any short treks doable with toddlers? for mlnq8,mlgb and others
Nov 10th, 2010, 08:37 PM
#1
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any short treks doable with toddlers? for mlnq8,mlgb and others
trying to plan out the details for our upcoming trip to nz and mostly looking at what activities we can do..tramping, cruises etc..with our toddlers in tow.
would appreciate any advise on whether we can take a stroller along or maybe use a carrier for the 16mnth old and have the 3 yr old walk with us?
was looking at a few treks in te anau area - melnq8 had mentioned some of the below.
a one day independent walk of the milford track. !!
at the divide, the Routeburn Track towards Key Summit. (around 5hrs)
the kepler trek to the rainbow reach.(around 3hrs)
Glenorchy area - Crichton Loop in the Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve
arrowtown - Bush Creek trail near arrow river
or any suggestions for the most rewarding doable treks in the te anau/milford/QT/glenorchy areas.
Also - is dolphin watching better in the bay of islands or in kaikoura?
thanks everyone - the info from this forum has been so much more useful than the guide books.
would appreciate any advise on whether we can take a stroller along or maybe use a carrier for the 16mnth old and have the 3 yr old walk with us?
was looking at a few treks in te anau area - melnq8 had mentioned some of the below.
a one day independent walk of the milford track. !!
at the divide, the Routeburn Track towards Key Summit. (around 5hrs)
the kepler trek to the rainbow reach.(around 3hrs)
Glenorchy area - Crichton Loop in the Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve
arrowtown - Bush Creek trail near arrow river
or any suggestions for the most rewarding doable treks in the te anau/milford/QT/glenorchy areas.
Also - is dolphin watching better in the bay of islands or in kaikoura?
thanks everyone - the info from this forum has been so much more useful than the guide books.
Nov 10th, 2010, 10:19 PM
#2
Hi nikidi -
I've never hiked with kids, and I personally can't imagine hiking with a three year old and a 16 month old, so you'll have to take my comments with a grain of salt. Chances are, you're going to be carrying one or both of them at some point.
The Milford Track day hike is a long day - you must first take the hour long boat ride to the beginning of the trail. Once you're out there, you're out there, as you must wait for the boat to go back. From boat pick up to return at Te Anau Downs, took us seven hours. It's also $$$. The small section of the trail you can cover in the day walk isn't difficult. If you're really serious about trying it, I suggest you send a note to the Visitor's Center in Te Anau to enquire beforehand.
The Routeburn Track to Key Summit is difficult in sections ...I personally wouldn't recommend this hike for kids your age. It's definitely not stroller friendly.
The section of the Kepler Track that leads towards Rainbow Reach is very tame, probably okay for your kids if the distance isn't an issue. It's possible to take the shuttle back to Te Anau from Rainbow Reach, but you'll need to check schedules, etc.
The Crichton Loop is a challenging hike - it's a 6.8 km loop with an 800 foot elevation gain. I wouldn't suggest you try this one with the little ones.
There are absolutely loads of tracks in NZ. You can walk as little or as much of them as you like, so really no need to plan in advance, just explore as you go and walk as the mood strikes you.
I've never hiked with kids, and I personally can't imagine hiking with a three year old and a 16 month old, so you'll have to take my comments with a grain of salt. Chances are, you're going to be carrying one or both of them at some point.
The Milford Track day hike is a long day - you must first take the hour long boat ride to the beginning of the trail. Once you're out there, you're out there, as you must wait for the boat to go back. From boat pick up to return at Te Anau Downs, took us seven hours. It's also $$$. The small section of the trail you can cover in the day walk isn't difficult. If you're really serious about trying it, I suggest you send a note to the Visitor's Center in Te Anau to enquire beforehand.
The Routeburn Track to Key Summit is difficult in sections ...I personally wouldn't recommend this hike for kids your age. It's definitely not stroller friendly.
The section of the Kepler Track that leads towards Rainbow Reach is very tame, probably okay for your kids if the distance isn't an issue. It's possible to take the shuttle back to Te Anau from Rainbow Reach, but you'll need to check schedules, etc.
The Crichton Loop is a challenging hike - it's a 6.8 km loop with an 800 foot elevation gain. I wouldn't suggest you try this one with the little ones.
There are absolutely loads of tracks in NZ. You can walk as little or as much of them as you like, so really no need to plan in advance, just explore as you go and walk as the mood strikes you.
Nov 11th, 2010, 08:17 AM
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I don't know your itinerary, but here is the Department of Conservation's website with information on tracks, shorter walks, difficulty, etc.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...cks-and-walks/
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful time in New Zealand.
Lee Ann
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...cks-and-walks/
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful time in New Zealand.
Lee Ann
Nov 11th, 2010, 10:36 AM
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I absolutely recommend contacting the DOC per ElendilPickle. If you are very specific I am confident you will get a good response.
Near Glenorchy you can start along the Routeburn. If memory serves, it is fairly easy until it begins to head up. There is a swing bridge at the start, so that could be a thrill or a total game changer. Prior to any elevation gain there are spots in the open along the river where you could picnic and then turn back.
In Queenstown, there are walking paths in the park. This option would make it easy to bail if needed and get an ice cream.
Will you be on the west coast at all? Again, if my memory serves me, the hike along the Pororari River near Punakaiki is pretty flat as it follows the river. The Truman track in the same area is just a short jaunt down to the beach.
Near Glenorchy you can start along the Routeburn. If memory serves, it is fairly easy until it begins to head up. There is a swing bridge at the start, so that could be a thrill or a total game changer. Prior to any elevation gain there are spots in the open along the river where you could picnic and then turn back.
In Queenstown, there are walking paths in the park. This option would make it easy to bail if needed and get an ice cream.
Will you be on the west coast at all? Again, if my memory serves me, the hike along the Pororari River near Punakaiki is pretty flat as it follows the river. The Truman track in the same area is just a short jaunt down to the beach.
Nov 14th, 2010, 06:57 PM
#5
Sorry I'm traveling at the moment,hadn't checked here for a while...
I do concur you want to check the DOC website, they categorize their walks very well, and I think most of the ones you've mentioned might be too much.
I do remember the first part of the Routeburn being well graded but not that interesting!
One of the nicest flat walks if the weather is cooperating is the Lake Matheson loop at the glaciers.
Also, I'm not sure if kids that little will be allowed on the dolphin launches.
I do concur you want to check the DOC website, they categorize their walks very well, and I think most of the ones you've mentioned might be too much.
I do remember the first part of the Routeburn being well graded but not that interesting!
One of the nicest flat walks if the weather is cooperating is the Lake Matheson loop at the glaciers.
Also, I'm not sure if kids that little will be allowed on the dolphin launches.
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