View of Wanaka from Mount Iron
Image:
Benhi Dixon
| Creative Commons
Family-friendly walks and tramps in Otago
Introduction
There is plenty to keep kids entertained on these short, interesting walks in Otago. There are overnight tramps suitable for children too.-
![Huriawa Pā Walk]( "Huriawa Pā Walk")
Huriawa Pā Walk
Walk around Huriawa Peninsula on a well-formed track suitable for children - take in spectacular views and read plaques with the history of the area. Kids can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal here too.Duration 45 minDifficulty Easy -
![Blue Pools Track]( "Blue Pools Track")
Blue Pools Track
Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity. This is one of our best short walks.Duration 1 hr returnDifficulty Easiest -
![Arrowtown Chinese Settlement]( "Arrowtown Chinese Settlement")
PopularArrowtown Chinese Settlement
Take a short walk around this partially restored and well interpreted Chinese settlement from the 1880s.Duration At your leisureDifficulty Easiest -
![Mt Crichton Loop Track]( "Mt Crichton Loop Track")
Mt Crichton Loop Track
This well formed track features rivers, a waterfall, a historic hut/tunnel, native bush and views - plenty to keep kids interested.Duration 2 hr 30 minDifficulty Easy -
![Bannockburn Sluicings]( "Bannockburn Sluicings")
Bannockburn Sluicings
This vanished landscape is New Zealand’s own wild west: The Bannockburn Sluicings are the scarred landscapes of a short-lived goldmining era.Duration 1 hr 30 minDifficulty Easy -
![Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walks]( "Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walks")
PopularDiamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walks
Choose from several walks including short, easier options suitable for kids, and enjoy views of Diamond Lake, Lake Wānaka and the surrounding mountains.Duration Various times under 3 hrDifficulty Easy -
![Sandfly Bay Track]( "Sandfly Bay Track")
Sandfly Bay Track
Walk to Sandfly Bay and combine coastal views with wildlife viewing - kids will love the sand dunes and can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal here too.Duration 15 min (one way)Difficulty Easy -
![Tunnel Beach Track]( "Tunnel Beach Track")
PopularTunnel Beach Track
This short walk goes through an excavated tunnel kids will love, to a secluded beach and a spectacular, rocky coastline.Duration 1 hrDifficulty Easy -
![Glenorchy Walkway]( "Glenorchy Walkway")
Glenorchy Walkway
This short walk over a beautiful wetland has plenty of bird life and is great for kids.Duration 1 - 2 hrDifficulty Easy -
![Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk]( "Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk")
Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk
This short walk passes through native bush to reach a stunning cove on Lake Wakatipu - it's a great option for kids.Duration 20 min one wayDifficulty Easy -
![Come in Time Battery Walk]( "Come in Time Battery Walk")
Come in Time Battery Walk
Walk to an old mine entrance and a restored battery - there are other relics from gold mining days as well so plenty to keep kids entertained.Duration 15 minDifficulty Easy -
![West Matukituki Track]( "West Matukituki Track")
PopularWest Matukituki Track
Following the river and with views of notable glaciers, the West Matukituki Valley track takes you through sections of open farmland, native forest, and grassy flats before finishing at the head of the valley.Duration 6 hr one wayDifficulty Intermediate, Advanced -
![Rob Roy Track]( "Rob Roy Track")
Rob Roy Track
This track offers an easy route into a dramatic alpine landscape that includes snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. Older children should be able to complete the track.Duration 3–4 hrDifficulty Easy -
![Mount Iron Track]( "Mount Iron Track")
PopularMount Iron Track
This very popular loop walk offers excellent 360-degree views from the summit.Duration 1 hr 30 minDifficulty Easy
