Johnson Creek Track

Easy 2hr return walk through native forest.Single creek crossing over ford.Wasps thick through this area, which is a shame but wasp control is being carried out with poison.

Good Work

This hike is well worth doing. In 1929 a massive earthquake shook Murchison. A mountain above Johnson Creek gave way and huge boulders the size of houses and slabs of rock tumbled down. They came to rest haphazardly. You can view them and climb on them when you explore Johnson Creek Walkway.Directions...Drive over the Matakitaki River Bridge as you leave Murchison and turn immediately onto the West Bank of the Matakitaki Road. Drive 7 km up a gravel road to the carpark beside Johnson Creek. There's a sign. Be sure to admire the waterfalls on either side of the road.Walk into the beech forest and follow the mossy pathway along side of the creek. 15 minutes of walking will take you to a natural rock weir where you will need to cross the creek. This is where your hiking boots and walking poles give you an advantage as the rocks are slippery. Careful foot placement will mean your feet stay dry.Continue following the creek up on the well marked, somewhat muddy trail. After 45 minutes of walking, the beech forest opens out onto the old earthquake slip area.The forest was wiped out, but over time it has partially regenerated with Titoki, Olearia, Manuka and Mahoe.Explore around the huge rocks. Sit a while and listen to the tuis and bell birds. It's interesting and isolated and peaceful.Best time of the day for photos is early morning.