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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.85059, 172.30497. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 4.6 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hr return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Murchison area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk to and through a big slip formed in the 1929 Murchison earthquake.
This DOC directory entry covers Johnson Creek Track in Tasman, within Murchison area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 4.6 km return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hr return
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Predator control operation in Garibaldi-Kakapo; First published on 19 November 2025. Last reviewed on 10 February 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track initially follows parallel to the creek within pine forest. On entering the native forest, the track continues beside the creek until turning right to cross the left branch of Johnson Creek.
The track then gradually climbs and emerges from the forest at the toe of the big slip. This slip was formed in the 1929 Murchison earthquake and is the feature piece of the walk. You'll get excellent views of the mudstone cliffs that were formed.
The track ends in the lower section of the slip amongst the struggling vegetation, giving a good idea of the magnitude of the shake. The exposed cliffs at the top of the slip are unstable and the whole slip area is a fragile environment for biodiversity and recent geological history.
Getting there
The track starts 7 km west of Murchison, 6 km down Matakitaki West Bank Road (gravel). A sign and small parking area are on your left with the start of the track on your right.
Know before you go
Wasps can be a nuisance, particularly from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Sandflies: The presence of biting sandflies can detract from your experience in Murchison, especially during the summer months. The problem can be easily remedied by coating exposed skin with a good quality insect repellent.
Nature and conservation
Robins, tuī, tomtits, grey warblers and bellbirds are commonly heard and seen, with kākā, kākāriki, shining cuckoo and long-tailed cuckoo heard at times.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
