Craigieburn Forest Park

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Introduction

Craigieburn Forest Park extends from the Waimakariri River to the Wilberforce River - with braided rivers, beech valleys, tussock grasslands, alpine screes and rugged mountain peaks topping 2300 m.

It is a place of extremes with the sheltered valleys and lower slopes clothed almost entirely in mountain beech, whilst forces of erosion have crumbled the mountain tops to create Craigieburn’s characteristic rock screes.

Find things to do and places to stay Craigieburn Forest Park

There are opportunities for climbers in the park.

The two ski field roads give 4WD access to the upper valley basins.

You need to be aware and take account of other road users, including mountain bikers, at all times.

Both the Broken River ski field road and the Craigieburn ski field road are short interesting drives in summer. Both are unsealed, narrow and winding.

There is an attractive picnic area beside Cave Stream on the Broken River ski field road, just off the main highway. Known as the Craigieburn Picnic Area, this sunny sheltered spot has an open shelter, picnic tables, information signs and grass river terraces for camping.

From the shelter there is a circuit road that passes Jacks Pass and the Environmental Education Centre, and continues onto the lookout carpark on the saddle. This carpark is the starting point for two short walks.

Two ski clubs operate fields within the park – Broken River and Craigieburn Valley. During winter the roads can get snowed under so you should be equipped with chains.

Contacts

Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Phone +64 3 318 9211
Email arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz
Address 104 West Coast Road
Arthur's Pass 7654
Hours Visitor centre hours and services
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