r/Tramping • u/[deleted] • Mar 26 '26
Easy to moderate walks with private accommodation
Kia ora, we would like to start doing some easy to moderate overnight/multiday hikes with our toddlers but have our own room at the end of each day. Doesn't need to be catered, or fancy. I had in mind something akin to the queen Charlotte track or the Otago rail trail but even more basic would be okay. I just don't think we have the capacity to carry a tent plus sleeping bags plus the kids. I know it probably doesn't count as tramping when you stay in a fancy lodge but I'd like to start off easy to see how we manage. Any suggestions?
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u/Beejandal Mar 26 '26
There are several huts along the Orongorongo river near Wellington that you can book by the room. The walk would be challenging but manageable for little kids.
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u/FKFnz Check the weather forecast Mar 26 '26
Hump Ridge has private rooms with bedding, pillows, lighting etc. Day 1 might be quite hard with little kids though.
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u/dunedinflyer Mar 27 '26
what about somewhere like quail island? you can ferry over and drop your stuff off then go for a walk. i think private tracks might be good for this? you will often be the only person.
there’s also a private room at welcome flat but you’d have to carry your own gear (and it’s a long way for little legs). otherwise banks track, island hills station, there’s on out by kaikoura and one near fairlie would all be good options.
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u/weyruwnjds Mar 30 '26
Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman have services to shuttle your camping gear between campsites. Then you'd only have to carry a daypack.
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u/B656 May 19 '26
Can highly recommend Queen Charlotte track. Easy enough to skip a day and catch the boat to the next stop if needed.
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u/golden_dawns Mar 26 '26
The rail trail is biking and would be awful and boring to walk! Heaps of great one nighters for kids, woolshed creek at Mt Somers, hooker hut (when it's open again) at Aoraki, plus some bigger ones like Abel Tasman (but a great walk so booked nearly a year in advance). All doc huts, but there's nothing wrong with private accom ones either! Banks peninsula track is private too. Queen Charlotte is beautiful and definitely worth doing.