Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 2km

Signposted time: 1 hour 30

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? A very limited amount maybe.

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park along Ocean Beach road at the marked carpark.

The Track:

This is a very popular track for overnights being so close to Auckland, and such a family friendly distance.

The first part of the track heads gradually uphill. Only for around 700m so not too long and plenty of space to have breaks along the way.

Then the track stays at a similar elevation for a while before dropping down to the hut via 800 steps.

While child friendly, the steps down to the hut are very steep and you need to be careful. If you have a toddler on the front, it might be a bit hard to see underfoot, especially if you're also trying to balance with heavy weight on your back.

3yo+ should be able to walk the track, and would be safer walking on their own or being in a carrier on your back (not front). It is a short and 'easy' walk, but there are 800 steps down to the hut and people have broken ankles on these steps before.

The steps can feel pretty exhausting heading back out the next day, however they are safer heading uphill as less of a trip hazard.

Hut: The hut is locked with a keypad. Booking gives you the current door code, so make sure you've got this with you. There is cellphone reception at the hut, but make sure you've got it saved in a safe place before going. The hut does book out quickly weekends and

Recommendations: This is a great first hut visit, though the steps can feel ruthless. Visiting in summer can make it a great spot to hang out with the beach. Go mid-week if you can to get a booking easier.