While parents might love the views or the serenity of the forest, many children prefer the physical challenges of the outdoors.

I squint through the dense foliage of the windfall that’s blocking the track and see my daughter straddling a thick branch, a big smile on her face. We’re in the lush forest of South Westland on a trip up the Moeraki River, and this is one of many trees – sorry, horsies – that we’ve had to climb over. 

My experience of tramping with my daughter Emilie, who is now eight and recently visited her 140th hut, is that many children prefer tracks with plenty of challenges such as mud, rocks and windfall to keep them entertained, especially during long walks.

While many adults can zone out and enjoy the scenery, children don’t always appreciate landscapes as much (what, another tree?). Tracks with fun challenges can be a better option.

Emilie, who walked 2200km on Te Araroa with me last summer, would collapse with boredom on road-walking sections but thrived on the rugged backcountry tracks.

She scampered up the scree slopes of Waiau Pass with mountain-goat abilities (while Mum puffed along behind) and rock-hopped up the Deception River, enthusiastically navigating the boulders. 

One of the best things about walking river trails over summer is the swimming holes, especially when there are resident whio and other water-loving treasures. Muddy tracks are also entertaining for small people, and attempting to cross a half-submerged log is good for those balance and motor skills. If you’re not very good at ‘mud ballet’, as Emilie calls it, you can just stomp right through and enjoy the feeling of mud squelching underfoot. (Watch out for any deep patches, or you risk being eaten by the mud monsters.) 

These days Emilie likes to be the first to navigate small stream crossings, placing her feet carefully to avoid slipping on slimy rocks and yelling instructions at me from the opposite bank.

Our preferred tracks are those that offer freedom of movement and contact with the terrain. It’s why we opt for rugged backcountry tramping over the long and often monotonous graded tracks to be found in the front country or even the Great Walks. There’s more adventure and fun to be had in these wild places, including discovering old huts or choosing a special campsite for the night.

Walks with elevation are good fun, too. I asked Emilie which she prefers: a long, steady, graded incline, or a scramble straight to the top, pulling herself up on tree roots and other helpful vegetation. You can guess what she said.