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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Craigieburn Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Explore Broken River ski field area in summer, with walking options to suit various fitness and skill levels.
This DOC directory entry covers Broken River Ski Field Basin walking and tramping 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- DOC grade: Expert
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
During the summer months there is walking access up to the ski field basin of Broken River. This area is harsh and alpine and should be treated with respect. Always check the forecast and come prepared for both heat and cold.
Beyond the bush-line there are no marked routes. If you plan to go to this area, carry a map and compass.
There are walking options for different levels of fitness and experience:
Fit, experienced trampers will be able to gain access up onto the main ridge and rocky peaks, which give superb views of the backcountry from Arthur’s Pass to Mount Cook.
Less fit and less experienced walkers will enjoy the lower bush and tussock slopes.
Walk to ski field accommodation huts
Time: 2 - 3 hr return, (start/finish at locked gate)
From the locked gate on Broken River Road, you can walk up the ski field road all the way to the accommodation huts, and up to the rope tows. There is also a bush track beside the inclinator (goods lift) which zig zags directly up to the huts, and a pleasant return can be made down the vehicle road.
Tramp from ski field huts to the ski field basin and main ridge
Time: 4 - 5 hr return (start/finish at huts)
From the Broken River ski field huts, there is a vehicle track that sidles up to the tussock basin. From here, there are rough, unmarked routes up onto the main ridge and on to Nervous Knob.
There are superb views down into the Hamilton-Harper catchments and on a fine day you can see as far as Mount Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Remember: to start and finish this tramp you will need to walk to the ski field huts, which adds an extra 2-3 hours.
Mountain biking access
It is possible to bike from Craigieburn picnic area up to the ski field. The road leaves Craigieburn Picnic Area following Cave Stream and climbs to Jacks Pass. The road follows the valley beyond the locked gate, winding its way to Windy Corner and on to the club huts. Beyond the day lodge on the ski field, sections of the road are steep and loose, but the ski basin can be accessed by bike.
It is 6 km from the picnic area to the club hut. This is an Intermediate: Grade 3 bike and takes around 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr (one way).
Getting there
Turn off State Highway 73 onto Broken River Road. This turn-off is about 110 km from Christchurch on State Highway 73 towards Arthur’s Pass and is a signposted side-road to Mistletoe Flat, the Environmental Education Centre and Broken River ski field.
Follow Broken River Road until you reach the locked gate and carpark where the road crosses Camp Stream. Park here.
Know before you go
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.
Carry warm layers, a waterproof raincoat and sun protection. Find packing lists here.
If snow is present, be avalanche aware
When there is snow on the steep slopes above this track, there can be avalanches that cross the track. Even if there is no snow where you are walking, if there is snow higher up then there can still be avalanches.
We recommend walking this track when there is no snow.
If you are considering walking this track when snow is present on the upper slopes, check the NZ Avalanche Advisory for Craigieburn Range.
Pick the right track for you
The untracked routes in the upper ski field need navigation skills and route-finding confidence, as well as good fitness. We recommend people without this pick the lower loop from the locked gate to the ski field accommodation huts.
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.
Dog access
Dogs are not permitted in the operational areas of the ski fields during winter, while the ski fields are open. This is because the presence of dogs can severely impact the work of avalanche rescue dogs.
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.
