Mistletoe Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track climbs from the Craigieburn picnic area to Lyndon Saddle

This DOC directory entry covers Mistletoe 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 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

Mistletoe Track begins by the shelter at the Craigieburn picnic area.

The track crosses Cave Stream and grassy terraces before sidling steeply through regenerating mountain-beech forest to Lyndon Saddle.

Be aware that there is avalanche risk as the track approaches Lyndon Saddle. Avalanches originating on Helicopter Hill can come through the forest and across the track. We recommend walking this track outside of winter and early Spring, when there is no snow on Helicopter Hill. Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory.

There is a junction with other tracks at Lyndon Saddle. You can return back the way you came to Craigieburn picnic area, or continue on The Luge Track or Helicopter Hill Track.

Getting there

Turns off State Highway 73 into the Broken River Skifield Road, around 108 km from Christchurch.

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.

No mountain biking

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.

Be ready for alpine weather

This is an alpine area and people should be prepared for extremes of weather. Always check the forecast before you go. Weather forecasts for Mt Cheeseman and Canterbury High Country

Carry warm layers, a waterproof raincoat and sun protection. Find packing lists here.

There can be avalanches on this track

Avalanches originating on Helicopter Hill can come through the forest and across the track. This is possible at any time when there is snow on Helicopter Hill, even when there is no snow on Mistletoe Track. Avalanches are most common between May and November.

We recommend walking this track outside of winter and early Spring, when there is no snow on Helicopter Hill. Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory.

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.