressive waterfalls along the way, as well as caves to explore. While this track is graded easy and only takes about an hour, it’s steep in places with multiple stairs and some drop-offs.

Pureora Forest – The Timber Trail | Waikato

Graded as easy, this track through stunning native forest can be walked over 5 days or biked over 2-3 days. There is plenty to keep everyone interested along the way, including 8 impressively long suspension bridges and historic timber-milling relics.

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.

Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge | Manawatū/Whanganui

Just 20 minutes from Palmerston North, the Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge is fast becoming a walking destination for families. There’s easy parking, modern toilets at the start and well-maintained tracks.

The 2-hour Manawatū Gorge Tawa Loop Walk is ideal for younger children. An impressive sculpture of Whātonga, a Māori warrior, at the half-way point is an added attraction.

For great views of the turbines, try Manawatū Gorge Track. It’s 9 km one way (an estimated 3-5 hours), so this track is for older kids with a good level of fitness.

Atiwhakatu Track | Wairarapa

This 7-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.

Korokoro Dam/Belmont Trig | Wellington

There’s nothing like a land mark to keep kids interested. With that in mind, pack a picnic and head to Belmont Regional Park to experience the historic Korokoro Dam and Belmont Trig. 

The 3-km Korokoro Loop Track follows a well-maintained path through native forest to the historic dam.

The 8-km Korokoro Stream Track (3 hours return) follows the Korokoro Stream through a picturesque valley. At the junction, either continue on to the dam or climb steadily through stunning forest to the Belmont Trig.

Kōwhai Street Track to Butterfly Creek | Wellington

Suitable for younger members of the family as well as the dog (on lead), this track takes you to the picturesque Butterfly Creek picnic area – the perfect lunch spot. The 4km track begins with a steady uphill climb before you head down to Butterfly Creek. Allow about 1 hour to reach the picnic area and return the same way.

Mount Robert Circuit | Nelson/Tasman

As well as spectacular views over Lake Rotoiti, this 9km, 5-hour walk includes alpine landscapes, with the possibility of snow underfoot. It can be enjoyed as a day walk or stop overnight in Bushline Hut.

Wairau Lagoons Walkway | Marlborough

Close to Blenheim township, this easy 3-hour loop walk follows the shoreline, showcasing the unique lagoon landscape. As well as an abundance of birdlife, you’ll come across the rusting remains of the Waverley shipwreck. The 8km loop track is flat and includes sections of boardwalk.

Kaikōura Peninsula | Marlborough

There’s plenty to keep the kids interested on the Kaikōura Peninsula. For the full experience, take the 10-km (3 hours return) Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. Along the way you’re likely to encounter seals and seabirds, and you’ll pass an historic pā and old whaling stations. For younger kids, there are also shorter options listed on Plan My Walk.

Mananui Tramline (Māhinapua Walkway) | West Coast

This 12-km return walk south of Hokitika follows an old logging tramline and passes beautiful Lake Māhinapua. The walk takes 2 to 2.5 hours one way, including forest and boardwalk before arriving at remnants of the historic Mananui Sawmill.

Lake Daniell Track | West Coast

This is a great first overnight tramp for families. The well-formed 8.4-km track takes about 3 hours to reach Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut at the edge of beautiful Lake Daniell.

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.

Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track | Canterbury

The 9-km Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track offers more than just a walk. As well as awesome ocean views, there is the historic Godley Head coastal defence battery and Scott's Cabin for exploring. Classified as easy, the path is wide and well-maintained, with an estimated walking time of 3 hours.

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track | Canterbury

You’ll get to see New Zealand's longest glacier, the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, on this 30-minute (2.4 km) loop track. Check the current alerts on Plan My Walk, as snow can close the Tasman Valley Road.

Tekapo Mt John Walkway | Canterbury

This 9km loop track takes you to the top of the 1,029m Mt John peak, where Mt John observatory is located. There’s an impressive viewing platform with a 360-degree panorama of the sky with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and Mackenzie Basin flats. It’s also possible to drive to the top of Mt John on the Mt John Access Road – but where’s the fun in that!

Aspiring Hut | Otago

Part of the West Matukituki Track, the 9-km tramp to Aspiring Hut takes about 2.5 hours, so is a great overnight option for families. There are several small bluffs, providing views up and down the Matukituki valley.

Jacks Point Track | Queenstown

Not far from Queenstown, Jacks Point Track follows undulating open grassland interspersed with scrub and includes spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It’s about 7km one way and takes about 4 hours there and back, so consider arranging a car shuttle or taxi back to your starting point.