Hi all finally off to NZ for first time next October with the family. We do lots of hiking with the kids in Australia and Europe and what we love best with the kids is moderate multi day hikes over 2-4 nights where we can find a place to camp as required if the kids get tired.
One of the great family things about the Australian Alps is with a bit of good route planning we can do a multi day hike from the car and back to the car, with us being allowed to camp as we require, and providing there is no fire ban, have a campfire and great family adventure.
I was hoping whilst in the South Island we could do a few similar multi day hikes, but I'm struggling to know where to start. Online NZ seems very commercially orientated with many of the main hikes requiring booking, huts, drop off and pick up.
Does anyone have any ideas for multi day hikes with kids 10-13 that are circular loops and where we can camp as we require. The kids walk an easy 6-12 km per day (terrain dependant) and want to get a feel for the wilderness of NZ and see the scenery.
We will spend time around Arthur's Pass, Mount Aspiring, and Milford Sound so some good hikes with camp spots around all those or in between would be great.
If anyone has any suggestions I'll get the maps and take a look. Thanks loads.