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.

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.

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.