Zealand Hut With a Kid

[Bill O]

I am thinking about taking my three year old (will be almost 4 next summer) into Zealand next summer.

What is that hike like? Any thoughts, suggestions and tips for hiking with a 4 year old? I've heard Zealand is very kid friendly.

[sdways01]

Getting to the hut is very simple and a nice walk. Just a little climb right before the hut. From the hut to Zealand wouldn't be hard either with no real steep spots and lots of smooth walking. Zealcliff would at least be a good place to bring a kid that has a great view that wouldn't be too hard for them. I don't recall any sections that would be hard for a kid (shorter legs).

[Bill O]

Thanks. As of right now, I think as far as we'd go would be the Hut. It might be too soon to do the peaks unless we get in some hiking this winter.

How big are the bunk rooms at Zealand Hut?

[sdways01]

Thanks. As of right now, I think as far as we'd go would be the Hut. It might be too soon to do the peaks unless we get in some hiking this winter.

How big are the bunk rooms at Zealand Hut?

One thing they will probably like is the waterfall right at the hut as well. I have only hiked to the hut and have not stayed at it. I used the bathroom and then continued on up the trail, so I don't know how big the bunk rooms are.

[Bill O]

Any other color on this topic?

[TrishandAlex]

It's a great hike -- if your then-four-year-old gets tired of walking, then you can carry him/her without much of an issue. Most of the way is flat, and it's an interesting stretch of trail (especially once you get into the moose-pond regions). Blueberry bushes bloom along the trail, there are fun wooden walkways over some parts of the water, and the trail doesn't get steep until you're right in front of the hut. It's a great kid-friendly hike. You two will have a fantastic time.

The hut has two large rooms with bunks going three and four levels up, and one small room with only four beds. I'd get there on the early side of the evening if you want to secure a bottom bunk for your child. There aren't any railings on those beds that I can remember. I still don't let Alex or Sage sleep in the higher bunks (and they're 10 and almost-8).

FWIW, I wouldn't consider Zealand Mt. to be "easy" -- that would probably be way too much for a beginning hiker (young or old).

Hope this helps!