MURCHISON Murchison is Iocated in a valley some 100kms from both Nelson and Westport. This delightful geographic town setting and Murchison is planned to optimize this natural asset. Murchison is also the head of the Buller River and when traveling to Westport the road follows the river to the mouth and the Tasman Sea. Some 15 kms from Murchison are some adventure sports that are carried out at this spot that included New Zealand’s longest swing bridge. Murchison calls itself the ‘whitewater capital’ of the country, because there are rivers everywhere. Rafting, jet boating, gold panning and fishing are other ways to enjoy the river environment. There are several excellent mountain bike trails in the area; hire bikes are available. Originally a gold rush town, Murchison was almost completely destroyed by a huge earthquake in 1929 – you can find out all about it at the district museum. The district is steeped in history from the days of the gold miners and early settlers. Lyell, once one of the largest gold mining settlements in the South Island. Murchison was the epicenter of the 1929 Murchison earthquake (also known as the Buller earthquake). Again details are on display at the Museum. There are two hotels, one of which has heritage status. The War Memorial is on the eastern edge of the township. The Anglican Church is a well presented and classic for the early settler period. Murchison itself is a community that has most of the essential services to make the town function. A visit also confirms the residents are proud of what they have got and this is demonstrated by the way the town is presented. Murchison itself provides services to the largely rural community and the steady flow of vehicular traffic, namely tourists. If you are into action, allow two days for this delightful region.