Castle Rock in Port Hills with kids
This was my second attempt to run a Helicopter Hill trip – and the second time it had to be cancelled, so we ended up in the Port Hills instead, aiming to climb Te Tihi-o-Kahukura…
New Zealand
Rocky Creek Biv track cutting birthday party with small kids
The goal was clear, ambitious, and far from easy: reach Rocky Creek Biv with our kids (aged 3-6). Some of them had recently celebrated their birthdays, so we thought – what better gift than a…
Pinchgut hut with kiddos (4-7 years)
Alright, Pinchgut Hut is quickly becoming my favourite hut for tramps with kids around Christchurch. The track is pretty entertaining, and it’s far more sheltered and less popular than Woolshed Creek Hut, which is always…
Edwards Valley with kids
When tramping with small kids, it’s the journey that counts, not the destination. For this trip, both me and Miranda completely threw away all our ambitions and just decided to play it by ear. We…
Washpen Falls – Romantic and family-friendly
Washpen Falls Track is a privately owned walk nestled in the Canterbury Foothills near the Rakaia River. It’s about 4 km long and very pretty and scenic. I was quite surprised to find such a…
Foggy Peak under full moon 2025
Another year, another trip to Foggy under the full moon. This time our party was very small – only six brave souls embraced the fresh breeze on a chilly Monday evening. We started from Porters…
Mt Barrosa Track Route Description (Mt Somers area)
Route description Mt Barossa is a decent bump in Hakatere Conservation Park. It’s standing somewhat in the shade of its bigger cousin, Mt Somers. Despite its reputation being easier than Mt Somers which it is,…
Steepface Hill from Hutt Stream
Note The described route, including the GPX, crosses private land. You must obtain permission before following it. Steepface Hill can be climbed via Terrible Gully without the landowner’s permission. Route description The route starts at…
Purau Loops with kids
About 15 parents and 15 children gathered at Diamond Harbour Jetty around 9:30 to catch the 9:50 ferry. While the parents settled into conversation, the kids wasted no time forming their own little society and…
Scarborough and Godley Head: my favourite Port Hills walk
I may have mentioned it before, but this walk – along with its endless variations – is one of my favourites in the Port Hills. It’s both civilised and wild, and it offers some of…