Welcome to New Zealand’s White Water Capital, where wild rivers, mountain landscapes and a long history of adventure surround this small town. From rafting and jet boating to fly fishing, biking and hidden natural wonders, there are plenty of ways to get amongst it in Murchison.
Trade adrenaline for downtime at Maruia River Retreat, a luxury wellbeing escape set among 500 acres of native beech forest, river and mountain landscapes. Stay in a private villa and unwind with forest bathing, yoga, massage, nature walks, stargazing and gourmet dining.
Hear it before you see it. Maruia Falls was formed after the 1929 Murchison earthquake triggered a landslide and diverted the Maruia River. A short walk leads to an open viewpoint where you can take in the thundering falls and surrounding landscape.
See the Kawatiri (Buller) River at considerably more than walking pace. Buller Canyon Jet takes you through pink granite canyons and rapids, with 360-degree spins adding an extra shot of adrenaline. Native beech forest, waterfalls and mountain scenery line the way.
With more than 20 white-water runs within 20 minutes of town, Murchison has well and truly earned its reputation as New Zealand’s White Water Capital. The rivers flowing across the Four Corners Plain create options for everyone from first-time rafters and families to experienced paddlers chasing bigger rapids. Join Ultimate Descents to tackle the Kawatiri (Buller) and experience the deep canyons, clear pools and fast-moving water that make this corner of Nelson Tasman such a paddling playground.
Take on the Old Ghost Road, an 85km mountain biking and tramping trail winding through native forest, river valleys and tussock tops between Lyell and the Mōkihinui River. Following historic gold-mining routes, this spectacular Great Ride serves up a proper backcountry adventure year-round. Prefer a guide or keen to heli-drop into the action? Cycle Nelson can take care of the details, so you can focus on the ride.
Gold runs deep in Murchison’s story. Discover tales from the 19th-century gold rush and devastating 1929 earthquake at the Murchison District Museum, then try your luck with a pan at the Buller Gorge Adventure & Heritage Park.
The saying “nothing worth seeing is ever found easily” springs to mind when traversing the rocky terrain by 4WD in the remote Murchison backcountry, only to reach what is quite possibly the only place you will ever find flames burning on the floor of a forest without causing a forest fire. This four-hour tour will take you through a magical woodland full of ancient mosses and native canopies, the only sound being the soft birdsong ringing from the treetops. Eventually, you’ll reach the natural flames, flickering gently on the forest floor, as though awaiting your arrival. Then, be treated to an afternoon treat of hot tea and pancakes, courtesy of the heated soils in the Murchison backcountry.
Clear water, wild scenery and brown trout make Murchison a dream destination for keen anglers. The Kawatiri (Buller) and its many tributaries, including the Owen, Mangles, Gowan, Matiri and Matakitaki, offer plenty of water to explore. Head out independently or join a local guide who knows the rivers, their moods and the spots worth casting into. Either way, the mountain scenery and gin-clear water are all part of the experience.
Step out above the Kawatiri (Buller) River on New Zealand’s longest swing bridge at Buller Gorge Adventure & Heritage Park. Once you’ve crossed, explore the walking tracks and learn more about the area’s gold-mining past, or turn up the adrenaline on the Comet Line, flying 160 metres back across the river. Gold panning and other activities make this an easy stop to turn into a few hours of family adventure.
