The Best Family-Friendly Hiking and Walking Trails in New Zealand
Walking in nature is the perfect way to spend a family holiday. Not only is it a chance to reconnect with the natural world and teach the kids about the wilderness, but it’s also a fantastic way to get your family active. The best part about walking is that it’s so much fun it doesn’t even feel like exercise!
Photo Credit: Arthur Poulin via Unsplash under Licens
New Zealand is home to a wide variety of walking and hiking trails that will give your family a great workout. With breathtaking natural scenery all around, New Zealand is the ideal destination for a walking holiday. You are guaranteed to find something for all ages and fitness levels, from 10-minute bush walks to 3-day hikes. Here are some of the best New Zealand walking trails to explore during your family’s next vacation.
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its world-famous coast track. The mild climate, lush native bush and gorgeous golden beaches have made it one of the beautiful places to walk in New Zealand. You can either choose to walk a portion of the trail for the day or walk the entire length over 3-5 days. The park features 4 huts and 19 campsites where visitors can stay overnight.
Mount Crichton, Queenstown
Hooker Valley Track
Photo Credit: Andrea Schaffer via Flickr under License
The Mount Crichton loop track starts at 12 km from Queenstown. This track is ideal for kids, as it is well-formed and easy to walk. The loop usually takes 2-4 hours at the most. There is plenty to keep the kids interested during the journey. The track features a waterfall, lots of lush New Zealand native bush, and historical remnants of a gold mining rush.
Hooker Valley Track
This 10km track leads through the Topuni area of the Hooker Valley. The walk itself isn’t hard or challenging, making it suitable for kids and families. The best time to walk this track is dawn – when you can see the first glimpse of sun peeking over the stunning Southern Alps. The track is especially peaceful and quiet in the morning – you won’t regret waking up early!
Queen Charlotte Sounds
Photo Credit: @chiro via Unsplash under License
Located in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island, the Queen Charlotte track stretches a total of 70 km from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. The track combines the best of New Zealand walking with a unique environmental and cultural experience. It is well known for its breathtaking views, distinct landscapes, native wildlife, lush coastal forest and historical landmarks.
White Pine Bush Reserve Walkway
White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve is located in North Island’s Hawkes Bay. This short loop track only takes about 30 minutes. The track features an abundance of Kahikatea, Tawa and Pukatea trees, as well as beautiful Nikau palms. Also visible from the track are a small waterfall and picturesque stream, where you can often see small fish, koura (crayfish) and eels. About halfway through the walk, there are tables and chairs where you can enjoy a peaceful family picnic while listening to the gorgeous calls of native birds.
Tawhai Falls Walk, Mt Ruapehu
The Tawhai Falls walk is located in Tongariro National Park on the way to Whakapapa Village.
This quick, easy track leads you right to the waterfall’s lookout, and then to the base of the waterfall. The rocks at the base of the waterfall have been described as looking like the trolls from the Hobbit film trilogy, which the kids will surely love. The walk is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, only taking about 10 minutes each way.
Allison Hail is a freelance writer from Wellington, NZ who has always loved the outdoors. She enjoys hiking with her best friend, especially through forests during autumn’s wonderful display of colours. See more of Allison’s work here.
