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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: -43.16361, 171.68770. 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
- 2 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 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 shared-use track links Dracophyllum Flat Track with Cheeseman Road.
This DOC directory entry covers Cuckoo Creek 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: 2 km one way
- Walking time: 1 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
Cuckoo Creek Track is shared by mountain bikers and walkers.
The track junction with Dracophyllum Flat Track is 2.4 km (45 mins walking) from Texas Flat and 2.8 km (1 hour walking) from Broken River Road. The track climbs steadily until it reaches Cheeseman Road, the ski field access road.
If you plan to walk or bike back down the road, be cautious of other users. The road can be busy during the ski season.
Getting there
You can start this track from Cheeseman Road or from Dracophyllum Flat Track. Carry chains in winter for Cheeseman Skifield access road.
There is a gate on Cheeseman 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 advanced track for mountain bikers
This track is graded Advanced: Grade 4. 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.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times; no fires
Dogs are allowed on this track but must be kept on a leash at all times. Keep to the track as ground-feeding birds are very vulnerable to dog disturbance. Please clean up after your dog.
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.
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.
