Perfect first tramp for littlies. It’s 3km from Anakiwa to the first campsite along the Queen Charlotte track with Very little elevation gain – the steepest ‘hill’ is the one out of the car park! The track is wide and smooth so you can easily take a buggy or bike trailer and not too difficult for Little legs to walk. It’s nice bush too, so even on a hot summer day it was a pleasant temperature for walking. 

The campsite itself has two separate sections: the beachfront flats and a bush clearing 100m inland. The clearing is very child friendly and has a shelter and toilets. There is a stream nearby but it is hidden in the bush so not too much of a temptation for toddlers. Watch out for the wekas though as they are very brazen in stealing food! There were a few sandflies but not enough to be a nuisance.
At low tide the beach is a paradise for kids splashing on the tidal flats looking for crabs and starfish. Heaps of eels in the stream after dark too.

We only spent one night but wish we’d stayed two or three nights. As well as exploring the next section of the Queen Charlotte track there is also and unmarked foot trail behind the campsite which I assume leads up to the ridge (It’s used by Outward Bound) which could be fun for older kids.

Tent sites need to be booked through DOC.

Visited by: Heather and family.