Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, Paparoa National Park
Image:
Benhi Dixon
| Creative Commons
Family-friendly walks in West Coast
Introduction
These walks on the West Coast are great for kids - they're short and interesting.-
![Ōpārara Basin: Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop]( "Ōpārara Basin: Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop")
Ōpārara Basin: Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop
Enjoy a beautiful limestone arch and spectacular rainforest reflections on a short walk that kids will love.Duration 1 hr 30 min loopDifficulty Easiest -
![Ōpārara Arch]( "Ōpārara Arch")
Ōpārara Arch
Walk to a magnificent limestone arch - it's easy, interesting and great for kids.Duration 50 min returnDifficulty Easy -
![Ōpārara Basin: Box Canyon and Crazy Paving Caves]( "Ōpārara Basin: Box Canyon and Crazy Paving Caves")
Ōpārara Basin: Box Canyon and Crazy Paving Caves
Explore Box Canyon Cave in the Ōpārara Basin – kids will love it. Crazy Paving Cave is closed.Duration 10 min returnDifficulty Easiest -
![Truman Track]( "Truman Track")
Truman Track
Walk through unspoiled subtropical forest to a spectacular coastline.Duration 30 min returnDifficulty Easiest -
![Goldsborough short walks]( "Goldsborough short walks")
Goldsborough short walks
Explore the area around Goldsborough Campsite on these short walks. Kids will love the option with tunnels.Duration 20 min | 90 min loopDifficulty Easiest, Easy -
![Ross Historic Goldfields walks]( "Ross Historic Goldfields walks")
Ross Historic Goldfields walks
Discover old gold mining relics or enjoy 360 degrees on these walks - there are short, interesting options suitable for children.Duration 10 min - 1 hrDifficulty Easiest, Easy -
![Hokitika Gorge Walk]( "Hokitika Gorge Walk")
Hokitika Gorge Walk
Enjoy this short walk along the stunning Hokitika Gorge and the pristine mature podocarp forest of the Hokitika Scenic Reserve.Duration 1 hrDifficulty Easiest -
![Minnehaha Walk]( "Minnehaha Walk")
Minnehaha Walk
This delightful short walk follows a stream through the rainforest - it's a great introduction to the forest for children with the added bonus of glow worms at night. It's suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.Duration 20 minDifficulty Easiest -
![Peters Pool Walk]( "Peters Pool Walk")
Peters Pool Walk
Enjoy the reflective views of the glacier valley and mountains on this short, easy walk to a small kettle lake - it's a great option with children.Duration 25 min returnDifficulty Easiest -
![Jackson Bay Okahu walks]( "Jackson Bay Okahu walks")
Jackson Bay Okahu walks
For an easy walk head to the rocky shore where kids of all ages can explore tidal pools, or follow an old pioneer's track before continuing down the river to the coast.Duration 20 min - 2 hrDifficulty Easy -
![Cape Foulwind Walkway]( "Cape Foulwind Walkway")
PopularCape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children. It's also one of our best short walks.Duration 1 hr 15 min one wayDifficulty Easiest, Easy -
![Terrace Walk]( "Terrace Walk")
Terrace Walk
The walk provides a good introduction to the rainforest of the Glacier Region as well and an opportunity to see glow worms after dark - it's a great option with children.Duration 30 minDifficulty Easiest -
![Lake Wombat Walk]( "Lake Wombat Walk")
Lake Wombat Walk
This short, easy walk leads through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat - it's a good option for children.Duration 1 hr 30 minDifficulty Easy -
![Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk]( "Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk")
PopularFranz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk
Take a short walk through the rainforest to view the Franz Josef Glacier valley.Duration 30 minDifficulty Easy -
![Douglas Walk]( "Douglas Walk")
Douglas Walk
This short, easy forest walk passes by a reflective lake and crosses over glacial landforms - it's suitable for children.Duration 1 hrDifficulty Easy -
![Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk]( "Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk")
PopularLake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk
A gentle walk leads to views of the mountains reflected on the still waters of Lake Matheson. It's one of our best short walks.Duration 1 hr 30 minDifficulty Easiest, Easy -
![Lake Kaniere short walks]( "Lake Kaniere short walks")
Lake Kaniere short walks
These short forest walks lead to picnic areas, waterfalls and sandy beaches ideal for swimming - plenty to keep kids interested.Duration 2 min - 15 minDifficulty Easiest -
![Mahinapua short walks]( "Mahinapua short walks")
Mahinapua short walks
These short walks pass through dense bush to reach Lake Mahinapua - with a picnic area/campsite at one end, these walks are great for kids.Duration 10 min - 30 minDifficulty Easiest -
![Mananui Tramline (Mahinapua Walkway)]( "Mananui Tramline (Mahinapua Walkway)")
Mananui Tramline (Mahinapua Walkway)
This flat, easy walk or mountain bike ride, suitable for children, follows an old logging tramline and passes beautiful Lake Mahinapua.Duration 2 hr - 2 hr 30 minDifficulty Easy -
![Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk]( "Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk")
PopularPunakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on this short, paved walk that's great for children.Duration 20 min loopDifficulty Easiest, Easy
