THE NATURAL FLAMES EXPERIENCE

Discover one of the most fascinating sights you’re ever likely to see; join us on our FARM, FOREST and FLAMES tour!

FARM

After climbing aboard our 4WD vehicle in Murchison we drive up a beautiful, quiet valley passing capped oil wells drilled last century. Entering a private deer farm, hear about this industry whilst seeing the fences from the inside! Rough tracks take us safari-style across paddocks; depending on the season, we may see hinds with fawns or stags battling – or even a member of the wild emu family that have made a home here!

Farm pictures Gallery  

FOREST

We start our walk at the far end of the farm, entering beech bush where we explain why some of the trees are all black and furry! Following the river we soon pass through clearings where we often encounter wild deer and goats. Crossing a side stream, the forest becomes rich and pristine, full of ancient mosses and ferns. Native birds seen and heard can include bellbirds, tuis, kakariki, tomtits, tame robins and friendly fantails.

The bush becomes denser when, after about an hour, we push our way through the undergrowth to suddenly stumble across an extraordinary sight. Flames flickering away on the forest floor, waiting for us, as they have been for nearly 100 years.

Walk pictures Gallery

FLAMES

In 1922 a couple of deer hunters smelt gas at this spot. In a moment of madness they lit a match and Boom! the Natural Flames were lit. They have been burning here ever since although extreme rain (and earthquakes!) have been known to put them out occasionally.

Until 2012 the only people able to visit these flames were locals on village BBQ trips and the occasional hunter but the site was rarely visited.

Now we have secured exclusive access to take the wider public – be among the first to experience the magical sight of flames coming out of the ground surrounded by ferns under overhanging branches. As most people say, ‘They just shouldn’t be there!”

Why don’t they burn the forest down? That’s a good question!

We make pancakes and  ‘billy tea’ here over this, the most ‘eco’ of fires! Smear the hotcakes with ‘bush’ honey made from the trees you have been walking through. Sandflies are rarely a problem here – but watch out for the native robin who has become adept at stealing bits of pancake!

We then retrace our steps to the vehicle – returning to Murchison having been away for about four hours.

Flames pictures