Dracophyllum Flat Track
WalkCanterburyOpen
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Biking time
- Under 4 hours
- 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.nzTurns off State Highway 73 into the Broken River Skifield Road, around 108 km from Christchurch.
Broken River Ski-field Road is extremely narrow and winding, we recommend travelling slowly (20 km per hour) to avoid collisions and to look for areas where two vehicles can get past each other.
In winter, this road may require tyre chains to access. We also recommend not travelling inwards on this road in the afternoons as there can be many vehicles exiting the ski-field.
There is no vehicle access to the Environment Centre. There are locked gates near Jack’s Pass, Bridge Hill and on SH.73 (Bridge Hill Road). Parking is very limited at all track-heads; do not block road access.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.16757° S, 171.69857° E
About this place
This track leads from Jacks Pass to Dracophyllum Flat, a popular picnic spot, then on to Texas Flat
The route
This track begins near Jacks Pass, on the Broken River ski field road. The track gradually descends to Broken River, which is crossed on a pole bridge. After crossing the river, the track ascends for five minutes (walking) through mountain beech forest. You then come to a sheltered clearing, called Dracophyllum Flat. It is a popular picnic spot. Dracophyllum Flat is named after the red-brown Dracophyllum that grows here, along with native tussock and a host of small herbs and ground covering plants. After crossing Dracophyllum Flat, the track re-enters the bush. It goes through several boggy and muddy areas as well as crossing several small streams. Once through the bush, the track traverses a tussock area and some more forest and then drops into Timms Stream. After climbing out of the stream, the track arrives at Texas Flat on the Cheeseman Ski Field Road. All major stream crossings are bridged, except for Cuckoo Creek. This area can flood and become impassable during heavy rain.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Fire-damaged trees hazard
Tracks within the Craigieburn Forest areas were affected by a previous large fire and may contain ongoing hazards from fire-damaged trees. Be aware: Dead or damaged trees may fall without warning. Falling branches, limbs, and dead spars can occur at any time, including during calm weather. Hazards may increase during periods of strong wind, heavy rain, or snow. Take extra care when travelling through fire-affected areas, remain alert to your surroundings, and avoid stopping beneath dead or damaged trees where possible.
Be ready for alpine weather
This is an alpine area and people should be prepared for extremes of weather. Always check the forecast before you go. Weather forecasts for Mt Cheeseman and Canterbury High Country Carry warm layers, a waterproof raincoat and sun protection. Find packing lists here.
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.
No fires
No fires are allowed within Craigieburn Forest Park.
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.
Take care when crossing Cuckoo Creek
There is no bridge and the crossing can be impassable during/after heavy rain.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Environmental Education Centre
Canterbury • 2.1 km
The Environmental Education Centre is a hut located in the Canterbury region. No further details about its facilities or specific location are available in the…
Holloway Lodge
Canterbury • 2.2 km
Holloway Lodge is a hut located in the Canterbury region. The provided records do not include further details about its facilities or location.
Mistletoe Flats Campsite
Standard • Canterbury • 3.2 km
Mistletoe Flats Campsite is located in Canterbury, set within a landscape of beech forest, tussock, and rugged mountains. The area offers nearby mountain…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Lyndon Lodge
Canterbury • 4.3 km
Broken River Lodge
Canterbury • 4.4 km
Walks nearby
Cuckoo Creek Track
Intermediate • 1 hr • 2 km • 0.99 km away
Cockayne Alley Track
Intermediate • 2 hr • 4 km • 1.52 km away
Bridge Hill Track
Intermediate • 15 min one way • 600 m • 1.96 km away
Mistletoe Track
Intermediate • 1 hr 30 min • 3.27 km away
Hogs Back Track (Easy Up Track and Descent Track)
Intermediate • 2 hr 30 min • 7.4 km • 3.37 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 & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- 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).