Walks On The Way To
Arthur's Pass
Bridge Hill Walk
Enjoy panoramic views of Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill and the Torlesse Range from this track.
Time to complete:
20 minutes return.
Starting point:
Park at the locked gate on the road to the Environment Centre and walk down the road/ Turn right at the junction near the Environment Centre and right again when you reach the junction at the Forest Park boundary.
Camp Saddle
Magnificent scenic views. Interesting botanical specimens including celmisia, gentians and edelweiss.
Time to complete:
2 hours one way.
Starting point:
At the locked gate on the Broken River ski field road.
Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill
The grand limestone rock battlements of Kura Tawhiti led early European travellers to name this unique area Castle Hill. The area is rich in Maori history.
What you need to know:
The track loops it's way around the magnificent limestone rock formations but the joy in this area is heading off the track and exploring at your own pace.
Pack a picnic and find a hidden spot on-top or next to one of the giant rocks.
Watch out for the enthusiastic climbers taking advantage of this epic location.
Time to complete:
As long or as short as you like!
Starting point:
State Highway 73, 50 km before Arthur's Pass (when travelling from Christchurch). Castle Hill Limestone Reserve/Kura Tawhiti is clearly marked on the left in the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve area.
Cave Stream
A must do walk through limestone water-grooved rocks in an underground cave. Enjoy stunning views of surrounding mountains. The limestone formations nearby were used in the filming of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
*Please ensure you have checked the weather conditions and have all the correct safety equipment before entering the cave. Also note there is a long term alert of the water depth increasing in this cave.
Time to complete:
1 hour.
Starting point:
Cave Stream Reserve, SH73 between the Broken River bridge and Craigieburn Forest Park entrance.
Craigieburn Valley Track
Walk through mountain beech forest and alpine tussocks. The return trip can be made via the ski field road.
Time to complete:
4 hours return.
Starting point:
On the Craigieburn Ski Field Road. 1.5 km from the main highway. Park at locked gate on Craigieburn ski field road and walk up road to start. The track can also be accessed by walking over Lyndon Saddle via the Mistletoe or Lyndon Saddle Tracks.
Dracophyllum Flat Track
A popular picnic site. View native tussock, small herbs and ground cover plants on the track. Cross over Broken River via a pole bridge.
Time to complete:
1.5 hours return.
Starting point:
From the Broken River Ski Field Road just before Jacks Pass.
Helicopter Hill
The track climbs from the Lyndon Saddle along a steep ridge with open screes between beech forest. Enjoy spectacular views of the Craigieburn and Torlesse ranges and limestone formations.
Time to complete:
4 hours return.
Starting point:
Craigieburn picnic shelter.
Hogs Back Track
Walk the track from either end, through beech forest and across the Hogs Back Creek.
Time to complete:
2.5 hours one way
Starting point:
Behind Castle Hill Village on the road to the Thomas Bush and St Andrews Lodge or from Texas Flat on the Cheeseman Ski Field Road.
Hut Creek Walk
Walk through an area that was used for trial planting from 1956 - mid 1970's.
Time to complete:
1 hour return.
Starting point:
At the Environmental Education Centre off State Highway 73, about 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. Park at the locked gate on the road to the Environmental Centre and walk down the road to the centre car park.
Lyndon Saddle
Cross Cave Stream and grassy terraces. View regenerating beech forest and low glacial terraces.
Time to complete:
3.5 hours return.
Starting point:
Craigieburn picnic shelter.
Sidle 73 Track
A popular family walk. This is also a mountain biking track.
Time to complete:
1 hour return.
Starting point:
Craigieburn picnic shelter.
