Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 7km

Signposted time: 3 hours

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Yes

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park at the Holdsworth Carpark.

The Track:

This is one of the classic first overnight trips in the greater Wellington area.

The walk is almost completely flat, and there are heaps of boardwalks and bridges. The track is also wide enough the whole way that you can hold a toddlers hand to help them walk - or sometimes even hold 2 hands while walking!

The track is in the bushline so exposure in rough weather or too much sun isn't an issue, and there's a lovely creek to play at at the hut. Plus the variety and detail in the bush is spectacular. It's definitely an amazing location to visit with kids!

The signposted time is pretty generous too. Older kids 8+ will likely walk the whole track in the signposted time - adults will take around 2 hours. We took just under 5 hours taking our time and with my at the time 16 month old walking decent sections with his sister coaxing him along with raisins.

On the way back he slept the second half so it took us just over 3 hours to walk out with his 5yo sister walking.

Hut:

The hut is newer, with a large lounge area and separate bunkrooms. The bunkrooms have platform beds.

Around the hut there is also such a variety of plant life that it's worth bringing in a plant identification book and having a go with what you can identify!

Near the hut there's not that much camping space, but if you head back along the track you'll find some spots near the river.

Recommendations:

An awesome first hut to visit for any locals. The track is wide enough and gentle enough for all ages. Even 1yo's can walk sections of the track! And the boardwalks and bridges are sure to keep everyone excited.