Coal Pit Spur Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This shared-use track links Craigieburn valley and Flock Hill, via Coal Pit Spur.

This DOC directory entry covers Coal Pit Spur 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: 4.3 km one way
• Walking time: 1 hr 15 min
• 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

Coal Pit Spur Track begins on Craigieburn ski field access road, not long after the turnoff from SH73. The track crosses a terrace, then drops down to Craigieburn Stream.

It crosses the stream – there is no bridge, so assess the stream before crossing. If the stream is high or you are not confident crossing, then we recommend staying out.

The track follows the stream, then climbs gradually away from the stream. It crosses the base of Coal Pit Spur before dropping to Manson Creek and following the creek down to the track end. This also involves an unbridged stream crossing.

Getting there

You can start this track off the Craigieburn ski field access road, or from the Manson Creek entrance to Craigieburn Forest Park (by Flock Hill, off SH73).

Carry chains in winter for Cheeseman Skifield access road.

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.

Check the weather forecast and pack for all weather

Check the forecast before you go. Always carry a raincoat and warm layers. This area gets hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Find a day hike packing list here.

Weather forecasts for Mt Cheeseman and Canterbury High Country

Be careful when crossing unbridged streams

There are unbridged crossings of Craigieburn Stream and Manson Creek on this track. These can rise significantly during wet weather and are not always safe to cross.

Assess them carefully before crossing. If you aren’t sure that it’s safe, stay out.

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.

Shared use area

This track is used by walkers and mountain bikers – be respectful of other users. Mountain bikers should go slow and be ready to encounter walkers. No horses.

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.