Cockayne Alley Track

Cockayne Alley Track connects the Middle Hut car park on Cheeseman Road with Dracophyllum Flat Track.

Starting from the top, the track descends steadily from Cheeseman Road through open terrain, then enters bush. It drops steeply down towards Tims Stream, then continues down the valley. The track crosses Cheeseman ski field access road, then shortly afterwards ends at the junction with Dracophyllum Flat Track.

This track is shared use and is a very challenging (Expert: Grade 5) mountain biking ride.

There is complex avalanche terrain on Cockayne Alley above the bush line and simple avalanche terrain to the bush line. There is more information on avalanche risk in Craigieburn in the Know Before You Go section and on this web page.

You can start this track from Middle Hut car park on Cheeseman Road, or from Dracophyllum Flat Track (30 min/1.1 km from Texas Flat). Carry chains in winter for Cheeseman Skifield access road.

There is a locked gate near the top of the ski field road, around the 1289 m high point. There is another gate lower on the road, near the ice skating rink. This gate is normally kept open but is sometimes closed for safety reasons (eg due to avalanche risk).

Check the weather forecast and pack for all weather

Check the forecast before you go. Always carry a raincoat and warm layers. This area gets hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Find a day hike packing list here.

Weather forecasts for Mt Cheeseman and Canterbury High Country

This is an expert-level track for mountain bikers

This challenging track is graded Expert: Grade 5 for mountain bikers. Make sure you have the skills before attempting it. There are lots of Intermediate: Grade 3 tracks in the area, which make a good alternative for less experienced riders.

No fires

No fires are allowed within Craigieburn Forest Park.

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.

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.

There may be avalanche danger

Check the avalanche terrain in this area.

Avalanches are most common from May to November in the Craigieburn Range. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage.

Check the avalanche danger before you go on the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.
3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.