|
|
It has a wonderful summertime climate and is surrounded by bush-clad mountains with sparkling streams and rivers. |
|
Murchison is the southern gateway to the Nelson region. Just 125 kilometers to the north, the port city of Nelson is known for its spectacular coastline, its sandy beaches, and its flair for arts and crafts. The Nelson area is home to New Zealand’s internationally acclaimed vineyards replete with wine tastings, tours, and outdoor music festivals.
The dramatic beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park, sprawling across the north coast, is another tremendous regional attraction. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Flora & Fauna
The plant life throughout New Zealand is exuberant, and this area is a naturalist’s delight. Fern varieties number more than 150, and tree ferns can reach an impressive 45 feet in height. Along the bush trails, these giants filter sunlight into lovely lacy patterns. It is with good reason that a fern frond is New Zealand’s national emblem. Many exotic blossoms beguile visitors, from the pohutakawa’s bright red flowers, the kowhai’s yellow profusion, and the toi tois remarkable feathery plumes. Red deer, wild pigs and goats can be observed by those with a keen eye on the near hillsides.
Murchison
Murchison itself is a small town that has retained its original pioneer spirit. Part bygone English village with a traditional pub culture, part southern California beach town with hip internet cafés and innovative eateries, “Murch” has a steady stream of international visitors and is a genuinely special place. It is the perfect home base for all your New Zealand adventures.
|
miscellaneous ACTIVITIES
- Adventure Park - Buller Gorge Swingbridge, Walk NZ’s longest swingbridge. Gold panning, native bush walk, the flying fox, jet-boating, and a visible fault line are all available at this exciting park.
Call
64-3-5239809
- Antiques - Somebody’s Treasurer, Fairfax St, Murchison 64-3-5239329
- Golf - Murchison Meadows on the banks of the Buller River, 9 holes. Green fees $15: 64-3-5239213
- Internet Cafes
Rivers Café Fairfax St.
Beechwoods Café 32 Waller St.
- Gold Panning - An activity as old as Murchison which is steeped in gold mining history
- Jet Boating - Gold Rush Jets 0800-802-023, 5239809
- Maruia Falls - 20 minutes out of Murchison, this spectacular falls was formed as a result of the 1929 earthquake
- Murchison Public Library - 92 Fairfax St. 64-3-52391013
- Murchison District Museum - 60 Fairfax St. 64-3-5239392 | email: gbradley@xtra.co.nz
BEACHES & COASTS
Kaiteriteri Beach 130 km north, 1.5 hrs
The town of Westport is an easy 1.5 hr drive down the gorgeous Buller Valley. The west coast is famous for its lovely beaches and rain forest tracks. A seal colony is found just outside Westport at Cape Foulwind. Just south the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki are a sight to behold especially at high tide. Whales can be spotted along the coast near Ngakawau, just north of Westport. The small town of Karamea, just up the coast, offers access to the “Great Walk,” the Heaphy Track.
Tasman Bay is 1.5 hrs north and offers magnificent beaches, ocean kayaking, coastal hiking, and superb seafood, making for a perfect day-long outing. The attractive town of Motueka has a variety of art galleries and interesting restaurants of varying ethnic and classic New Zealand culinary delights.
MOUNTAINS
Mountain ranges line the skyline in every single direction from Murchison.
The Matiri and Lookout Ranges lie to the north with easy access from Murchison for day or multi-day hikes.
The Brunner and Ella Ranges are situated to the south and offer hiking for all levels of experience. Many of the mountain peaks are almost vertical and snow covered a good part of the year. This country can be as extreme or benign as the explorer chooses, but must be taken seriously.
Much of the northern part of the South Island is big, rugged and seemingly endless, perfect for those choosing the healthy challenge of a mountain or a river. Sighting or hunting wary red deer, chamois, or tar or pursuing the wily brown trout are all world-class activities for the truly adventurous.
exploring
National Parks
With 14 National parks in New Zealand, three are within 90 minutes of Murchison.
Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest, most visited and only coastal national park in the country. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is an easy 3-5 day walk and is a designated “Great Walk.”
Kahurangi National Park is the second largest national park in NZ. Some 570 km of incredible tracks span 452,000 hectares. Kahurangi is home of the largest remaining population of great spotted kiwi and the start of the Heaphy Track, another designated “Great Walk.”
Nelson Lakes National Park is a short hop from Murchison and comprises ancient beech forests, valleys, glacial lakes and craggy peaks. Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa offer water recreation and a water taxi service to huts and trails at the far end of each lake into endless magnificent valleys and mountains.
hiking & MOUNTAINEERING
Local hikes range from 20 minutes to 5 hrs for every level of fitness and experience.
Go to
www.doc.govt.nz for detailed information about hiking and other outdoor adventure activities.
bicycle riding
Mountain Biking Rental - Endless options through stunning scenery on old pioneer trails.
- Riverview Holiday Park Riverview Terrace, Murchison 64-3-5239591
The northeastern corner of the South Island is replete with vineyards that produce world-class wines. The short drive of 125 kms to Nelson winds up the Buller River valley through lush farm country brimming with grazing sheep, dairy cows, and domestic red deer. Crossing over two passes, the country melds into almost endless vineyards on the other side. Sauvignon Blancs, Rieslings, and Chardonnays are world famous with Pinot Noirs coming on strong and many other varietals of noted distinction.
The drive to the cozy town of Blenheim is another option. Passing the Nelson Lakes and the Rainbow ski area, the scenery down the Wairau Valley is breathtaking on this short drive of about 2 hrs. Blenheim is an agricultural hub with grapes clearly at the forefront. Wine tours are available at most vineyards with some offering sumptuous meals.
kayaking & WHITEWATER rafting Kayaking & Rafting
- New Zealand Kayak School 111 Waller St, 64-3-5239611
- Ultimate Descents NZ 51 Fairfax St, 0800 RIVERS
- White Water Action Rafting Tours 45 Waller St, 0800-100582 or 64-3-5239581
Ocean Kayaking
|
|
|
