Murchison, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Murchison
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Rural settlement
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Aerial view of Murchison in 1978
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Territorial authority | Tasman District |
| Ward | Lakes-Murchison Ward |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.34 km2 (1.68 sq mi) |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 606 |
| • Density | 139.63/km2 (361.6/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) |
7007
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| Area code(s) | 03 |
Murchison is a town in the Tasman Region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is near the western end of the "Four Rivers Plain", at the confluence of the Buller River and the Matakitaki River. The other two rivers are the Mangles River, and the Matiri River. It is a rural service town for the surrounding mixed farming district, approximately halfway between Westport and Nelson. Murchison was named after the Scottish geologist Roderick Murchison, one of the founders of the Royal Geographical Society.
Contents
History
The district is steeped in history from the days of the gold miners and early settlers. Lyell, once one of the largest gold mining settlements in the South Island, is nearby, and offers an interesting example of how quickly the bush can wipe away traces of civilization. Murchison was the epicentre of the 1929 Murchison earthquake (also known as the Buller earthquake).
Attractions
Recognised as the "Whitewater Capital" of New Zealand, nearby rivers include the Gowan River, Mangles River, Matiri River, Glenroy River, Matakitaki River, Maruia River, and the Buller, with many excellent whitewater runs along its length. These rivers vary from Class 2 to 4 whitewater. These rivers are also world-renowned for fly fishing for large brown trout in gin-clear water. Being on the edge of both Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks, there are many interesting walks nearby. Lake Matiri and Mt Owen define southern access points for entering Kahurangi and both are spectacular. There are also many other areas of native bush where hikers/trampers can experience the great outdoors.
Demographics
Murchison
Murchison is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement and covers 4.34 km2 (1.68 sq mi). It is part of the wider Murchison-Nelson Lakes statistical area, which covers 3,706.01 km2 (1,430.90 sq mi)/
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 336 | — |
| 2013 | 420 | +3.24% |
| 2018 | 606 | +7.61% |
Murchison, comprising the SA1 statistical areas of 7022661–7022664, had a population of 606 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 186 people (44.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 270 people (80.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 222 households. There were 306 males and 294 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.04 males per female, with 111 people (18.3%) aged under 15 years, 72 (11.9%) aged 15 to 29, 324 (53.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 90 (14.9%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 96.0% European/Pākehā, 5.0% Māori, 0.5% Pacific peoples, 2.5% Asian, and 1.0% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities).
Although some people objected to giving their religion, 58.9% had no religion, 27.7% were Christian, 1.0% were Buddhist and 1.5% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 126 (25.5%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 57 (11.5%) people had no formal qualifications. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 264 (53.3%) people were employed full-time, 75 (15.2%) were part-time, and 9 (1.8%) were unemployed.
Murchison-Nelson Lakes statistical area
The Murchison-Nelson Lakes SA2 statistical area, which also includes Saint Arnaud, New Zealand, had an estimated population of 1,460 as of June 2022, with a population density of 0.4 people per km2.
| Historical populations for Murchison-Nelson Lakes | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 1,176 | — |
| 2013 | 1,182 | +0.07% |
| 2018 | 1,290 | +1.76% |
Murchison-Nelson Lakes had a population of 1,290 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 108 people (9.1%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 114 people (9.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 564 households. There were 645 males and 642 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.0 males per female. The median age was 47.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 210 people (16.3%) aged under 15 years, 156 (12.1%) aged 15 to 29, 672 (52.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 252 (19.5%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 94.0% European/Pākehā, 8.6% Māori, 0.9% Pacific peoples, 2.3% Asian, and 2.8% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities).
The proportion of people born overseas was 13.7%, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people objected to giving their religion, 60.0% had no religion, 27.4% were Christian, 0.2% were Hindu, 0.5% were Buddhist and 2.1% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 153 (14.2%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 264 (24.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 585 (54.2%) people were employed full-time, 201 (18.6%) were part-time, and 15 (1.4%) were unemployed.
Education
Murchison Area School is a co-educational state area school for Year 1 to 13 students, with a roll of 176 as of April 2023.
Transport and infrastructure
Murchison is located on State Highway 6, 11 km (7 mi) east of its junction with State Highway 65 and 35 km (22 mi) west of its western junction with State Highway 63. The town is located on the main route connecting Nelson and Marlborough with the West Coast, and one of two main routes connecting Nelson with Christchurch. After the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, which closed State Highway 1 and Main North Line through Kaikōura for 13 months, all traffic north of Christchurch to Nelson, Blenheim, Picton and onwards to the North Island was diverted via Murchison. The resulting detour resulted in traffic volumes through the town more than doubling, with accommodation in the town at capacity and food outlets struggling to cope with the influx. Murchison has one petrol station (Mobil) and one electric vehicle charging station.
Network Tasman owns and operates the electricity distribution network in Murchison. Electricity is fed from Transpower's national grid at its Murchison substation, on Matiri Valley Road northeast of the town.
The Tasman District Council operates reticulated fresh water, stormwater and wastewater systems in Murchison. Fresh water is sourced from two bores west of the town centre, close to the Matakitaki River.
Notable buildings
Hodgsons of Murchison
Hodgsons has been the local store in Murchison for over 100 years. It is listed as a historic place category 2 by Heritage New Zealand. It was damaged significantly by the 1929 Murchison earthquake.
Murchison Museum
The Murchison Museum focuses on the effects of the 1929 Murchison Earthquake on the township. it is located at 60 Fairfax Street.
