Image: Ruth McKie | ©
Bridge Hill Track
Bridge Hill Track

Located in Craigieburn Forest Park in the Canterbury region

A short walking track with stunning views from the top of Bridge Hill.

The beginning of this track can be accessed from the Hut Creek Track (30 min 1.3 km one way), or from Jacks Pass on the Broken River Road.

At Jacks Pass, park vehicles on the right-hand side of the Environment Centre Road before the locked gate (do not block the road or gate) and walk 1 km (25 min) past the locked gate to highest point on the road at the next gate.

From the gate, follow the track to the summit of Bridge Hill (1050 m). From Bridge Hill there are panoramic views of the Castle Hill Basin and Torlesse Range in the east; look for the distinctive Torlesse Gap ‘notch’ in the ridge. The Craigieburn Range in the west rises to a high point of 2194 m at Mt Enys.

Mountain biking

No mountain biking allowed.

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.

  • No horses allowed

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.