Murchison

Murchison offers thrilling outdoor experiences, from white-water rafting on the Buller River to hiking through pristine forests. Its location at the confluence of four rivers makes it ideal for fishing and kayaking. Murchison is also rich in gold-mining history and geological wonders, including fossil sites and the famous 1929 earthquake’s legacy. It’s a gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park.

History

Murchison’s history dates back to Māori settlement, later becoming a bustling gold rush town in the late 1800s. It was significantly impacted by the devastating 1929 Murchison earthquake, which reshaped the landscape. Today, remnants of its mining past remain, and the town has reinvented itself as an adventure and nature tourism destination.

What To See

• Buller Gorge Swing Bridge
• White-water Rafting on the Buller River
• Skyline Walkway
• New Zealand Kayak School
• Maruia Falls
• Matakitaki River.