New Zealand Great Walks with Kids: Your Complete Family Hiking Guide
Planning a family hiking adventure to New Zealand's Great Walks is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make for your family. Whether you're a Singapore-based family looking for an unforgettable international holiday or considering relocation to New Zealand, understanding how to tackle these iconic trails with children is essential. At Homejourney, we prioritize your family's safety and success, which is why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate New Zealand's premier tramping experiences with confidence.
The Great Walks of New Zealand represent 11 of the country's most spectacular tramping and walking tracks, each offering unique scenery and varying difficulty levels. For families with children, not all Great Walks are created equal—some are perfectly suited for young hikers, while others require more experience and fitness. This guide will help you choose the right tracks, prepare properly, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Great Walks for Families with Kids
The Routeburn Track: The Gold Standard for Family Hiking
The Routeburn Track stands out as the most family-friendly Great Walk in New Zealand. At just 32 kilometres (20 miles) and taking 2-4 days to complete, it's the shortest Great Walk and offers incredible scenery without requiring extreme fitness levels. The track links Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park, providing diverse landscapes from beech forests to alpine meadows.
For families with younger children or limited time, the Routeburn offers excellent day-walk options. You can hike to Harris Saddle for a spectacular highlight reel of the track's scenery, or tackle the Key Summit walk from the Te Anau end—both achievable as half-day or full-day walks. The track features well-formed paths with steady climbs and descents, making it manageable for children aged 8 and up with reasonable fitness levels.
Key family-friendly huts on the Routeburn include Routeburn Flats Hut and Routeburn Falls Lodge. The Routeburn Flats offers an expansive open meadow setting where children can play safely along the Routeburn River, while the Falls Lodge provides comfortable accommodation after challenging days of hiking.
The Heaphy Track: Coastal Beauty with Gentle Gradients
The Heaphy Track has been specifically designed as both a mountain bike and hiking track, which means the gradient remains easy throughout the entire route. This makes it an excellent choice for families seeking a less strenuous multi-day experience. The track showcases stunning coastline views and unique features like the giant rata trees near Heaphy Hut.
Family-friendly stops include Scotts Beach and Heaphy Hut, where you can enjoy the coastal scenery and introduce children to New Zealand's native flora. The gentle gradient means families can focus on enjoying the landscape rather than struggling with steep climbs.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track: Beach and Bush Adventure
For families seeking a coastal experience, the Abel Tasman Coast Track combines beautiful beaches with native bush walking. The Whariwharangi Hut and campsite at the northern end of the park offer a particularly appealing family base—a beautifully restored historic hut set in a grassy clearing beside a gorgeous beach.
A recommended family strategy is to stay two nights at Whariwharangi and take a day walk to Separation Point and Mutton Cove. This approach reduces daily hiking distances while maximizing exploration time and allowing children to adjust to the tramping rhythm without constant pack changes.
The Rakiura Track: Easy Walking with Wildlife Rewards
Located on Stewart Island/Rakiura, this track is one of the easiest Great Walks with no major climbs and only 32 kilometres to cover in three days. While the Rakiura Track is famously muddy, it offers excellent opportunities for native bird spotting and pristine beach exploration—features that fascinate children.
The Kepler Track also features family-friendly sections, particularly the relatively flat walks amongst beech forest and beside rivers and lakes. The Moturau Hut sits right on Lake Manapouri, offering a refreshing swimming opportunity—bring your swimming togs for a memorable family experience.
Preparing Your Family for Great Walks Tramping
Physical Preparation and Training
Before attempting a multi-day Great Walk with children, ensure your family has adequate fitness. Start with day hikes on local trails 2-3 months before your planned trip. Gradually increase distance and elevation gain to build stamina and confidence. For Singapore-based families, local trails like those at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or MacRitchie Reservoir can provide useful training ground, though New Zealand's terrain will be more challenging.
Children as young as 8-10 can successfully complete shorter Great Walks like the Routeburn if they've had regular hiking experience. Younger children (5-7) can manage day walks and shorter sections, but multi-day tramping requires realistic assessment of their endurance and motivation levels.
Essential Gear and Equipment
Invest in properly fitted hiking boots for each family member—this is non-negotiable for safety and comfort. Children's feet grow quickly, so purchase boots 2-3 months before your trip to allow proper break-in time. Quality backpacks with good hip support are essential; children should carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight.
Pack layers appropriate for New Zealand's changeable weather, including waterproof jackets and trousers for all family members. The weather can shift dramatically, especially at higher elevations. Bring sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses) as the Southern Hemisphere sun is intense. First aid supplies, insect repellent, and blister treatment are essential additions.
Booking Accommodation and Permits
Great Walks huts require advance booking, especially during peak season (December-February). Book 6-12 months ahead for popular tracks like the Routeburn and Milford. Each hut provides basic accommodation (bunk beds, heating, cooking facilities) and meals in some cases. Alternatively, some Great Walks allow camping, which can be more budget-friendly for families.
Check Department of Conservation (DOC) websites for current track conditions, hut availability, and any closures before finalizing your plans. This ensures your family's safety and helps you adjust your itinerary if necessary.
Day Walk Options for Families with Younger Children
Not all families have the time or fitness for multi-day tramping. Fortunately, most Great Walks offer spectacular day-walk sections that deliver memorable experiences without overnight hut stays. The Routeburn Track's day walks to Harris Saddle or Key Summit showcase alpine scenery and native forests. The Tongariro Crossing, while a solid day's tramp, rewards hikers with views of the Emerald Lakes and otherworldly volcanic landscapes.
Day walks eliminate the challenge of managing children's fatigue across multiple days and reduce the complexity of carrying overnight gear. Many families find this approach more enjoyable, allowing everyone to focus on the hiking experience rather than managing camp logistics.
Practical Tips for Successful Family Tramping
Managing Daily Routines and Motivation
Establish consistent wake-up and bedtimes to help children adjust to the tramping rhythm. Pack high-energy snacks that children enjoy—trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit—to maintain motivation during hiking days. Take regular breaks, especially with younger children, and celebrate small milestones (reaching a viewpoint, completing a section) to maintain enthusiasm.
Allow flexibility in your itinerary. If children are struggling, consider staying an extra night at a hut rather than pushing through. This approach reduces pressure and often results in better experiences and memories.
Safety Considerations for Family Groups
Always carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers tramping activities. Ensure someone in your group has basic first aid training. Stay aware of weather forecasts and don't hesitate to modify plans if conditions deteriorate. New Zealand's weather can be unpredictable, particularly in alpine areas.
Teach children about track safety—staying on marked trails, not approaching cliffs or unstable terrain, and understanding the importance of staying together as a group. Establish clear communication signals and ensure all family members understand what to do if separated.
