Whether you are sporty or not hiking to reach your travel bucket list is fun. Hiking can be enjoyed by all travelling families regardless of fitness levels. When younger kids come along, these hikes require a bit more planning.

Hiking the Hooker Valley track in Mount Cook, New Zealand have always been in our travel bucket list. Having completed a few shorter hikes before we were quietly confident that we can manage this 10km (6.2miles) return track with an elevation gain of 124m (407 feet).

Some brief about the Mount Cook Hooker Valley track: the track is very well maintained and reasonably flat with a combination of boardwalks, 3 suspension bridges and gravel tracks. The views are spectacular from parking lot all the way to the glacier lake – so it’s absolutely worth the effort! It was the longest hike we have ever done as a family of 4. Our kids were 6 and 1.5 years old, and we completed the return track in 4.5 hours.

 

So here are Letsgobeartravels’ Top Tips for Hiking with Kids

 

🥾 Before the hike…

 

With hiking Practice really do make perfect!

Practice short hikes which are not too strenuous. That way you get a feel of everyone’s’ capabilities. Choose a trail that has some exciting features – say a lake, waterfall or giant rocks which will keep kids occupied and give them a goal to reach.

Prior to this hike we previously visited Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, did a shorter hike at Porongurup WA, did some practice hikes in our home town Perth before the trip and even did shorter hikes in Wanaka and Tasman Lake days before tackling Hooker Valley.

 

Pick comfortable hiking shoes (for everyone)

There are sport shoes then there are hiking shoes. They are very different. Hiking shoes gives you extra grip and protection. It will do a much better job preventing slips, falls or sprained ankles. We love Merrell and Keen hiking boots.

 

Wear comfortable clothing and layer accordingly

Choosing practical clothes you can layer is key. Moisture wicking materials are best. In winter don’t just go for thick sweaters. It will make you uncomfortable and sweaty after 15 minutes. We love Kathmandu and Icebreaker layers.

 

For kids you can’t carry: make sure they are excited to do the hike

For this walk our 6 year old was specifically excited to reach the lake so that he can pickup some glacier ice from Hooker lake! We got him excited by showing him photos and Youtube videos of other kids who have done it.

 

For the little ones you can carry: use a good hiking carrier

One that’s comfortable for both child and parent. We tested our carrier during previous practice hikes. We made sure all the strap settings are correct.

 

Bring enough essentials, healthy snacks and drinks

So be sure to carry enough supplies in your backpack (like nappies and wipes). Us Asian parents have multigenerational tendency to overpack – try not to. For this walk, in the midst of all the excitement, we brought plenty of water but totally forgot about snacks! Luckily we managed to made it back around lunch time – our boys didn’t starve.

 

If you are hiking in summer…

cover up with a sunhat, sunglasses (if you prefer) and sunscreen.

 

Check the weather forecast the day before

Be fair with the kids. Choose days which are not too hot and not raining.

 

🥾 The day of the hike..

Here is a video highlight of our walk!

 

Start early in the day

We prefer to start hiking just after breakfast. That way the kids are still fresh and the sun is not too hot. If it’s a popular hiking trail you will also beat the crowds.

 

Take lots of breaks

Give time for kids to wander and recharge. With stunning Hooker Valley landscape all around us, we had plenty of photos, drinks and snacks stops.

 

For kids you can’t carry

Give them a camera to keep them occupied. Our son even managed to take some awesome shots

 

For the little ones you can carry

Use naps to your advantage. Make sure their head is well supported if you keep walking when they nap. When they’re awake: entertain by singing all the nursery rhymes you can think off.

 

When you get to the destination – Celebrate!

You’ve made it! Woohoo! Smile for the cameras!

We were so proud to have reach Hooker Lake. It was the most amazing reward after the long walk. Our 6 year old, got his wish, proudly holding and throwing glacier ice into the frozen lake. He also loved walking on the frozen lake and hearing the cracks.

As for our 1.5 year old toddler, he wasn’t impressed. He chucked the biggest tantrum once we got to the lake filling the peaceful valley with his roaring cry.

 

Finally..

Don’t leave any rubbish behind

 

🥾 After the hike…

Use the rest of the day to recover, stretch your legs and drink lots of water to prevent soreness the day after.