Walking
9 April 2026
Canterbury has an abundance of outdoor adventures perfect for families. Explore some of the best short walks the whole family will enjoy. Soak up mountain views, coastal panoramas, test your rock hopping skills or native bird spotting.
Canterbury has something for all types of walkers. Read on to discover our recommendations for the top kid-friendly walks in Canterbury, put together with help from our friends at Backyard Travel Family.
If you are looking for an entry-level overnight adventure, Rod Donald Hut is widely considered one of the best first tramps for families in Canterbury.
Located on the Banks Peninsula, this modern and cosy 9-bunk hut offers a manageable challenge with a big reward — incredible views over Little River and a chance to experience a night in the bush.
The track starts at the Port Levy Saddle and follows part of the Te Ara Pātaka (Summit Walkway).
It’s a unique hike because you start at the top of the hill and walk along the ridgeline before descending to the hut.
Along the way, you’ll pass through a tōtara graveyard, striking ancient silver skeletons of trees that tell the story of the area's history, before winding down through regenerating native bush to the sanctuary of the hut.
The hut itself is a hit with kids, featuring solar-powered lights, a wood-burning stove for chilly nights, and a separate upstairs bunkroom that feels like a secret loft.
Good for: beginner trampers, primary-aged kids, and adventurous toddlers.
Walk length: 2.5 km (one way).
Take the family to hunt for some giraffes and rhinos in the wild on this track.
Okay, so they’re not real animals, but the sculptures along this walk make this an exciting little hike for the kids.
This Banks Peninsula walk takes you to a picturesque viewpoint over Akaroa, ideal for a family selfie.
The giant metal rhino sculpture at the little summit makes for a great picnic spot and turnaround point.
Or, if you’re up for more views, continue the track around the peninsula to Takamatua to make this a 3-hour circuit track (there aren’t any more animals to find though).
Good for: adventurous preschoolers and primary-aged kids and above.
Walk length: 60-70 minutes return.
Feeling like a world away, you wouldn’t think this short walk is only minutes from Riccarton Mall.
This tranquil inner-city walk will transport you to a peaceful haven.
Your little ones will love the incredible bird life at Riccarton Bush so bring them along for this short toddler-suitable walk.
It will take little feet around 15-20 minutes (depending on how many birds they find) to navigate the boardwalks and little loop tracks.
Good for: Stroller-friendly walk, toddlers and above.
Walk length: 10-20 minutes.
This track showcases some of Christchurch’s most stunning coastal views, a penguin colony, historic baches, and a slice of New Zealand’s military history.
It is widely considered a great coastal walk for families with older children, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical exploration.
Your journey begins at Taylors Mistake Beach — a popular surf break and a great spot for picnics.
Be sure to keep an eye out for seabirds, white-flippered penguins, rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, and whales!
The area also served as a WWII coastal defence site, featuring gun emplacements, old military structures, and tunnels that provide a fascinating hands-on history lesson along the trail.
Good for: families with older children, animal spotting, history buffs, and coastal photographers.
Walk length: 7–9 km loop (approx. 3 hours return).
A hidden waterfall, breathtaking views, swimming holes... have we got your attention yet?
The Washpen Falls Track is a private trail (small charge), taking around two hours to explore.
Stay a little longer for a picnic or swim, it’s a fabulous kid-friendly walk and a favourite amongst locals.
The trail heads through the forest, around stunning rock overhangs and up to the viewpoint with widespread views over the Canterbury Plains.
From the viewpoint, wind your way down to the beautiful Washpen Falls and enjoy the trickling waters and birdsong as you ease your way back to the start of your loop.
Good for: primary-aged kids and above.
Walk length: 2 hours.
Mt Sunday in the Ashburton Lakes is an ideal pick suitable for the whole family.
Does “my precious” mean anything to you?
If your family are Lord of the Rings fans, then they may enjoy a walk to Mt Sunday, aka Edoras, the capital of Rohan.
While there are no remnants of the filming left, true fans will still recognise the magic of this location.
Even if you’re not a fan, the views are insane, particularly after a good snow.
This kid-friendly walk is 60-80 minutes return and is mostly flat, except for the final 15-minute hill to the top of Mt Sunday.
Kids will love crossing the swing bridge and the 360-degree views from the summit. Beware, the top spot is notoriously windy.
Good for: adventurous preschoolers / primary school kids and above.
Walk length: 60-80 minutes.
Yes, the Kura Tāwhiti conservation area, or Castle Hill, is full of short walk options of differing distances.
On the way to Arthur's Pass and the West Coast is the playground of the rock giants, or so we’d like to believe.
It's a great natural playground for kids (and big kids), with boulders to climb, tracks and trails to follow, and it's perfect for an epic game of hide-and-seek.
While this is less of a marked track and more of a spontaneous discovery trail, we challenge you to log your steps and see how far you can walk.
Good for: primary-aged kids, teenagers, those with adventurous hearts.
Walk length: 30 mins up to 3 hours of exploration.
Looking for your first family overnight tramp?
Woolshed Creek near Mt Somers in Mid Canterbury has the perfect track.
Take the easier Miners Track if you are taking younger kids (2.5-3 hours) or the Rhyolite Track for those looking for a challenge.
The modern Woolshed Creek Hut awaits you with 26 beds, double glazing, and a roaring fire. It's the perfect start to your hut bagging adventures.
Side trips to the Emerald Pools and Water Caves will keep the family entertained, as will a quick dip in the creek out the front door of the hut.
Good for: beginners on their first overnight jaunt and adventurous preschoolers who are used to walking longer distances.
Walk length: around 3 hours each way.
If you’re moving from family walk into family tramp territory, the Trig M Track near Lake Lyndon is a great starter hike.
Don’t be put off by the steep start to this tramp. While this is an uphill hike, the incline is not so bad after the first 20 minutes.
The highlight of the Trig M Track are the beautiful views over Lake Lyndon, and on a clear day, you can see across the Canterbury Plains and out to the ocean.
It's particularly pretty in cooler months, with snow-capped mountain views surrounding the summit.
Good for: beginner trampers, primary aged kids (and particularly capable preschoolers).
Walk length: 5.5 km return (approx. 2-2.5 hours).
Wherever you choose to hike with your family, make sure you do so safely.
Sturdy shoes, a waterproof rain jacket, and water are your main essentials.
It’s also important to ensure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
Many New Zealand walks do not have cellphone reception, so a personal locator beacon (PLB) is a great addition to your backpack.
The Plan My Walk app by the Mountain Safety Council is a great place to start planning your family walk.
With weather forecasts, gear lists and safety information, it will arm you with the essentials for getting your family into the outdoors.
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