Walking tracks
Explore the walks in Selwyn
Explore diverse alpine vegetation, waterfalls, and stunning alpine vistas with a great range of walks in Selwyn.
Walking
22 May 2025
Walks in Selwyn
Explore the range of walks in and around the Selwyn district.
Walks on the way to Arthur's Pass
If you're driving to Arthur's Pass, be sure to check out these walks on the way.
Bridge Hill Walk
Enjoy panoramic views of Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill and the Torlesse Range from this track.
Time to complete
- 20 minutes return.
Starting point
- Park at the locked gate on the road to the Environment Centre and walk down the road/ Turn right at the junction near the Environment Centre and right again when you reach the junction at the Forest Park boundary.
Camp Saddle
Magnificent scenic views. Interesting botanical specimens including celmisia, gentians and edelweiss.
Time to complete
- 2 hours one way.
Starting point
- At the locked gate on the Broken River ski field road.
Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill
The grand limestone rock battlements of Kura Tawhiti led early European travellers to name this unique area Castle Hill. The area is rich in Maori history.
What you need to know
- The track loops it's way around the magnificent limestone rock formations but the joy in this area is heading off the track and exploring at your own pace.
- Pack a picnic and find a hidden spot on-top or next to one of the giant rocks.
- Watch out for the enthusiastic climbers taking advantage of this epic location.
Time to complete
- As long or as short as you like!
Starting point
- State Highway 73, 50 km before Arthur's Pass (when travelling from Christchurch). Castle Hill Limestone Reserve/Kura Tawhiti is clearly marked on the left in the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve area.
Cave Stream
A must do walk through limestone water-grooved rocks in an underground cave. Enjoy stunning views of surrounding mountains. The limestone formations nearby were used in the filming of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
*Please ensure you have checked the weather conditions and have all the correct safety equipment before entering the cave. Also note there is a long term alert of the water depth increasing in this cave.
Time to complete
- 1 hour
Starting point
- Cave Stream Reserve, SH73 between the Broken River bridge and Craigieburn Forest Park entrance.
Craigieburn Valley Track
Walk through mountain beech forest and alpine tussocks. The return trip can be made via the ski field road.
Time to complete
- 4 hours return
Starting point
- On the Craigieburn Ski Field Road. 1.5 km from the main highway. Park at locked gate on Craigieburn ski field road and walk up road to start. The track can also be accessed by walking over Lyndon Saddle via the Mistletoe or Lyndon Saddle Tracks.
Dracophyllum Flat Track
A popular picnic site. View native tussock, small herbs and ground cover plants on the track. Cross over Broken River via a pole bridge.
Time to complete
1.5 hours return
- Starting point
- From the Broken River Ski Field Road just before Jacks Pass.
Helicopter Hill
The track climbs from the Lyndon Saddle along a steep ridge with open screes between beech forest. Enjoy spectacular views of the Craigieburn and Torlesse ranges and limestone formations.
Time to complete
- 4 hours return
Starting point
- Craigieburn picnic shelter
Hogs Back Track
Walk the track from either end, through beech forest and across the Hogs Back Creek.
Time to complete
- 2.5 hours one way
Starting point
- Behind Castle Hill Village on the road to the Thomas Bush and St Andrews Lodge or from Texas Flat on the Cheeseman Ski Field Road.
Hut Creek Walk
Walk through an area that was used for trial planting from 1956 - mid 1970's.
Time to complete
- 1 hour return.
Starting point
- At the Environmental Education Centre off State Highway 73, about 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. Park at the locked gate on the road to the Environmental Centre and walk down the road to the centre car park.
Lyndon Saddle
Cross Cave Stream and grassy terraces. View regenerating beech forest and low glacial terraces.
Time to complete
- 3.5 hours return.
Starting point
- Craigieburn picnic shelter.
Sidle 73 Track
A popular family walk. This is also a mountain biking track.
Time to complete
- 1 hour return
Starting point
- Craigieburn picnic shelter
Arthur's Pass
Explore diverse alpine vegetation, waterfalls, and stunning alpine vistas with a great range of walks in Arthur's Pass.
Arthur's Pass Historical Walk
Leisurely walk around historic sites in Arthur's Pass Village.
Time to complete
- 1.5 hours return.
Starting point
- Visitor Centre.
Arthur's Pass Walking Track
Highlighting the best of Arthur’s Pass. Enjoy a view of the Dobson Memorial at Arthur’s Pass summit.
Time to complete
- 1 hour 20 minutes (one way).
Starting point
- Start at the Punchbowl, Bealey Chasm (Jacks Hut) or Temple Basin car parks to walk all or part of the track and return the same way.
Bealey Spur
Stunning red-flowering mistletoe/Pirirangi during summer. Expansive views of Waimakariri River valley and surrounding mountains.
Time to complete
- 4-6 hours return or 2 days return if staying overnight (2-3 hours walking per day).
Starting point
- The end of Cloudesley Road, off the main highway near the Bealey Hotel, 14 km south of Arthur's Pass Village.
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
The most popular walk in Arthur’s Pass. Spectacular views of the waterfall.
Time to complete
- 1 hour return.
Starting point
A signpost just north of Arthur's Chalet points to the carpark where the walk starts. Return the same way.
Millennium Walk
A great walk suitable for prams. Enjoy views of Avalanche Creek Waterfall.
Time to complete
- 10 minutes return
Starting point
- Beside the Visitor Centre
Mt Aicken
Passes an old pipeline that fed an electricity generator for rail tunnel construction.
Time to complete
- 3-4 hours return to bushline - a track for advanced trampers.
Starting point
- Devils Punchbowl Waterfall car park. The turnoff is signposted 15 minutes up the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall track.
Mt Cassidy (Cons Track)
Good views of Arthur's Pass Village at end of track.
Time to complete
3-4 hours return to bushline. This track is for advanced trampers.
Starting point
Devils Punchbowl car park.
Old Coach Road
Pleasant forest walk, suitable for all-terrain baby buggies.
Time to complete
- 30 minutes return.
Starting point
- Starts and finishes near Greyneys Shelter, 6 km south of Arthur’s Pass village.
Otira Valley
View of summer alpine flowers. Climbs over an old glacial moraine and subalpine scrub and tussock.
Time to complete
- 2 hours return to footbridge
- Starting point: The track leaves from a car park beside State Highway 73, just north of Arthur's Pass summit.
Key highlights
- View of summer alpine flowers
- Climbs over an old glacial moraine and subalpine scrub and tussock.
Lake Coleridge and Rakaia walks
Lake Coleridge was built around New Zealand's first state-owned hydroelectric power station, which was constructed between 1911 and 1914. Discover the history of the area with a great range of tracks from easy walks to longer day hikes.
Lake Coleridge Tail Race Walk
Visit a place which is reputed to be a moa cooking site (discovered in 1960). Spectacular views stretching up the valley to the head of the Rakaia River with a stunning display of colour in autumn.
Time to complete
- 5 to 30 minutes.
Starting point
- Lake Coleridge Domain information board.
Washpen Falls
Walk through a canyon formed by an ancient volcano. See waterfalls and views across the Canterbury Plains. Enjoy a track full of native bush and bird song.
What you need to know
- One hour drive from Christchurch.
- The walk is situated on a high country working farm.
- The walk is a loop track.
- A fee is charged which includes a track guide & use of walking sticks $10.00 per adult $5.00 per child (under 15).
- Walkable all year round except in extreme weather.
- Warm clothing & sturdy footwear required.
- Prams are not suitable.
- Dogs are not permitted.
Time to complete
- 3 hours return.
Starting point
- 380 Washpen Road.
Rakaia Gorge Walking Track
See spectacular geological areas, showing lava flows of rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite. View the Snowdon coal mines and enjoy the view of the bright blue crystal clear water of the Rakaia River.
Time to complete
- 3 - 4 hours return.
Starting point
- The track starts off State Highway 72 Inland Scenic Route on the northern edge of the Rakaia River, upstream of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge.
Rockwood Bush Walk
See native ferns, black beech, matai, white pine and bird life. Walk alongside the Rockwood stream.
Time to complete
- 1 hour
Starting point
- Rockwood farm, Darts Road (off Washpen Road). Please note access permission is by advance telephone arrangement with the land owner. There is a $10 charge for this walk
Te Araroa (the long pathway); New Zealand National Walkway
The Te Araroa Trail is a national walkway covering the length of New Zealand, with a portion of it going through the Lake Coleridge area in 3 sections. Walk alongside wetlands, farms, pine forest and the lake.
Time to complete
- 4 hours return
Starting point
- Hart Arboretum Gate on Intake Road in the village
Southbridge, Lincoln and Leeston walks
Discover a broad range of native bird and wildlife and historical landmarks on these easy walking tracks. Highlights include Coopers Lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and Birdlings Flat.
Coopers Lagoon
Walk through a wetland reserve and wild coastline. Expect to see abundant birdlife and classic wetland flora.
Starting point
- McEvedys Road, near Southbridge.
Harts Creek
Walk through native bush and view wooded swamp, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and see native flaxes in flower during summer. The walkway ends at the Bird Hide.
Time to complete
- 40 minutes return.
Starting point
- Reserve car park, which is accessible from the lakeside domain off Lower Lake Road.
Lincoln Historical walk
See historical landmarks around the township of Lincoln.
Time to complete
- 45 minutes (short walk) 1 hour and 30 minutes (extended walk).
Starting point
- Liffey Cottage, James Street, Lincoln.
Little River Rail Trail
See the changing landscape with one thousand years of human history. Pass by rural areas and townships with scenery including lakes, ancient volcanoes, rivers and natural vegetation.
Time to complete
- 6 sections, totalling 48.5km (sections range from 3.5km - 13km each)
Starting point
- Section 1: Shands Road, Hornby
- Section 2: Birches Road - Trices Road intersection, Prebbleton
- Section 3: Edward Street, Lincoln
- Section 4: Park Road, Ahuriri Reserve
- Section 5: Motukarara
- Section 6: Birdlings Flat
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