Murchison day walks

Short walk

Getting there

Private transport

Murchison is centrally located in the upper South Island on State Highway 6, being 2 hours south of Nelson, 3 hours west of Picton, 1.5 hours east of Westport and 4 hours northwest of Christchurch.

Public transport

A number of companies offer bus services to Murchison from Nelson, Blenheim, West Coast and Christchurch.
 

Description

Scenic walks

Kahikatea Walk, 20 min

An easy loop track abutting the Murchison camping ground at the eastern end of town. The Kahikatea Reserve features many fine specimens of kahikatea and matai trees and a lush ferny understorey.

Skyline Walk, 1 hr 30 min return

This 3 km track is located 1 km west of Murchison, at the junction of State Highway 6 and Matakitaki West Bank Road. The track zigzags uphill to the skyline. The biggest river that can be seen from here is the Buller which eventually flows into a gorge - perhaps the most scenic gorge in New Zealand.

Johnsons Creek Track

Johnsons Creek Track, 2 hr return

Access to this track is up the Matakitaki West Bank Road, located 1 km west of Murchison. After a short stretch of tar-sealed road continue along the gravel road for 6 km. A sign and a small parking area are on your left with the start of the track to the right.

The track follows a creek then gradually climbs to the toe of a big slip. This slip was formed in the 1929 Murchison earthquake and is the feature piece of the walk. The track terminates in the middle of the old slip amongst the struggling vegetation, leaving the visitor with a good idea of the magnitude of the shake. Return to the carpark the way you came.

Maruia Falls Track, 10 min return

Accessed from State Highway 65, 23 kilometres south of Murchison, the Maruia Falls track starts from the carpark and descends to the Maruia River bank. From here there is an excellent viewpoint of the falls, which were created following the 1929 earthquake. Return to the carpark the way you came.

Lake Matiri Track

This full day walk takes you on a tramping track to tranquil Lake Matiri. Access is via the Matiri Valley road approximately 6 km north of Murchison.

Historical walks

Six Mile Walk, 1 hr 30 min return

This walkway is situated 10 km south of Murchison on the Matakitaki Road. It starts and finishes at the old Six Mile hydro power staton by the Six Mile Creek Bridge. The track zigzags 50 metres uphill beside the old penstock to the intake and water storage reservoir. From here the track initially follows the water race before continuing in the forest on a higher terrace. The track then leads to a viewing platform above the old weir which diverts some of the Six Mile Creek down the water race.

On the return there is the option of a loop track which descends from the upper terrace to follow along the water race, before rejoining the main track.

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Kawatiri Historic Walk, 40 min

Located at Kawatiri Junction at the intersection of State Highway 6 and 63, some 35 kilometres northeast of Murchison, this easy walk follows a short section of the line of the former railway track that ran from Nelson towards Murchison. The walk commences from a carpark with information panels detailing the rich history of the area. After some 200 metres the track crosses an old rail bridge before passing through a train tunnel built in 1923. The track returns via beech forest above the Hope River closing the loop at the entrance to the tunnel.

Remains of mining equipment, Lyell
Walkway

Lyell walkway, 1 hr 30 min

This 3 km walkway leads you past the remaining features of the once booming township of Lyell - the cemetary, stamping battery and gold mining sites. There are information panels on-site and a campground nearby.

Activities

Rafting and fishing

The multitude of rivers in the area makes Murchison a white water playground and an angler's paradise.

Bird watching

Along the Kahikatea Walk many forest-dwelling birds can be observed and heard, including bellbirds, tui, kereru, robins, fantails, silvereyes and kingfishers.

On Johnsons Creek Track robins, tui, tomtits, grey warblers and bellbirds are commonly heard and seen, with kaka, kakariki, shining cuckoo and long-tailed cuckoo heard at times.

Historic sites

Six Mile walk, Kawatiri Railway walk and the Lyell Walkway are all historical walks.

 

Plan and prepare

Sandflies

The presence of biting sandflies can detract from your experience in Murchison, especially during the summer months. The problem can be easily remedied by coating exposed skin with a good quality insect repellent.

Wasps

Wasps can be a nuisance, particularly from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

Drinking water

The purity of drinking water cannot be taken forgranted. We recommend you boil, filter or treat your water. Avoid taking water from areas surrounded by farmland or where waterfowl are present in large numbers.

What to expect on a short walk:

• Easy walking for up to an hour
• Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
• Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
• Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes required

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