Craigieburn Sidle 73 Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track connects Craigieburn picnic area with the Craigieburn ski field access road.

This DOC directory entry covers Craigieburn Sidle 73 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: 1 km one way
• Walking time: 20 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

The Sidle 73 Track connects the Craigieburn Picnic Area on the Broken River Ski Field access road with the Craigieburn Ski Field access road. This allows people to do loop rides or walks over Lyndon Saddle and avoid a return trip along the state highway.

Sidle 73 Track begins at the Craigieburn Picnic Area. In part the trail uses an old 4WD track and has been constructed as a walking and biking track of intermediate grade. After around 1 km, the track ends on the Craigieburn Ski Field access road, not far above the state highway turnoff.

Popular biking routes using this track:

• Lyndon Saddle Loop (intermediate, Grade 3). Start at the Craigieburn picnic area. Ride the Sidle 73 Track to Craigieburn ski field road. Follow the road for around 3 km, then take the Craigieburn Edge Track. Turn off this track at the next junction and take The Luge track over Lyndon Saddle. This track emerges onto Broken River ski field road, then follow this road back down to the picnic area. The loop is 8.8 km and takes 1-3 hours to ride.

• Craigieburn Valley Loop (advanced, Grade 4). Start at the Craigieburn picnic area. Ride the Sidle 73 Track, then bike up the Craigieburn Valley ski field road to the head of the valley, beyond the ski club buildings. Take the Craigieburn Edge Track back down the valley, then return to the picnic area via The Luge track or the Sidle 73 Track.

Getting there

To start on the Broken River side:

The track begins at Craigieburn picnic area, on Broken River Road, which turns off State Highway 73 into the Broken River Skifield Road, around 108 km from Christchurch.

The picnic area is a very short distance up Broken River Road.

To start on Craigieburn Valley side:

The track entrance/exit is on Craigieburn Valley Road, which turns off State Highway 73 around 110 km from Christchurch (signposted towards Craigieburn Valley Ski Area). The track entrance is a short distance after the state highway turnoff.

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

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.

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.