The drive along SH6 to Murchison was through forested areas, a very pretty drive indeed. 116km later, we pulled into the Murchison NZMCA Park over Property. The size of the park has certainly increased since we were last here several years ago. Fresh water, rubbish facilities, and a dump station available, and $10 a night for two people. We arrived at about 1.00pm so at that time of day there were plenty of sites available. It was stinking hot, and as we found out later, the temperature was 30 degrees, no wonder we needed cold drinks and some R&R on arrival.
NZMCA at Murchison
Originally known as Hampden, the discovery of gold led to the establishment of the town. Several old, rather interesting buildings are still standing, and right next to the NZMCA Camp is the old Commercial Stables building. Now it trades as Dust and Rust Vintage Store, selling all sorts of bits and pieces.
The old Commercial Stables
There have been tales of gunfights at this hotel on the corner in years gone by. Things seem much more law abiding now.
Hampden Hotel
Murchison lies close to the Alpine Fault, and in 1929 a powerful quake centered in Murchison was felt throughout the country. The town as evacuated, but 17 lives were lost, and the surrounding area was left in ruins, causing the Maruia River to gouge out a new channel, creating the Maruia Waterfall.
An advertisement for “The longest swing bridge in New Zealand” caught our interest. A 15km trip along the Upper Buller Gorge, and we arrived at the destination. The swing bridge is only one part of the operation. Jet boating, flying fox rides and gold panning are also on offer.
We decided the swing bridge would be enough excitement for us. Goodness me, at 110m long, and suspended 17m high above the Buller River, off we went. Of course we had to stop in the middle to take some snaps of the river. The Maori name for the river is Kawatiri, meaning “deep and swift”, and it certainly is.
Taken from the middle of the bridge
We made it across without any mishap, and a friendly person waiting on the other side kindly took our photo. That wasn’t too bad at all, Robin managed very well with his knees. We spent some time there watching streams of people walk across, eventually returning ourselves.
No problem, we made it
Not everyone could face the swing bridge – we were chatting to one young woman who decided she just couldn't step onto it, and stayed put as her family crossed over and took the flying fox back. We bought a drink each and watched as the flying fox came hurtling back. What a racket it made as it hit the arrestor wires and was brought to a sudden stop, it truly sounded like the passengers had smashed face first into a brick wall! A group was getting a lesson in gold panning, and we could hear the throb of the jet boat engine as it was getting ready for a trip. And more and more people made the trip across on the flying fox.
Driving back to camp we saw a whole long line of large containers up against the side of the hill. Obviously there for protection after a major land slide, I imagine. Still a work in progress, it seems.
Holding back the land slide/rock fall
After two nights here in Murchison, we are moving on again, next stop – Reefton
2 comments:
What an interesting place. The swing bridge would have been fun.
Awwww... You should have done the Flying Fox! It was fantastic, Nancy and I did it a couple of years ago. Having to get out the winter woollies here as at midday the temperature has just scraped past 14º! 31º yesterday.
Post a Comment