Murchison
- Westport
160 km (100 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The alpine village of St Arnaud sits on the edge of Lake Rotoiti against a stunning backdrop of mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand’s second-largest national park. There are magnificent hiking trails – short and long. Local adventure operators offer you a choice of kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horse trekking and 4WD motorbiking.
The road to Westport is scenic and interesting. The museum at Murchison will tell you all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang.
Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it’s also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.
Scenic Highlights
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat on the wild west coast of the South Island.
Activities
Nelson
Museums (2)
West Coast
Horse Treks (4),
Jet Boating (2),
Rafting (4)
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