Loading...
Selwyn District
1.2 km
18 minutes
31 metres
If you are looking for a gentle introduction to the majestic Craigieburn Forest Park, or perhaps you are a mountain biker wanting to connect some of the region's more epic descents without hitting the main highway, Sidle 73 is a track you need to know about.
Tucked away in the Selwyn District, just an hour and a half from Christchurch, this 1.2-kilometre gem is the perfect example of why bigger isn't always better. Whether you are travelling with little ones in tow, walking the dog, or simply need a quick dose of native beech forest magic, this trail delivers a high-quality experience with very little sweat required.
Stepping onto the Sidle 73 track feels like entering another world. While the busy State Highway 73 (the Great Alpine Highway) is nearby, the thick canopy of mountain beech forest acts as a natural sound barrier, muffling the world outside and replacing it with the rhythmic chime of bellbirds and the rustle of the wind through the leaves.
The trail gets its name from the way it "sidles" — a classic New Zealand term for traversing horizontally across the face of a hill — along the slopes between the two main ski field access roads. It serves as a vital link, connecting the Craigieburn Picnic Area (on the Broken River Ski Field road) to the Craigieburn Ski Field access road.
The terrain is incredibly manageable. Much of the track follows the line of an old 4WD track, which means the footing is generally solid and wide enough for easy conversation. With only 31 metres of elevation gain over the 1.2-kilometre distance, it’s more of a rhythmic stroll than a strenuous hike. You’ll find yourself wandering through a lush, green corridor where the floor is carpeted in orange beech leaves and delicate mosses.
Because it is a dual-use track, you might share the path with mountain bikers. The design of the trail is "intermediate" by DOC standards, mainly because of the occasional root or stone, but for walkers, it is a straightforward "easy" grade. The gentle gradient makes it a fantastic choice for families with kids who aren't quite ready for the big alpine climbs of the nearby Craigieburn Range, but still want to feel like they are on a real mountain adventure.
Parking is available at the Craigieburn Picnic Area, which is located on the Broken River Ski Field access road, turning off State Highway 73.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Acanthisitta chloris
The tītitiponamu is New Zealand's smallest native bird, often seen flitting quickly up tree trunks and branches.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Point to point
The real star of the show here is the Mountain Beech Forest. This isn't just any bush; it is a pristine example of the high-country forest that once covered much of this region. The trees are often covered in a black sooty mould (don't worry, it's natural!) which is caused by scale insects that produce honeydew—a vital food source for native birds.
Finding Sidle 73 is easy, as it is located right off the main road to the West Coast.
From Christchurch, follow State Highway 73 through Springfield and over Porter's Pass. Continue past Lake Pearson and look for the sign for the Broken River Ski Field. Turn onto the gravel access road and drive a short distance until you reach the Craigieburn Picnic Area.
There is ample parking here, along with toilet facilities and picnic tables. The track is well-signposted from the picnic area. Because this is a point-to-point track, you can either arrange a pick-up at the Craigieburn Ski Field road end, or simply turn around and walk back the way you came, making it a very pleasant 2.4-kilometre return trip.
For such a short walk, Sidle 73 is surprisingly bird-heavy. The honeydew produced in these beech forests acts like a high-energy buffet for New Zealand's feathered residents.
Tip: If you stand still for a minute and remain quiet, the birds will often come to you. The pīwakawaka in particular are very curious!
The Craigieburn Forest Park is an alpine environment, which means the "flavour" of the walk changes dramatically with the seasons.
What to pack: Even though this is a short, easy walk, the weather in the Selwyn high country can change in a heartbeat. Always carry a light waterproof jacket, even if the sky is blue. A bottle of water and a light snack are great to have, especially if you decide to linger at the picnic area. If you are walking in summer, don't forget the sun protection; the New Zealand sun is fierce, even at higher altitudes.
A note on dogs: Sidle 73 is dog-friendly, which is a rarity in many of our national parks. However, please keep your furry friends under control to protect the nesting birds and to be respectful of other track users, including mountain bikers.
The area around the Craigieburn Range holds significant meaning for both Māori and early European settlers. For Ngāi Tahu, the local iwi (tribe), these mountains were part of the ara tawhito—the ancient trails used to travel between the East Coast and the West Coast pounamu (greenstone) resources. The forest provided shelter and food for those making the arduous journey across the Alps.
In the mid-19th century, the area became part of the vast high-country sheep stations. You can still see the remnants of this pastoral history in the surrounding landscape. The forest itself was protected as a Forest Park in the 1970s, largely to prevent erosion and protect the headwaters of the Waimakariri River. Today, it is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, managed by the Department of Conservation with a focus on restoring native biodiversity.
Once you've finished your wander and breathed in that fresh mountain air, you’ll likely be looking for a bit of "sustenance."
Sidle 73 might be short, but it offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes the New Zealand wilderness special: ancient forests, unique wildlife, and a profound sense of peace. It’s the perfect "easy win" for your next weekend adventure.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round