Tiny Tramps For Little Legs In The Tauranga Area

Sunny Bay of Plenty is paradise to me.  The beach, the bush, the sunrises, the sunsets, countless stunning places to visit... And so many of them are perfect for trampers in training.  Tramping with children has so many benefits! The biggest problem on any open fun day is which spectacular option do we choose.  Here is a list of some of my favourite places to tramp with little ones in the bay.  These are also some great places to explore for more capable walkers short on time. Go ahead, take your pick:

Very easy, suitable for toddlers and fun for everyone:

• Puketoki Reserve - Te Puna - <2km (Short Loop)
• Motoupuhi Island - Tauranga - <2km (Return)
• Manoeka Dam - Te Puke - <3km (Return)
• Rimu Loop Track - Oropi - 2km (Return)
• TECT Park - SH36 between Tauranga and Rotorua - 1-3km depending on the track
• Te Puna Quarry - Te Puna - 1-3 km, depending on the tracks you choose
• Leisure Island - Mount Maunganui - 1km 
• Katikati Bird Gardens - Katikati - 1-3km, depending on the route you choose 
• Yatton Park - Tauranga - <3km, depending on the route you choose 
• McLaren Falls - SH29 - 1-5km, depending on the route you choose 
• Tuhua Kauri Track - Katikati - 2km (Return)
• Okere Falls - Okere Falls - 2.5km (Return)

A little longer and trickier.  The most determined little legs will manage and adults will love them, too. If you're not sure, give it a go and be surprised by how much you and your kids can do: 

• Raparapahoe Falls - Te Puke - <2km (Return)
• Kaiate Falls - Welcome Bay, Tauranga - 2-3km (Return)
• Papamoa Hills - Te Puke - 3km (Return) - 7km return with Summerhill extension
• 325 steps to the Dawn View Reserve in Te Puna (start off Minden Road) - Te Puna - <2km (Return)
• Puketoki Reserve and swimming hole - Te Puna - 2-3km (Long Loop)
• Mount Maunganui - 3km summit, 3.4km basetrack
• Daly's Clearing Hut - Waihi - 5km from Franklin Road to the hut (Point to point) 
• Redwoods - Rotorua - so many options
• Otanewainuku Summit - Oropi - 2.5km (Loop) 
• Whataroa Falls - Oropi - 4km (Return)
• Blue Lake - Rotorua - 5.5 km (Loop)

Challenging tracks for experienced little legs and parents who are expert supporters:

• Rapurapu Kauri Track - SH29 Matamata side - 5km (Return) **includes 16 stream crossings, attempt only when water levels are low.  
• Waitawheta Hut - Waihi - 10km from Franklin Road to the hut (Point to point) 
• Tuahu Kauri Grove - Katikati - 5km (Return or turn around when you get tired)

If you need some tips to get your kids started tramping and walking, check out my getting started articles at Spinoff Parents, Storypark, and here at MegDrive.  If inspiration is what you need, here are a couple of great kids' overnight tramping stories, including our first born's first ever overnight tramp and the night the children took over the Pinnacles Hut.