Up at a reasonable time and packed up and off to the meeting point for the Natural Flames Experience for 0915. $95 per person and you do need to generally book in advance.
Met our guide Steve as well as the other few people who would be with us. Travelled in a 4WD vehicle via Longford back up some of the valley which we had driven yesterday. Lots of talk re the history of the area passing capped oil wells and hearing about the drilling history. Then drove thru a deer farm and onto the start of our lovely walk through beech forest. Lots of little stops along the way and native birds including the gorgeous South Island Robin. About 50-60 mins in total walk can be done by most people including children - not flat but doable.
Evidently in about 1922 a couple of farmers were hunting in the bush and smelt natural gas and they decided to light a match and boom - gas was lit and flames emerged - other pockets where this is happening but evidently this is the only place where it is safe for the flames to burn without the forest burning down. Others heard about it and in about 2012 started the tours which is why the word is only just getting out there.
At the Flames Steve boils a billy and makes yummy pancakes with bush honey - marvellous morning tea amidst the bush and forest. The walk back was just as lovely. All in all a brilliant morning and arrived back to Murchison around 1300.
We drove back to Marlborough via the Braeburn Track just for a different perespective. A wonderful overnight journey doing new things. I love the Mountain Hunter.