Buller Gorge — Murchison to WestportSH6.
Distance
95 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
600 m
Buller Gorge — Murchison to Westport SH6.
SH6 follows the Buller River through two dramatic gorges from the rafting town of Murchison down to the coast at Westport. Smooth, flowing curves carved high above the river, native bush, and the famous one-lane Hawks Crag rock overhang make this one of the South Island's great river roads.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance95 km
Days1
Total climb600 m
Fuel stops1 along route
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
MurchisonStart · Start in Murchison, a small rafting and trout-fishing town. Fuel up and grab a coffee — the next reliable services are at Westport.
Buller Gorge SwingbridgeScenic Point · New Zealand's longest swingbridge spans the Buller here. The Upper Buller Gorge begins — tight, flowing curves above the green river.
Lower Buller GorgeScenic Point · The canyon deepens. Watch for Hawks Crag, where the road is cut as a one-lane overhang into the rock face — give way to oncoming traffic.
Inangahua JunctionFuel Stop · Small junction where SH6 meets SH69 to Reefton. Limited fuel — a useful top-up. Epicentre of the 1968 magnitude-7.1 earthquake.
WestportEnd · Finish in Westport at the river mouth. Cape Foulwind and its seal colony are a short ride west if you have time.
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