Walks & Parks

If you’ve got this far, it’s a must to visit the southernmost point on NZ’s mainland – Stirling Point. It’s marked by a signpost telling you just how far you are from most of the world’s major cities. There are toilets and a restaurant/café at Stirling Point. Foveaux Walkway 50 minutes return. The coastal track from Stirling Point to Lookout Point has a gravelled and well-compacted surface, which can be used by buggies, although it is uneven in places. Glory Track a 50 minute round trip from Stirling Point, follows the track up the hill behind the restaurant. At the top of the hill you can see gunneries, and then continue walking from the Gunpit entrance around to Stirling Point.

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As you drive from Frankton, you'll see a carpark at the end of the Ladies Mile Road, as you descend towards Lake Hayes, or continue to the pavilion where there' s lots of parking. The track is either well-graded, or a wooden walkway, to create an easy stroll around the lake, famous for its stunning reflections. Native birds to be seen along the way include the deep blue pukeko, also known as the New Zealand Swamp Hen! There are some inclines, but they're pretty short, and mostly the track is easy. There are toilet facilities at the recreation and picnic area at the Arrowtown end of the lake, which is also a great spot to pause for a dip in the lake! The path has some steep drop offs at some points, so keep small children with you.

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All the beaches on this stretch of the West Coast are black iron sand beaches. The safest place for swimming for children is at low tide in the Blue Pool off The Gap. The main beaches are not recommended for young children to swim in as they are primarily surf beaches. Nearby is the Piha Domain which contains toilets and a camping ground and is a great place for picnics.

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Abundant native bush, ferns, watergardens and birds. Wander over bridges and take a bush walk to a cascading waterfall. The seasonal displays of native and exotic flowers are interspersed with garden art. Most of the Gardens are accessible by pushchair, except for the last part of the walk to the falls where there are long steps. It takes about 45 minutes to wander around the Gardens. Take a picnic - there are picnic tables in the car park and ducks and chickens waiting to be fed!

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Worth the drive up. There are toilets up here and picnic table, and you get a bird’s eye view of Napier port. Panels explain the workings of the port, and what the different machinery is for, and it’s always fun to watch one of the cruise ships if in berth.

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Just a short 15 min walk takes you to excellent views of the blue-green waters of the Hokitika River as it makes its way through the rock sided Hokitika Gorge - this short, easy walk is a great option for kids. From the car park, follow the walking track for a few minutes through dense podocarp/hardwood forest before emerging onto a viewing platform. From here you can look down to the stunning Hokitika Gorge and out to the lush farmland of Kowhitirangi. This part of the track is accessible for wheelchairs. From the viewing platform, continue for another 6 minutes along the curving boardwalks and you will reach a swing bridge. From here there are excellent views of the blue-green waters of the Hokitika River as it makes its way through the rock sided Hokitika Gorge. For good views further up the gorge, cross the swing bridge and when you come to the end of it turn left (straight ahead leads to private farmland). The track continues for another 200 m through the bush to another viewing platform with looking out to the gorge upstream of the bridge.

 

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A few kilometers from Whakatane, this beach is one of the safest surf beaches in the country, with 11 kilometres of white sand perfect for walking at low tide. Swimming is safe between the flags at Ohope beach and lifeguards are stationed at Mahy reserve at the bottom of Ohope hill and also along the beach near the camping ground at Port Ohope. Mahy reserve is a great place for picnics, with electric barbecues, tables, playground facilities and parking.

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This family friendly park is being developed by volunteers from a disused quarry into a world class park. There are ponds, tree ferns and other plants plus stone sculptures by local artists. The walking tracks are easy for the moderately fit. Open every day during daylight hours.

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The seal colony is situated at Tauranga Bay 16 kilometres south of Westport. This is a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals. The seals can be easily viewed at the end of an upgraded 10 minute track. Occasionally seals will climb the cliff and sit either on or near the walkway - please ensure you give them space as seals are wild creatures and should not be approached.

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Waimarama Beach is a popular weekend and picnic venue. Its long stretches of sandy beach which are ideal for walking, searching for pipi and swimming are patrolled daily through the summer months. Rock pools are located at the southern end of the beach and Waimarama Domain has a large grassy area with shade, picnic tables and swings. A general store nearby offers snacks like fish and chips and ice cream.

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This really is a hidden gem, and an adventure activity with older children that is FREE!  You can opt for either the above ground 30 minutes return for each track, or add the cave walk through water if the conditions are right. The reserve is well signposted off SH 73 between the Broken River road bridge and Craigieburn Forest Park entrance. Two short, but steep tracks lead from the reserve car park to the cave entrances. You will need to help or carry little ones in a child carrier pack. The easier track to the upstream entrance goes through a karst (limestone) landscape of sculptured rock formations. The other track leads to the edge of a terrace and then drops steeply down to the junction of Cave Stream and Broken River. The limestone formations nearby were the settings for the filming of The Chronicles of Narnia. The 600-metre cave walk itself is not suitable for little children, but is a great adventure for older families that are well prepared, with torches, warm gear and plenty of dry clothes to change into. A separate brochure describes the cave adventure. Note: Do not attempt to enter the cave if the stream is high, with the water discoloured or foaming.

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The beautiful white sands at Mount Maunganui become the main centre for such activities in the summertime as volleyball and sandcastle building, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe swimming destination. There is a parade of cafes, shops and restaurants nearby.

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Located in the Aoraki/Mount Cook village this walk winds it's way through subalpine grasslands and scrub to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. It's a 1 hour return if you start from the Whitehorse campground and carpark, or 2hrs if you start from the village. It's an out and back that ends with stunning views of Mount Cook.

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Kaipupu Point Sounds Wildlife Sanctuary has a 2.8 kilometre circular walk track, which starts from the jetty in Shakespeare Bay. Look and listen for fantail, kereru, weka, silvereye, grey warbler, tui, bellbird, and kingfisher, as you explore this predator free sanctuary. Kaipupu is a community run project, a short boat ride from Picton.

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Feel the full force and sound of fresh mountain water falling 131 m down one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls. It's one of our best short walks. 2 km return via same track- 1 hr return. The track starts at the northern end of Arthur's Pass village, just off SH73 at the Punchbowl car park (signposted off the highway). From the start of the walk, follow the footbridge across the Bealey River. The next bridge, over Devils Punchbowl Creek, has a good view of the waterfall. From here, wander through lush beech forest with friendly fantails/pīwakawaka and tomtits before climbing 150 m up a series of steps to a viewing platform at the base of this spectacular waterfall. Return on the same track.

 

 

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Children's playground, paddle pool, an aviary - with the popular resident Jimmy the cockatiel, flower gardens, and walking paths make this an ideal destination to relax, go for a walk or have a picnic.

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This easy waterside stroll winds from the Cass Bay playground back to Lyttelton. The path meanders round tiny inlets, including Corsair Bay – a favourite swimming spot with changing rooms and picnic area. You come out at Magazine Bay – follow the marina from here into Lyttelton or take the road or walking path back to Cass Bay. Features: Cass Bay playground, with flying fox. Corsair Bay picnic and swimming spot, Magazine Bay: marina and museum, Lyttelton port town.

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Beautiful lakes, open tussock, grasslands, and beech forest make this a very popular destination in the summer. Many activities are available here including fishing, hiking, biking, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. There are options to hike longer distances along the Mavora - Greenstone Walkway, to the Kiwi Burn hut or just a short loop around South Mavora Lake.

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This twenty minute (return) walk is suitable for pushchairs (but is not wheelchair accessible) and is an easy walk to the top of the 55 metre Falls following the Pakoka River most of the way.

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Options for walking paths range from 5 minutes to 4 hours at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Tracks will take you along side the river, to see the Elvy Waterfalls, through areas of podocarp, broadleaf and beech trees – and an ancient giant tōtara.

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About 40 minutes drive north of Dunedin, this tiny coastal township offers stunning, deserted beaches, surf, playground and river to explore. The river is ideal for beginner kayakers – watch out for the friendly resident sea lion! Kayaks can be hired from Kayak Karitane, near the river (03 465 7695).

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This integrated adventure facility provides appropriate challenges for all children, including those with physical disabilities. The playground provides opportunities for children to experience structured activities and creative play in an interactive environment. The Tracks skate park is also situated in the area.

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You can join this track at various points along the Kelvin Heights Peninsula Road. Follow the lake towards the Golf Course. A good place to start a loop walk is from the Yacht Club on Bay View Road From here you head to the Golf Course and round the Perimeter in a loop, then back down to the track. You do actually enter onto the Fairways for a few minutes of your walk. If you don’t want to do this you’re not missing much by returning the way you came. Almost completely flat.

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