Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-523 9196, 0800 523 9196;
www.murchisonlodge.co.nz
; 15 Grey St; s incl breakfast $150-210,
d incl breakfast $175-235; closed May-Aug; )
Surrounded by native trees, this B&B
is within a short walk of the Buller River; the owners' friendly dog will probably accom-
pany you. Attractive timber features, quality artwork and charming hosts add to the com-
fortable feel. Home-reared bacon and eggs for breakfast, plus evening meals by arrange-
ment.
Information
There is no ATM in town; the postal agency is on Fairfax St.
The Murchison Visitor Centre (
Click here
) has info on local activities and transport.
Getting There & Away
Buses passing through Murchison between the West Coast and Nelson/Picton are
Inter-
which stop at Beechwoods Cafe on Waller St, as does
Trek Express
( 0272 221 872,
0800 128 735;
www.trekexpress.co.nz
)
,
which runs frequently between Nelson and the
Wangapeka/Heaphy Tracks during the peak tramping season.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Reefton
POP 1030
For generations, Reefton's claims to fame have been mining and its early adoption of the
electricity grid and street lighting. Hence the tagline, 'the city of light'. Today, however,
it's a different story, one which starts - improbably - with the building of the world-class
Roller Park, which attracts stunt-lovers from all corners of NZ. To quote a local, 'it's
more than we deserve'. We disagree. If this many volunteers and sponsors are prepared
to build such an edgy civic amenity in a town that still looks like the set of
Bonanza,
we
suggest there's something a little bit special about this crazy little town.
Sights & Activities
With loads of crusty old buildings situated within a 200-metre radius, Reefton is a fascin-
ating town for a stroll. To find out who lived where and why, undertake the short
Herit-
age Walk
outlined in the
Historic Reefton
leaflet ($1), available from the i-SITE (
Click
