Adventure Capital of “The Top
of The South”
The closest township to the lodge is Murchison, approximately
22 miles (35 km) away. Murchison is on the Buller Gorge
Heritage Highway, some 78 miles (125 km) south of Nelson
and 186 miles (300 km) north-west of Christchurch.
The district is dominated by rugged
escarpments, bush clad ranges and offers beautiful unspoiled
lakes, sparkling streams, fast-flowing rivers with awe-inspiring
rapids and waterfalls between tranquil stretches of water.
The spectacular vistas and varied activities make Murchison
a singular ‘great outdoors’ paradise for
guests of all ages.
And for some time spent at a more
leisurely pace, we recommend a couple of quiet hours spent
in Murchison for a look around the fascinating museum
(which pays particular attention to the earthquake, characteristics
and history of the area) followed by a cappuccino and
a muffin in one of the local cafés before a pleasant
drive back to the lodge.
The following is just a sample
of activities that can be enjoyed in and around Murchison.
New Zealand
Eco-Tours: Dr George Bennett Wilkinson, Hons
BSc. MSc. PhD. Take advantage of one man’s
passion and knowledge and experience New Zealand’s
animal and plant life with the help and guidance of one
of the country’s foremost experts. Dr.Wilkinson
will take only small groups on tours and heli-trips to
examine and learn about the South Island’s flora
and fauna – some of the most fantastic on earth.
He will tailor each experience individually to focus on
the interests of our guests and impart his perceptions
and learning on those lucky enough to spend time with
him.
Eco-Tour prices vary greatly
depending on the objectives of the individual tour.
Helicopter
Fly-Outs
This can be a really wonderful way of seeing the incredible
beauty of New Zealand. You can simply take advantage of
the helicopters dropping fishermen back to the lodge and
take a short scenic flight, but there is a great deal
more besides.
At Lake Rotoroa Lodge we use reputable and reliable helicopter companies dependent upon the area visited and the purpose of the visit. In doing this we are able to maximise the quality of the experience by using the company with the greater knowledge of the specific zone. It is possible to tailor almost any trip with access to four different types of helicopter.
Jet
Boating
Courtesy of the mighty Buller River, the Buller
Experience Jet will take you on one of the most
spectacularly scenic and thrilling jet boat trips in the
world. All day, every day, conditions permitting. Simply
World Class!
Mapua Jet offer fascinating tours of the Waimea Estuary in the latest,
quietest jet boats on the market today. Leaving from Mapua
Wharf and circumnavigating the entire Rabbit Island, the
knowledgeable guides are able to get you closer than you
could possibly believe to some of South Island’s
most spectacular estuarine wildlife. This can be comb
Kayaking The New
Zealand Kayak School in Murchison is run by some of the country's top professional
instructors. Their qualified staff hold the instructing
awards of the NZ Outdoor Instructors’ Association
and the NZ Recreational Canoe Association. And their proud
boast is “Come visit New Zealand – where you
can still drink the water you paddle on!”
Buller
Gorge Swingbridge...and more! Walk New Zealand’s longest
swingbridge, the Buller Gorge Swingbridge. Fly across
the river on the high speed Comet Line. Try your luck
at gold panning. Take a guided walk around the fascinating
White’s Peninsula. Take a raft trip, jet boat ride
or quiet river cruise.
Wander around the historical site
of the swingbridge and learn about its fascinating past
as a major gold mining area and the centre of the 1929
Murchison earthquake. Make sure you put aside a few hours
to enjoy all the activities the Buller Gorge Swingbridge
has to offer.
Rafting Superb stretches of river
await the first-time enthusiast, as well as those with
more experience of rafting; the area offers Grade 2 to
Grade 5 runs through magnificent scenery. Commercial trips
available.
Trekking Beyond the local
walks in the vicinity of the lodge, the Murchison
area offers excellent high-country and valley tracks;
of particular interest are the Nelson Lakes region, the
Matakitaki Valley and the Matiri range.
Gold Panning An activity as old as the
township itself – a relaxing way to spend a few
hours. Talk to the lodge staff to arrange this. Several
commercial gold mining operations are still working in
the area, but are not open to the public.
Bush Walking A pleasant and interesting
variety of bush walks are to be found within a short distance
of Murchison. Walks from 20 minutes to two hours, showing
some of the history, flora and fauna of the region.
Golf There is a delightful nine-hole
golf course just to the north of Murchison. Set alongside
the Buller River, it also offers superb mountain views.
Green fees currently NZ$10 and clubs can be provided by
the lodge or the information centre in Murchison.
Tennis Two courts are available for
public use in the township and are conveniently located
on the main road; Murchison also has a squash club. All
equipment is available from the lodge.
Mountain
Biking An activity that is becoming
more popular in the area – advice on the current
trails and supply of bikes is available from the lodge.
Although biking is not allowed within the National Parks
themselves, there are many trails outside their boundaries
offering truly spectacular experiences.
Lawn Bowls A seasonal activity, the Murchison
Bowling Club has a long tradition. The greens are located
on the main road next to the War Memorial. Lodge guests
are welcome and we will make the necessary advance bookings
on your behalf.
4-Wheel Drive
Safaris Available on some of the public
back roads through the District – check with us
for access and permit requirements.
Caving The Murchison District offers
some of the finest caving in New Zealand, in particular
the Mount Owen region which has the largest underground
network in the Southern Hemisphere. If you are an experienced
caver, please ensure that we have advance notice of your
wishes so that we can make the necessary arrangements
well ahead of your trip (including the required Club Membership).
Mountaineering Exceptional bluffs and dramatic
landscape add to the pleasures of mountaineering in the
region. Often visited by clubs from around the country,
the area has graded climbs for the novice through to the
experienced climber. Plenty of advance notice is required
if you wish us to make arrangements on your behalf.
