From Murchison to Culverden - Lewis Pass
One of the three options to cross the Southern Alps from east to west is along the Lewis Pass. There's a detour to Hanmer Springs for a great relaxing day at the hot springs or other activities.
Murchison
A massive earthquake hit Murchison on 17 June 1929. It measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and was felt on the whole Southern Island. The town was almost completely destroyed. The epicentre was at White Creek to the west of Murchison where the enormous power forced the land more than 4 metre up.
There are a lot of adventurous activities which can be done from here. The visitors centre can provide information about almost everything between mountain biking and white water rafting.
One of the stories, the museum can tell you is about the massive earthquake in 1929.
Maruia Springs
These hot springs are on the westside of the alps, there is an other possibility in Hanmer Springs after crossing the Lewis Pass.
Hanmer Springs
A popular holiday destination for Christchurchers, Hanmer Springs hosts around 450.000 visitors a year. The nearby ski fields and the Hot Pools makes it to a round the year destination.
www.hanmersprings.co.nz
www.hurunui.com
Thermal Pools & Spa
10am - 9pm
The many pools are between 36 and 42°C hot. Be careful with your rings and necklaces because the water in some of the pools will oxidate silver and you'll have a black ring after the relaxing bath.
Walks
The Hurunui Visitor Information Centre at the thermal pools provides good information about some interesting walks around the region.
Forest Walk1 hour return - easy
Start: 1 km along Jollies Pass Road
Some exotic trees were planted in the region after 1903. The walk leads you along some of the oldest trees in the forest.
3 hours return - steady climb
Start: Waterfall carpark at the end of Mullans Road
The track takes you through beech forest to the 41m high Dog Stream waterfall.
This track can easily combined with the Spur Track if you don't want to come back the same way.
Panoramic views on the way along the bushline if you return on this track from Dog Stream waterfall.
Culverden
text
POItext
