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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -43.16955, 171.68002. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 4 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- 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
This track links Dracophyllum Flat Track with Cheeseman Road.
This DOC directory entry covers Cockayne Alley 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 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr
- 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
Cockayne Alley Track connects the Middle Hut car park on Cheeseman Road with Dracophyllum Flat Track.
Starting from the top, the track descends steadily from Cheeseman Road through open terrain, then enters bush. It drops steeply down towards Tims Stream, then continues down the valley. The track crosses Cheeseman ski field access road, then shortly afterwards ends at the junction with Dracophyllum Flat Track.
This track is shared use and is a very challenging (Expert: Grade 5) mountain biking ride.
There is complex avalanche terrain on Cockayne Alley above the bush line and simple avalanche terrain to the bush line. There is more information on avalanche risk in Craigieburn in the Know Before You Go section and on this web page.
Getting there
You can start this track from Middle Hut car park on Cheeseman Road, or from Dracophyllum Flat Track (30 min/1.1 km from Texas Flat). Carry chains in winter for Cheeseman Skifield access road.
There is a locked gate near the top of the ski field road, around the 1289 m high point. There is another gate lower on the road, near the ice skating rink. This gate is normally kept open but is sometimes closed for safety reasons (eg due to avalanche risk).
Know before you go
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
This is an expert-level track for mountain bikers
This challenging track is graded Expert: Grade 5 for mountain bikers. Make sure you have the skills before attempting it. There are lots of Intermediate: Grade 3 tracks in the area, which make a good alternative for less experienced riders.
No fires
No fires are allowed within Craigieburn Forest Park.
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.
There may be avalanche danger
Check the avalanche terrain in this area.
Avalanches are most common from May to November in the Craigieburn Range. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.
Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:
Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
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.
