Discover 15 family-friendly Selwyn walks near Christchurch - from wetlands and pram-friendly loops to waterfalls and mountain tracks, with parking, facilities, and picnic tips included.
Selwyn is basically one big invitation to get the kids off screens and into their gumboots. It has waterfalls, wetlands, fairy door forests, hilltop views and just enough “real tramp” energy to impress small people who like to feel brave. Think short walks, big pay-offs and plenty of places to drop a picnic rug before someone gets hangry.
This guide to Selwyn family walks pulls together 15 of the best kid-friendly tracks near Christchurch. You will find walk times at child pace, locations, parking, toilets and picnic tips, so you can pick a walk that actually fits your whānau, not someone’s ultra runner fantasy.
Read more: The Best Pram-Friendly Walks in Christchurch
Selwyn sits right on Christchurch’s doorstep, which means less “are we there yet” and more actual walking. Many of the best family walks in Selwyn are flat, short and close to towns like Lincoln, Darfield and Prebbleton, so there are cafés and public toilets nearby. Others head towards the hills for waterfalls, river gorges and gentle summit tracks that give kids a genuine sense of adventure.
If you are looking for easy walks in Selwyn, pram-friendly paths, or short walking tracks near Christchurch that still feel special, this list will keep you going for a while.
Harts Creek is a gentle wetland walk near Leeston that works brilliantly for younger kids. The track is mostly flat grass with some boardwalk, winding through paddocks and wetland towards a bird hide on the edge of Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere. Kids love the “secret hut” feel of the hide and the chance to quietly spy on ducks and swans.
Why it works for families:
Flat, short, plenty to look at, no technical bits.
The Liffey Stream walk in Lincoln is one of those easy family walks you end up doing again and again. Paths follow the stream and loop through Liffey Domain, so it is flat, close to houses and perfect for prams, scooters and small bikes. It is a great option for after-school bursts of energy or before nap time outings.
Why it works for families:
Short, flat, shaded in parts, easy to bail early.
The Lincoln Wetlands track is another easy win for families and a great example of a short Selwyn walk that still feels like an adventure. The path is flat and loops around ponds and reeds, with stepping stones that are a big hit with children. It is also dog-friendly on lead, so four-legged family members are welcome.
Why it works for families:
Flat loop, fun stepping stones, close to home for many Christchurch families.
McHugh’s Forest, just north of Darfield, is a sheltered plantation style forest that makes a brilliant Selwyn family walk on hot or windy days. The real hook for kids is the fairy doors dotted along certain tracks. Suddenly, it is not “just a walk”, it is a mission to find fairies.
Why it works for families:
Shade, easy navigation, fairy door “quest”.
The Kirwee Reserve walk is ideal when energy levels are… unpredictable. It is essentially a loop around the reserve and sports fields, which sounds basic, but it combines really well with the playground and open grass. Children can scoot, ride or wander, then head straight to the swings.
Why it works for families:
Very short, flat, with a proper playground and loos.
Prebbleton Nature Park is a small pocket of paths, ponds and planting that makes an easy family walk when you want a change of scene but not a huge mission. It is low stress and ideal for very young walkers.
Why it works for families:
Close to home for many, gentle exploring, easy to keep everyone together.
Read more: Top Shaded Walks and Hikes for Families in Canterbury
The Willows, on the Waimakariri River, is like a low-key nature playground. A shared track winds through little hills and hollows and into a forested area, then on to the riverbed where kids can paddle (carefully), build rock towers and throw stones.
Why it works for families:
Flat, varied terrain, river access, space for bikes.
Reid’s Pit and Hut Creek are great options when you want a little nature fix between other things. They are short reserve or creek side walks, used a lot by locals as leg stretchers for kids or quick dog walks.
Why they work for families:
Short, easy to fit around naps and sports. Good for kids who like streams and banks to explore.
Washpen Falls, near Windwhistle, is one of the best-known family-friendly walks in Selwyn. It is a private, paid track, but in return you get a well-formed loop with native bush, volcanic rock, a proper waterfall, stream sections and wide views over the Canterbury Plains. The variety keeps even easily bored kids interested.
Why it works for families:
Clear track, lots of “wow” moments, manageable length for older kids.
The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is a Canterbury classic and a brilliant choice for a bigger day out with school-aged children. The track follows above the gorge with views down to bright blue water and dramatic rock formations. It feels adventurous, but with a clear route and the option to turn back whenever it suits.
Why it works for families:
Big scenery, well-known route, flexible turnaround points.
Trig M is a brilliant “first summit” for kids who are ready to graduate from flat family walks in Selwyn to something more high country. The track climbs steadily to the trig with open views over Lake Lyndon and the surrounding hills. It feels like a real hike, and the photo at the top is compulsory.
Why it works for families:
Clear goal (the trig), strong sense of achievement, great views.
If someone in the family confidently describes themselves as “outdoorsy”, the Sidle 73 track will suit them. It sits off State Highway 73 on the way to the mountains and has more of a classic bush track feel. Expect tree cover, uneven ground and a bit of climbing, rather than a park-style stroll.
Why it works for families:
Ideal for older kids who like a proper challenge.
To choose the right Selwyn family walk, think about:
For quick, easy walks near Christchurch, schools and prams, Lincoln, Kirwee, Prebbleton and McHugh’s Forest are hard to beat. Harts Creek, The Willows and the smaller reserves are great middle ground options when you want a simple outing with a bit of nature. Washpen Falls and Rakaia Gorge work well as half day adventures. Trig M and Sidle 73 are better for older kids who already enjoy walking and are happy to go uphill.
Whatever you choose, pack snacks, layers, a picnic rug and a spare pair of socks. With this list of Selwyn family walks, the hardest part is deciding which track to start with.