The 10 BEST Overnight Hikes that are BOTH Child-Friendly AND Dog-Friendly!
If your family adventures usually include both little feet and furry paws, this one’s for you. These DOC huts all allow visits to the hut by dogs, and can all be reached via kid-friendly tracks. That means you don’t have to leave anyone behind at home - just the family cat!
But first up...
What are the rules around dogs at huts?
Dogs are not allowed in any national parks in New Zealand, but they are allowed in some conservation areas. Generally you need a permit for your dog to enter conservation land, and it will usually be required for your dog to have undergone kiwi aversion training.
There are different rules for service dogs, however they will still need a permit for permit-required areas.
Department of Conservation huts do not allow dogs to enter huts for any reason, even to shelter in overnight. While some huts have dog kennels, not all do, and so you may need to bring a shelter for your pet. You'll also need to have a way of securing them overnight.
Some huts are outside of conservation areas, and these may have different rules. For example, at the Snow Farm which is owned and operated by a trust, both Bob Lee & Daisy Lee huts allow dogs inside the hut when you have the whole hut booked for exclusive use.
Well what about kids and babies in DOC huts?
Kids and babies are humans just like adults. Basically give respect, gain respect.
Kids and babies have every right to be in a DOC hut, but just as an adult shouldn't get drunk and make a ruckus disturbing others, you need to be aware of your baby, toddler, or kid and make sure you're not letting them inconvenience others inappropriately.
For example, don't let toddlers get into other peoples packs, and if your child is noisy going to sleep, get them to sleep on the deck or in the foyer if the hut has one before bringing them in once they're asleep. Try settle them quickly, but don't stress about normal noise levels in the night. After all, there's bound to be a snorer in the hut too. Generally I'll take my kids out to the foyer or hut deck to re-settle them overnight if we're sharing a hut and they are being noisy.
If you're worried about noise levels, some of these huts are bookable, and Bob Lee and Daisy Lee huts are both bookable for exclusive use. Another option is going mid-week so you've got the place to yourselves.
If you'd like to find more exclusive use bookable huts, check out our Child-Friendly Overnight Hikes of New Zealand map.
These are some of the top spots where you'll be able to take your kids and doggo for an overnight mish:
Waihāhā Hut (Pureora Forest Park, Waikato)
This is a great overnight tramp on a decently wide and flat track. You follow the river along, and while it may not be the shortest distance, the walk is not technical, making it possible for many ability levels.
Track length: 9.5km one way
Signposted time: 3 hours
Bookings required? No
Hut: 10 bunks (individual)
Dogs: Permit required, dog kennel available
Manuka Hut (Hakatere Conservation Park, Canterbury)
An easy walk in via a 4WD track, perfect for new trampers and families with younger kids. The hut is older and can be mouse infested, so preferably visit in summer as it may get cold in winter. It is along the Te Araroa trail, so can get busy.
Track length: 7.2km from the 2WD carpark, or only 4.5km from the 4WD carpark.
Signposted time: 2-3 hours
Bookings required? No
Hut: 6 bunks (individual)
Dogs: Dog required to be kept under control. BYO dog shelter.
Lake Chalice Hut (Mount Richmond Forest Park, Marlborough)
Lake Chalice is a very short walk from the carpark, making this a great option with young kids who can't walk long distances yet. You can then leave your packs at the hut, and walk the 2 hour 30 minute (6.5km) loop around the lake to stretch the legs a bit more.
Track length: 2.6km one way
Signposted time: 1 hour
Bookings required? No
Hut: 8 bunks (individual)
Dogs: Permit required
Atiwhakatu Hut (Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa)
This is a classic first hike for Wellington kids. Many unique bridges to cross along the way and a very flat walk making it perfect for first timers. Just be aware that some dogs may struggle with crossing some of the bridges so you may need to carry them over.
Track length: 7.2km one way
Signposted time: 3 hours
Bookings required? Yes
Hut: 26 bunks (platform)
Dogs: Dog required to be kept under control. BYO dog shelter.
Ahuriri Base Hut (Ahuriri Conservation Park, Otago)
This is a drive-to hut, so an easy adventure for little legs, and a great way to check out how overnight tramping goes for your whānau. A small basic, but tidy hut.
Track length: 0km if you have a 4WD, otherwise approx. 5km
Signposted time: 1.5 hours if walking from 2WD carpark
Bookings required? No
Hut: 6 bunks (individual)
Dogs: Dog required to be kept under control. BYO dog shelter.
Pakihi Hut (Urutawa Conservation Area, Bay of Plenty)
The track is gentle and follows a historic pack route. The hut sits above the river which is a great place to cool off with a dip in summer. It is also located in the same valley that Barry Crump lived in when he wrote the book 'Wild Pork and Watercress' which was later turned into the movie 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople'
Track length: 9km one way
Signposted time: 3 hours
Bookings required? No
Hut: 6 bunks, (individual)
Dogs: Permit required, dog kennel available
Mt Fyffe Hut (Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia, Kaikōura)
This is a short, but steep walk. In winter it makes a great adventure as there is often snow behind the hut further up the track to explore. Just best to BYO firewood if coming in winter. The views of the Kaikōura coastline from the hut are magical all year round.
Track length: 5km one way
Signposted time: 3 hours
Bookings required? No
Hut: 8 bunks (individual)
Dogs: Permit required, BYO dog shelter
Leitch’s Hut (Whareorino Conservation Area, Waikato)
This hut is at what was supposed to be a busy intersection had the proposed roads been built! Sam Leitch lived in a hut here, though this was demolished a long time ago, and the current hut was built in the 1990's.
Track length: 8.5km one way
Signposted time: 3 hours
Bookings required? No
Hut: 16 bunks (platform)
Dogs: Permit required, dog kennel available
Bob Lee or Daisy Lee Huts (The Snow Farm, Otago)
These huts are owned by The Snow Farm, and can be booked for exclusive use all year round. In summer you can either 4WD all the way to the huts, or walk, but in winter you'll have to snow shoe or cross country ski (The Snow Farm has gear to hire for this). In winter the huts book super fast. Dogs are only allowed with exclusive use bookings.
Track length: 6.5km one way or 4WD to the door in summer.
Signposted time: 2 hours on foot, or 4 hours on skis.
Bookings required? Yes
Hut: 7 bunks at Bob Lee, and 6 at Daisy Lee (individual)
Dogs: In winter you need a dog trail pass, dog can sleep in the hut.
Why take your dog & kiddos on an overnight hike?!
I am a huge fan of overnight tramps instead of day trips. Switching off overnight is so much better for our mental health than just a brief switch off of a day walk, and why would we deny this luxury to our kids and dogs?! They'll reap the benefits too!
Make sure to always double-check DOC's latest guidelines for the area you're heading to, especially around kiwi aversion training and permits. And remember, dogs must stay outside huts -even if the weather’s not perfect- so be sure your pup is equipped for a cozy night under the stars.
If you'd like to discover some more hidden gems, make sure to check out our Kid-friendly hikes of New Zealand map which details more than 150 huts that you can visit with kids, as there are a lot of places to visit with the kiddos in tow that aren't necessarily dog friendly.
And also be sure to have a look at our My Overnight Adventure Journal books - the ultimate guide to tramping with kids in tow - filled with information to make your first (Or 100th) trip a success, as well as space for kids (Or the young at heart) to record how your adventure went!
