Craigieburn Forest Park

Craigieburn Forest Park sits in mountainous terrain with dense mountain beech forests, alpine zones, and tussock grasslands. The area lies near Arthur's Pass National Park and contains numerous rivers throughout its varied landscape.

The area was established in 1967 by the Department of Conservation as an experimental forestry zone. During this period, the New Zealand Forest Service planted pines to control soil erosion.

The park holds deep meaning for Māori people and serves as a place where visitors can experience the natural diversity of the South Island. Walking through here, you encounter landscapes that have mattered to local communities for generations.

The park entrance is about 110 kilometers from Christchurch along Highway 73, with designated parking areas available. Multiple marked trails run through the park for different skill levels and physical abilities.

Mountain beech trees with distinctive pointed leaves thrive in the lower elevations, contrasting sharply with what grows higher up. In the alpine zones, specialized plants have adapted to survive in moving shingle and harsh mountain conditions.