track recommendations....

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/ http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/marlborough/south-marlborough/

Haha this must say something about me that I can offer plenty of experience re tracks suitable for an eight year old! have a look at: Hawdon hut. Near Mt White bridge, on the way to arthurs pass. Fairly flat valley walking, 10kms (compared to 8km to Lake Daniells hut), about 3 hours. This would be my best pick for following on from lake Daniells. A little bit of river crossing from recollection but generally pretty shallow (well below my knees when we were there and I am 160cm tall), check the forecast and river levels before you go. St James walkway: going in to Cannibal Gorge Hut is only 8kms and the DOC walking time is 3 hours, climb of 200-300m. Boyle Lodge hut at the other end is 13.5kms, DOC time 4-5 hours, 200-300m climb. Hope Kiwi Lodge (Lewis Pass), maybe a little long (14km, DOC time is 5 hours walk) but pretty flat and a big flash hut Woolshed Creek Hut, from Woolshed Creek carpark. Near Methven. There is a bit of a climb (400m) but the track is good and the walk is only 4km long; took us 2 hours. again a big new hut at the end. the area surrounding the hut would be awesome for an 8 yr old to explore - great stream and swimming spots. Wharfedale Hut / wharfedale track, Oxford forest. a little long perhaps, 14.5kms, fairly flat (200m climb), watch out for the wasps in autumn. Took us 3 3/4 hours. Nina Hut, Lewis pass. 8kms. Fairly flat. I recall the track as being a bit rougher than most of the others I've listed, but it was a LONG time ago that I was there, and I was very much a newbie to tramping. We have also been in to Sawcut Gorge and stayed at Isolated Hill Hut; the walking is mainly in the streambed with a bit of boulder hopping. 4kms, took us 2 hours. Mt Arthur / Tablelands area has some great tracks for kids but is a little further away from Chch. Croesus track near Blackball on the West Coast to Ces Clark Hut. There is a bit of uphill (600m climb) but the grading makes it pretty easy. Approx 3 1/2 - 4 hours. Another nice hut. Hope that gives you somewhere to start.

Hurunui Hut(how long depends on your vehicle and whether gate open to public) with 4.5km walk to hot pools (one and a half hours away). Pinnacles Hut at the other end of the Mt Somers w/w. Prob. 3hrs. Pinchgut Hut (Prob 3hrs) watch out for wasps in autumn!!! Some exposed sections for the nervous but some kids trip along like mountain goats, unconcerned. Hawdon River up a bit this week...