Murchison - South Island, New Zealand

Murchison is a tiny service town 125 kms southwest of Nelson. It is famous for a plethora of adventure activities such as fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting on the fast flowing Buller River.

Murchison Activities

Murchison is surrounded by mountains and valleys and dominated by rugged terrain, lakes, rivers and bushranges. Biking is popular in this area as there are several mountain biking trails.

Bikes can be rented at inexpensive rates, and information is available at the Visitor Centre. Gold panning is another activity you can undertake at Lyell Creek and Howard Valley. Murchison Museum explains the gold mining history of the town and its glory days.

Rafting and river kayaking adventures in the Buller, Mokihinui and Karamea rivers are certain to pump your adrenaline levels to an all time high. These rivers have swift flowing rapids and the scenery along the way is mind blowing.

There are several operators offering kayaking and whitewater rafting activities. Ensure you carry sandfly repellent. The rivers have various graded rapids. Safer rafting trips are available for families. Inflatable kayak trips along various grades are also available.

There is a combo trips option where you can mix paddle trips with a helicopter ride along the Karamea and Mokihinui rivers. Prices depend on the duration of the activities.

If you are an avid tramper, the Skyline Walk is a great route. It starts close to the Matakitaki River, passes through forests and climbs up to the skyline ridge above Murchison. You get a superb elevated view of the entire town and of the meeting place of the major rivers that flow through here.

Murchison Accommodation

Murchison accommodation is comprised of two campsites for the adventurers as well as families and there is also a backpackers lodge. A kilometre away from the town is a clean decent motel with rooms offering cooking facilities.

There are limited eating choices in Murchison. There are a couple of good cafes, many tearooms and takeaways. The Commercial Hotel and the River Cafe offer excellent main meals as well as snacks and coffee.

If you want to satisfy the adventure craving within you, Murchison is the place to visit. The major rivers here offer riveting water sport adventures that will lift your spirits and elevate you to a new high.

LookandbookNZ is a reliable tourist firm that can look after your Murchison accommodation and Murchison activities bookings and let you enjoy the amazing adventure activities this place has on offer.