Murchison Travel Guide

Plan your Murchison trip with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Murchison

Located in the heart of Nelson Bays, in the South Island of New Zealand, Murchison is a small town that offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and peppered with charming cafes and local shops, Murchison is the ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In this guide, we’ll share some of the top attractions, activities, and insider tips to help you plan your Murchison trip.

List of Places to Visit in Murchison

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Murchison Museum: This small museum is packed with artifacts and exhibits showcasing the region’s rich history, including gold mining, early European settlement, and the devastating earthquakes that struck the town in 1929 and 1968.
  • Holy Trinity Anglican Church: This historic church was built in 1906 and boasts a beautiful stained glass window and timber architecture.
  • Murchison Heritage Area Walkway: This easy, self-guided walk showcases the town’s heritage architecture, including the Bank of New Zealand building and the Masonic Lodge.

Natural Attractions of Murchison: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park: This park is home to New Zealand’s longest swingbridge, as well as a range of outdoor adventures such as jet boating, horse trekking, and zip lining.
  • Matakitaki Gorge Scenic Reserve: This hidden gem offers stunning views over the Matakitaki River and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
  • Murchison Mountain Bike Park: This purpose-built bike park has something for all skill levels, with trails ranging from easy family-friendly loops to steep downhill runs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Murchison

Murchison is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of hiking and biking trails for all levels. Here are some of the top routes:

  • Old Ghost Road: This multi-day hike/bike trail is a bucket-list experience for adventure seekers, with 85 km of epic singletrack traversing mountains, rainforest, and alpine landscapes.
  • Mount Owen: This challenging day hike rewards intrepid hikers with spectacular views over the Kahurangi National Park, including the iconic Needle and the Tablelands plateau.
  • Maitai Valley Walkway: This easy, family-friendly trail winds its way through lush native bush, alongside the Maitai River, and is a popular spot for picnicking and birdwatching.

Best Things to Do in Murchison: Activities and Tours

  • White water rafting: Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids of the Buller River with one of the many rafting companies based in Murchison.
  • Fishing: Cast a line in the many rivers and streams surrounding Murchison, known for its trout and salmon fishing.
  • Helicopter tours: Take to the skies and soak up the incredible views over the surrounding mountains and coastline with a scenic helicopter tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Murchison

Day 1: Explore the town’s historic buildings and museums, including the Murchison Museum and Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Day 2-3: Get your adrenaline pumping with a white water rafting trip on the Buller River or a mountain biking adventure in the Murchison Mountain Bike Park.

Day 4: Take a day trip to the nearby Matakitaki Gorge Scenic Reserve for some hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Day 5: Chill out and relax with a scenic helicopter tour over the surrounding mountains and coastline, followed by a delicious lunch at one of the town’s cozy cafes.

Day 6-7: Spend your final days in Murchison exploring the surrounding countryside on foot, visiting local farms, and trying out some of the town’s renowned trout and salmon fishing spots.

Food and Drink Scene of Murchison

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lamb roast: New Zealand is famous for its succulent lamb, and Murchison is no exception. Head to one of the local pubs or restaurants for a hearty lamb roast, served with all the trimmings.
  • Whitebait fritters: A Kiwi delicacy, whitebait fritters are made with the tiny, translucent fish that are caught in the nearby rivers and cooked up with eggs and seasoning.
  • Venison: Another Murchison specialty, venison can be found on the menus of many local restaurants, including the famous Murchison Lodge.

Local Beverages

  • Nelson wine: Murchison is within easy reach of the Nelson wine region, which produces world-class sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir varieties.
  • Craft beer: Nelson is also known for its thriving craft beer scene, with a range of breweries producing tasty, hoppy brews.

Where to Stay in Murchison: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Murchison Lodge: This charming, historic lodge offers luxurious accommodations with views over the Matakitaki River.
  • RiverSong Cottages: These self-contained cottages are located right on the Buller River and offer a peaceful, secluded retreat.
  • The Lazy Cow Accommodation: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of town and offers comfortable dorms and private rooms with shared kitchen and lounge facilities.

What to Buy in Murchison: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Greenstone/jade jewelry: Murchison is located close to the West Coast, which is famous for its high-quality jade (also known as greenstone) jewelry.
  • Local honey and preserves: New Zealand is known for its delicious honey and fruit preserves, and many local producers sell their wares at the Murchison markets.
  • Handmade crafts: Murchison has a thriving arts and crafts community, with many local artisans selling their handmade wares at the town’s markets and gift shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Murchison

Murchison is a small, friendly town where visitors are welcomed with open arms. Some things to keep in mind:

  • Murchison locals are passionate about the outdoors: Whether it’s fishing, hiking, or mountain biking, most locals spend their free time in the great outdoors. Respect the natural environment and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
  • New Zealanders drive on the left: If you plan on renting a car, make sure you’re comfortable driving on the left side of the road.
  • Kiwis are laid-back and friendly: Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals - they’re known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature.

Best Time to Visit Murchison

Murchison can be visited year-round, although the best time to visit depends on your interests. The summer months (December-February) offer the best weather for outdoor activities, while autumn (March-May) is a great time to visit the local wineries and enjoy the changing foliage. In winter (June-August), Murchison transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Spring (September-November) sees the town come alive with colorful wildflowers and is a great time for hiking and birdwatching.

Do’s and Don’ts of Murchison

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment: Stick to designated trails and campsites, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Try local delicacies: From lamb roast to whitebait fritters, Murchison is known for its delicious cuisine.
  • Get out and explore: Whether it’s hiking, biking, or rafting, there’s something for everyone in Murchison.

Don’t:

  • Litter: New Zealand is known for its pristine natural environment, so make sure you take your rubbish with you.
  • Drive under the influence: New Zealand has strict laws against drinking and driving, so always appoint a designated driver or use public transport.
  • Underestimate the weather: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

Safety and Health

Safety in Murchison

Murchison is a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of crime and a friendly, welcoming community. However, it’s important to take common sense precautions, such as locking your car and accommodation, and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Murchison

Murchison has a small medical center and pharmacy, but for more serious medical issues, visitors may need to be transported to the larger hospitals in Nelson or Christchurch. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage.

Getting to Murchison: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Murchison

Murchison is located approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from the nearest major airport, Nelson Airport. Flights from Auckland, Wellington, and other major New Zealand cities operate daily.

Bus Stations Near Murchison

Several bus companies operate services to and from Murchison, with connections to Nelson and other destinations across the South Island.

Other Options

Many travelers choose to rent a car or campervan to explore the South Island, with Murchison conveniently located on the main highway between Nelson and Westport.

How to Get Around in Murchison

Murchison is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. Rental cars and campervans are also popular options for those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Murchison: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Abel Tasman National Park: This stunning national park is located approximately 2 hours’ drive from Murchison and offers some of the country’s best hikes and beaches.
  • West Coast: Take a scenic drive along the coast to discover rugged landscapes, abandoned gold rush towns, and stunning glaciers.
  • Nelson Lakes National Park: Just a short drive from Murchison, this national park is a hiker’s paradise, with alpine landscapes, mirrored lakes, and secluded valleys waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

Murchison may be a small town, but it’s packed with opportunities for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re a keen hiker, an adrenaline junkie, or simply looking to unwind in a cozy cafe, Murchison has something to offer. Plan your trip today and discover the best of this hidden gem of the South Island.