The government says the proposed great walk for the Pike River 29 needs to tick all the boxes before it can move forward.

Almost six months ago a feasibility study was ordered by the government into the memorial walk over the Paparoa Range.

Now the family members have decided on their most favoured design of the four options.

Acting Conservation Minister Nick Smith says careful analysis is still needed.

"From both a tourism opportunity perspective as well as analysing different alternative routes, seeing what makes most economic sense. We haven't come to a conclusion, but we have to report to the families."

Families spokesman Bernie Monk says four options have been proposed by the government, of which there's a definite preference.

"One is very viable as long as something is put in from another one of the walks. We'd be quite happy with that and so they're going to go back and find if that can be done."

However, he says he's keep the details under wraps for now.

"I think it's only fair that we must discuss this with the families before we go public on it."