Owen River: River Landscapes and Outdoor Activities
Accommodation in Owen River
The Owen River Recreation Reserve is at the confluence of the Owen River and the Buller River, also known as the Kawatiri River. The focus around Owen River is on river landscapes and outdoor activities: Owen River Tavern offers tours, and there are additional tracks and destinations nearby.
River Landscapes and Reserve
The Owen River rises on the 1,875-metre slopes of Mount Owen and flows 20 kilometres through the landscape. Below Owen River Tavern, it flows into the Buller River, also known as the Kawatiri; the Owen River Recreation Reserve is at the confluence of the two rivers. The reserve plan adopted in August 2025 describes a shelter open on one side, a toilet block with two prefabricated toilets, hot-water shower units, and picnic tables. Access to the Owen River Recreation Reserve is via a gravel road beside Owen River Tavern.
Activities on the Owen River
Owen River Tavern & Motels serves meals and drinks in its bar and restaurant. Activities offered by Owen River Tavern include trout fishing trips, as well as white-water rafting and kayaking tours. It also offers tramping tracks to explore the surrounding area, horse rides, and caving expeditions. The Owen River Recreation Reserve is also used by kayakers and rafters. Options therefore include water activities as well as tramping tracks, horse rides, and caving expeditions.
Mt Owen: Route and Preparation
Nearby, the southern access to Mt Owen follows Owen River East Road from State Highway 6 near Owen River Tavern. The Sunrise Peak route initially crosses about 2 kilometres of farmland, then enters the forest; after that, it crosses the river several times and climbs along Sunrise Ridge to the bushline. There is no water available on the southern Mt Owen route once hikers have left the Owen River. Plan your water supply accordingly, and check conditions and access requirements before setting out.
Murchison Nearby
In nearby Murchison, the Murchison District Museum focuses on history, particularly photographs and accounts of the 1929 Murchison earthquake. The museum also provides information about local tourist activities, attractions, and places of interest in the surrounding area. A nine-hole golf course is on the Buller River, 2 kilometres north of Murchison on the Kawatiri-Murchison Highway. Murchison is also the closest starting point for the Lyell end of the Old Ghost Road. The mountain biking and tramping track connects Lyell with the Mokihinui River.
Water Landscapes in the Tasman District
The wider destination of Tasman District has more than 14,300 kilometres of rivers and streams, as well as 81 lakes, mountain lakes, wetlands, aquifers, and springs. This describes the district as a whole and complements the local view of Owen River with a regional perspective.
Discover more destinations: Brightwater, Ngatimoti, Murchison, Mapua, Parapara, Richmond, Anatori, Motueka.
For the wider travel overview: Tasman District.
