Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 5.8km

Signposted time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Yes

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park in the Catchpool carpark at the end of the Catchpool Valley.

The Track:

This is one of the easier access huts near Wellington, on-par with Atiwhakatu, however Atiwhakatu is more flat. While the gradient isn't too intense, carrying heavy weight for the first time can be hard when there is a gradient, so in that case Atiwhakatu could be a better first option.

The track is mostly wide enough to hold kids hands while walking. So pretty wide clear path that's toddler / preschooler friendly.

The signposted time till the bridge is around 2 hours. After this it's signposted 30 minutes following the river to get to the hut.

On the way in, we dropped our bags off at the river and had an explore of the other side of the river. This meant it took us about 6 hours total to get to the hut (Me as only adult and 5yo walking the whole way + me carrying a 9 month old) On the way back out, it was just under 4 hours without the detour, but with plenty of breaks.

A capable 3 year old should be able to walk the whole way.

Hut: Each bunkroom is locked with a separate keypad code. When booking, you book a bunkroom, and are sent the code to that room only. Each bunkroom has 8 beds. The cost is pretty economical if you can gather enough friends to fill up all 8 beds, however if not and its just you and one child for example, then the cost becomes much higher than a regular DOC hut. The outside door is locked too, so make sure not to forget the code when going toilet!

Recommendations:

This can be a great first hike!