Craigieburn Forest Park, Canterbury, New Zealand
CRAIGIEBURN
Mid Canterbury
Location:
Mid Canterbury.
Find ‘Craigieburn Forest Park’ on Google Maps, drive there, about 90min from Christchurch - don’t forget to stop for a pie in Sheffield on your way. Park at the bottom carpark by the gate on the Craigieburn Access Rd. You can also access from the Broken River side, but I prefer this spot.
Time:
3.5 hours return.
2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down.
Difficulty.
Easy (mainly)
Dogs:
On-leash only.
Chose to walk up the road, as it is closed (off season) which was an easy climb. Once we got to the top we chose the ‘Edge track’ - watch out for Mountain Bikers though, this is a pretty popular trail. We also stopped at the Camp Saddle and walked up the scree to the tops, for a bit of extra gnar and some great views.
No reception for cell in most of this area, ski area in winter, popular MTB destination in summer.
Multiple other trails for walking in this area
Find a nice shady spot to park the vehicle, keep it cool.
Plenty of streams and waterfalls for drinking out of.
Some good stuff up high. Chose to put Charlies boots on him, to protect his paws from the scree.
Mountain top selfie.
Awesome scenic walk down, before dropping into the beeches.