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.nzTurns off State Highway 73 into the Broken River Skifield Road, around 108 km from Christchurch.
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. 43.14504° S, 171.72442° E

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
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Mistletoe Flats Campsite
Standard • Canterbury • 0.9 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
Holloway Lodge
Canterbury • 1.1 km
Holloway Lodge is a hut located in the Canterbury region. The provided records do not include further details about its facilities or location.
Environmental Education Centre
Canterbury • 1.2 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…
Broken River Lodge
Canterbury • 3.4 km
Custodian House
Canterbury • 3.4 km
Walks nearby

Craigieburn Sidle 73 Track
Intermediate • 20 min • 1 km • 0.93 km away

Bridge Hill Track
Intermediate • 15 min one way • 600 m • 1.32 km away

Craigieburn Edge Track
Intermediate • 1 hr 15 min • 4.5 km • 2.31 km away

Camp Saddle Track
Advanced • 1 - 2 hr • 2.4 km away

Dracophyllum Flat Track
Intermediate • 5.8 km • 3.27 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
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).