Mistletoe Track

WalkCanterburyOpen

Grade
Intermediate
Walking time
1 hr 30 min
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.nz

Turns off State Highway 73 into the Broken River Skifield Road, around 108 km from Christchurch.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Map and tracks

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Tracks on this map:

Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.14504° S, 171.72442° E

Mistletoe Track, walk in Canterbury
Photo and data: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

About this place

This track climbs from the Craigieburn picnic area to Lyndon Saddle

The route

Mistletoe Track begins by the shelter at the Craigieburn picnic area. The track crosses Cave Stream and grassy terraces before sidling steeply through regenerating mountain-beech forest to Lyndon Saddle. Be aware that there is avalanche risk as the track approaches Lyndon Saddle. Avalanches originating on Helicopter Hill can come through the forest and across the track. We recommend walking this track outside of winter and early Spring, when there is no snow on Helicopter Hill. Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory . There is a junction with other tracks at Lyndon Saddle. You can return back the way you came to Craigieburn picnic area, or continue on The Luge Track or Helicopter Hill Track .

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.

No mountain biking

There is no mountain biking allowed on this track, as it is a very popular family walk. You can mountain bike on The Luge Track nearby, as well as a range of other tracks in the area.

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.

There can be avalanches on this track

Avalanches originating on Helicopter Hill can come through the forest and across the track. This is possible at any time when there is snow on Helicopter Hill, even when there is no snow on Mistletoe Track. Avalanches are most common between May and November. We recommend walking this track outside of winter and early Spring, when there is no snow on Helicopter Hill. Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory .

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.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Joins these tracks

Helicopter Hill TrackIntermediate • 500 m • 15 - 30 min one way
The Luge TrackIntermediate • 3.3 km • 1 hr 45 min

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

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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).