Craigieburn Edge Track
WalkCanterburyOpen
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Walking time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Distance
- 4.5 km
- Dogs
- Under control
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThis track begins on Craigieburn Valley Road, which turns off State Highway 73 around 110km from Christchurch. The road is signposted, including with a sign towards Craigieburn Valley Ski Area. Follow this road for about 1.5km, until you reach the track entrance.
Be aware that the road can require chains. Check the road conditions on the Craigieburn ski field website.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.12484° S, 171.71781° E
About this place
This track follows the Craigieburn Valley through mountain beech forest and tussock. It is best walked in summer and early autumn, as there can be avalanches when snow is present on the hills.
The route
December to April
The track begins on the Craigieburn Valley ski field road, 1.5 km up the road from the state highway turnoff. The track sidles along the edge of the valley, gradually gaining height. After around 20 minutes, you will pass the junction with The Luge Track , which leads to Lyndon Saddle and Broken River Valley. The track passes through mountain beech forest, until it emerges into alpine tussock near the Craigieburn Valley ski field huts and car park. You can make this a loop walk by following the road back to where you parked your car. This takes around an hour. Most mountain bikers do the loop in the opposite direction than is described here – they ride up the road, then back down Craigieburn Edge Track. Note: Craigieburn Edge Track is also known as Craigieburn Valley Track.
May to November
From May to November, you can expect winter conditions on the track. Ice, deep snow, adverse weather and avalanches can make the track hazardous. This track passes through complex avalanche terrain. Large avalanches can cross the track from winter to late spring (generally May to November). The avalanche paths are not signposted. We recommend walking/biking this track outside the avalanche season.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
This track goes through complex avalanche terrain
When there is snow on the steep slopes above this track, there can be large avalanches that cross the track. This is most common in winter and early spring (May to November). Even if there is no snow on the track, if there is snow higher up then there can still be avalanches. We recommend walking this track at times of year with no snow, which generally summer and early autumn. If you are considering walking this track when snow is present on the upper slopes, check the NZ Avalanche Advisory for Craigieburn Range . Make sure you know the weather and avalanche conditions, can recognise dangerous avalanche terrain, and are carrying avalanche rescue equipment and know how to use it.
Check the weather forecast and pack for all weather
Check the forecast before you go. Always carry a raincoat and warm layers. This area gets hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Find a day hike packing list here. Weather forecasts for Mt Cheeseman and Canterbury High Country
Expect wasps, especially in summer and early autumn
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
Shared use area
This track is used by walkers and mountain bikers – be respectful of other users. Mountain bikers should go slow and be ready to encounter walkers.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Broken River Lodge
Canterbury • 2.4 km
Custodian House
Canterbury • 2.4 km
Lyndon Lodge
Canterbury • 2.4 km
Palmer Lodge
Canterbury • 2.7 km
Holloway Lodge
Canterbury • 2.9 km
Holloway Lodge is a hut located in the Canterbury region. The provided records do not include further details about its facilities or location.
Walks nearby
Camp Saddle Track
Advanced • 1 - 2 hr • 1.66 km away
Helicopter Hill Track
Intermediate • 15 - 30 min one way • 500 m • 1.82 km away
Mistletoe Track
Intermediate • 1 hr 30 min • 2.31 km away
Craigieburn Sidle 73 Track
Intermediate • 20 min • 1 km • 2.97 km away
Bridge Hill Track
Intermediate • 15 min one way • 600 m • 3.35 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.