Bridge Hill Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A short walking track with stunning views from the top of Bridge Hill.

This DOC directory entry covers Bridge Hill Track in Canterbury, within Craigieburn Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 600 m one way
• Walking time: 15 min one way
• DOC grade: Intermediate

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The beginning of this track can be accessed from the Hut Creek Track (30 min 1.3 km one way), or from Jacks Pass on the Broken River Road.

At Jacks Pass, park vehicles on the right-hand side of the Environment Centre Road before the locked gate (do not block the road or gate) and walk 1 km (25 min) past the locked gate to highest point on the road at the next gate.

From the gate, follow the track to the summit of Bridge Hill (1050 m). From Bridge Hill there are panoramic views of the Castle Hill Basin and Torlesse Range in the east; look for the distinctive Torlesse Gap ‘notch’ in the ridge. The Craigieburn Range in the west rises to a high point of 2194 m at Mt Enys.

Mountain biking

No mountain biking allowed.

Getting there

Turns 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.

Know before you go

• No horses allowed

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.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.