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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: -41.80197, 172.31221. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Murchison area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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 up to a viewpoint over Murchison township, and the Matakitaki, Buller and Matiri rivers.
This DOC directory entry covers Skyline Walk 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min 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.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track zigzags uphill through an attractive remnant of mixed beech/podocarp forest. Native ferns grow on the damp shady slopes of this area. The track emerges from the forest on to open bracken and broom covered slope. Continue the zigzag climb to the skyline.
The main rivers that can be seen from here are the Matakitaki which flows from Nelson Lakes National Park to join the Buller River west of Murchison; the Matiri which can be seen flowing from the mountains of Kahurangi National Park in the north. The biggest river seen is the Buller which eventually flows into a gorge — perhaps the most scenic gorge in New Zealand. The road to Westport follows the Buller River to the sea.
Getting there
The walk starts on the edge of Murchison, a short distance along Matakitaki West Bank Road.
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.
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.
