Hiking with children: choose a walk everyone can enjoy

A successful first hike with children can be short. Pick a route with something interesting along the way and enough flexibility to turn back while everyone is still enjoying it.

Choose the outing around the children

Look at the actual surface, climbing, exposure and toilet access, not just the distance. A formed track with frequent places to pause is easier to manage than a long walk to one final viewpoint. Check current alerts and the forecast before leaving.

Keep the group comfortable and together

• Allow time for snacks, questions and exploring from the track.
• Keep warm and waterproof layers accessible.
• Carry enough food and water for delays.
• Agree simple rules for junctions, water and steep edges.
• Stay together and adapt to the slowest walker.

Give children a useful role

Let them spot the next marker, carry a light item or help choose the snack stop. Adults still need to carry and check the essential equipment. I would choose a small achievable destination and treat anything beyond it as optional. If energy drops, turn back early rather than bargaining for another kilometre. A familiar short walk repeated in a different season can build confidence just as well as constantly finding a harder one.

Read next: DOC track grades: what easy, intermediate and advanced mean.

Sources and photo credit

Information checked 29 September 2026.

• NZ Mountain Safety Council

Photo: Bill Chitty. Original photograph; CC BY 2.0. Resized for web display.