Along the Buller River

Lake Rotoiti's outflow becomes the Buller River, the principal river on the West Coast. For most of its route, the Buller churns through a steep, wooded gorge one of New Zealand's most beautiful river drives.

Murchison, near the junction of highways 6 and 65, serves both nearby farmers and travelers. Originally a gold mining settlement, Murchison has been rebuilt since 1929 when it stood near the epicenter of a devastating earthquake. Exhibits from the earthquake and the town's mining days fill the local museum. Maruia Falls, about 22 km/14 miles south on Highway 65, was created when the earthquake changed the course of the Maruia River.

About 14 km/9 miles west of Murchison, Highway 6 crosses the line of the Murchison earthquake fault. Look for evidence of land displacement across the river. At Inangahua Junction, Highway 69 branches south to Reefton; Highway 6 continues through the scenic Lower Buller Gorge to Westport. Evergreens, beech, and ferns blanket the slopes of the gorge.