2 minute read
Thrills & Spills in Murchison
Murchison
It’s the gateway to Kahurangi National Park and home to an entire host of breathtaking activities. Which one will you try first?
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WHITE-WATER RAFTING - Surrounded by rivers, why wouldn’t you take up rafting in this neck of the woods? Graded two to four, the thrills range from family-friendly to downright terrifying.
White-water rafting in Murchison
Nelson Tasman Tourism
BULLER GORGE BRIDGE - At 110 metres in length, the longest swing bridge in New Zealand sways over a stroppy Buller River.
BULLER GORGE ADVENTURE AND HERITAGE PARK - Not content with walking over the gorge? How about soaring over its churning water on a 160-metre flying fox? This, along with gold panning, audio presentations and marked trails, are all part of the park.
NATURAL FLAME BUSH WALKS - A natural flame in remote forest has been burning virtually non-stop for a century. The naturally seeping gas was originally lit by curious farmers and simply never stopped. Four-hour walking tours depart Murchison twice daily, leading to this bizarre but fascinating marvel.
TROUT FISHING - The mighty Buller River flows through town and its tributaries offer superb trout fishing.
Buller Gorge Highlights
The good folk at Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park run the 160-metre 'Comet Line' flying fox, divulge various gold-panning secrets and know the area's best walks.
Comet Line ride, Buller Gorge
Buller Gorge Swingbridge
Mountain biking
Old Ghost Road Trail
Richard Rossiter
Mountain bikers will love the Old Ghost Road Trail, one of the premier back-country cycle tracks. It runs from Lyell to Seddonville and is a grade four, advanced trail.
Cyclists take two to four days to complete the challenging 85km route which follows the paths used by miners and passes through the towns abandoned when the gold ran out. Keep an eye out for mining relics and information panels explaining the area’s history. You’ll get a feel for the life of a hardy 19th century West Coast pioneer.
You will also ride through swathes of native forest, descend into open river valleys scattered with lakes and tarns, weave through giant podocarp rainforest inhabited by abundant birdlife, sidle along a cliff-hugging trail and enjoy incredible views. There’s heli-biking opportunities and rafting on the Mōkihinui Gorge on the final leg of your journey.
