Dracophyllum Flat Track

This track begins near Jacks Pass, on the Broken River ski field road. The track gradually descends to Broken River, which is crossed on a pole bridge.

After crossing the river, the track ascends for five minutes (walking) through mountain beech forest. You then come to a sheltered clearing, called Dracophyllum Flat. It is a popular picnic spot.

Dracophyllum Flat is named after the red-brown Dracophyllum that grows here, along with native tussock and a host of small herbs and ground covering plants.

After crossing Dracophyllum Flat, the track re-enters the bush. It goes through several boggy and muddy areas as well as crossing several small streams.

Once through the bush, the track traverses a tussock area and some more forest and then drops into Timms Stream. After climbing out of the stream, the track arrives at Texas Flat on the Cheeseman Ski Field Road.

All major stream crossings are bridged, except for Cuckoo Creek. This area can flood and become impassable during heavy rain.

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

Broken River Ski-field Road is extremely narrow and winding, we recommend travelling slowly (20 kmph) to avoid collisions and to look for areas where two vehicles can get past each other.

In winter, this road may require tyre chains to access. We also recommend not travelling inwards on this road in the afternoons as there can be many vehicles exiting the ski-field.

There is no vehicle access to the Environment Centre. There are locked gates near Jack’s Pass, Bridge Hill and on SH.73 (Bridge Hill Road). Parking is very limited at all track-heads; do not block road access.

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.

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.

No fires

No fires are allowed within Craigieburn Forest Park.

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.

Take care when crossing Cuckoo Creek

There is no bridge and the crossing can be impassable during/after heavy rain.