Child friendly rating: 4 stars

Distance: 7.7km

Signposted time: 3 hours

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Yes

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park off SH7 across the road from the track start - at Palmer Lodge.

The Track:

This track is relatively flat, but it is more difficult than the likes of nearby Manson-Nicholls Hut.

The first 1/2 of the track is easier than the second 1/2, so it'll take you around double the time of first half to do the second half. .

When you first start walking, there is a swingbridge over the Lewis River. Then you walk along above the river on the true left (Left hand side when facing downstream)

There is a good campsite when you're almost at the halfway distance point. And not long after this is the 2nd swingbridge. The 2nd swingbridge is your halfway point distance-wise. (1/3 point time-wise)

The rougher, and often muddy track then climbs from 650m elevation to 750m. There are a few tree roots to navigate, but for kids 7+ this does keep things more exciting. Not so great with little feet though.

No river crossings, but you will often end up with muddy boots.

When we visited with our at the time 2.5yo, she walked almost the entire first 1/2. This section took us 2 hours. But then we carried her the next half as we needed to pick up the pace before dark, and the track got rougher, so we actually took only an hour to do the 2nd half as we had no walking kids with us. With her walking the 2nd half it would have taken us 6 hours.

Hut:

The hut is a modern one with platform bunks. It's quite small for how popular this hike has become so definitely good to be on the booking system!

There is easy access down to the Nina River from the hut. It's a great place to play, or collect water from if the hut water tank is empty.

Recommendations:

If you've visited 2-3 huts already, are beginning to get confidence, this hut is a great next step. The track is a little more technical, so not as easy for toddlers to walk, but still child friendly.