Helicopter Hill Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track leads from Lyndon Saddle to the summit of Helicopter Hill, with great views.

This DOC directory entry covers Helicopter Hill 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: 500 m one way
• Walking time: 15 - 30 min one way
• 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

This track starts at Lyndon Saddle. You can reach it on Mistletoe Track or The Luge Track.

From Lyndon Saddle, the track climbs along a steep ridge with open screes between the beech forests. The top of Helicopter Hill (1256 m) is covered with tussock and low hebes and grasses. From here there are spectacular views of the Craigieburn and Torlesse ranges and the limestone landscape of Castle Hill Basin.

You will also pass patches of felled pine trees that are gradually being cleared from the hill, as this is a major take-off site for wind-blown pine seed to be dispersed across the Castle Hill Basin. Please help by pulling out any pine seedlings you come across.

Getting there

This track starts at Lyndon Saddle. You can get to Lyndon Saddle by walking Mistletoe Track or The Luge Track.

Know before you go

No mountain biking or fires

There is no mountain biking allowed on this track, as it is a very popular family walk. You can mountain bike on The Luge Track nearby, as well as a range of other tracks in the area.

No fires are allowed within Craigieburn Forest Park.

This track is very exposed

Much of this track is not in the bush – it is fully exposed to the weather.

In summer it gets very hot, so pack plenty of water and sun protection. Snow is common in winter.

In bad weather during any season, you will have little shelter against high wind, rain and cold temperatures. Always check the forecast before you go and pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Track can be icy in winter.

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.

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.