What to Do in Maruia & the Lewis Pass
This is what the South Island is all about: vast untouched wilderness, multi-day tramping, mountains, rivers and lakes… It can all be experienced surrounding the village of Maruia. Located along State Highway 65, wedged between the east coast and the west coast of the South Island, Maruia is an isolated mountain village well worth stopping by on a South Island road trip.
It is the gateway to the wild West Coast region of New Zealand, yet has its own set of attractions, from hikes to hot pools. Find out what to do there with this list of things to do in Maruia.
While you’re here, you might also like the 15 Awesome Things to Do in Reefton and 10 West Coast Must-Dos.
Table of Contents
1. Walk to Lake Daniell
Soak up the Lewis Pass scenery on this incredible day hike ending at Lake Daniell. One of the most accessible wilderness walks in the region, the well-formed trail leads through ancient beech forest and across swing bridges where it’s common to encounter birdlife like tūī, bellbird, rifleman and more.
The three-hour one-way walk ends at the tranquil alpine lake where there’s a Department of Conservation hut with a jetty, perfect for a picnic or overnight stay if you wish. Return on the track the same way.
Location: Start at the Marble Hill Campsite, off State Highway 7, 23 km (14 mi) south of Maruia/6.5 km (4 mi) east of Springs Junction.
© Goabnb on Wikipedia2. Enjoy a Scenic Drive
Maruia is ideally located along one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, sitting on State Highway 7 which connects the West Coast with Canterbury via Lewis Pass. Driving through the Maruia Valley offers dramatic views of river gorges, mountain ranges and native forest.
A popular loop connects Reefton, Murchison and Springs Junction, passing through the valley and nearby highlights such as the Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve.
Expect winding roads, frequent photo stops and constantly changing landscapes, from deep valleys to open tussock country.
Complete the loop by turning right through the Rahu Saddle back to Reefton.
Location: Roads include SH69, SH6, SH65 and SH7.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Check Out Maruia Falls
On your way to or from Maruia, along State Highway 65, don’t miss this stunning natural attraction just off the side of the road. From the car park, a five-minute walk leads down to the Maruia River bank where a viewing platform reveals an impressive cascade plunging into a rocky gorge.
Maruia Falls was formed following the 1929 Murchison earthquake, when a dramatic landslide altered the river’s course, creating the powerful waterfall you see today.
Location: State Highway 65, 42 km north of Maruia.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Walk the St James Walkway
If you want to spend more time in the stunning Lewis Pass landscape, which we don’t blame you for, then experience the multi-day St James Walkway. This classic backcountry hiking track covers 67 km through the St James Conservation Area, linking Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs.
Most trampers complete the walk over five to seven days, staying in Department of Conservation huts like Ada Pass Hut and Christopher Hut along the way.
The terrain is generally moderate, making this a popular introduction to multi-day tramping in remote wilderness. The track features vast alpine landscapes, river valleys and beech forest as you traverse this stunning corner of the South Island.
Location: Start from the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre, 55 km south of Maruia.
© Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr5. Take a Break at the Marble Hill Picnic Area
Have a picnic or camp for the night at the Marble Hill Picnic Area. This peaceful spot beside the Maruia River offers grassy spaces surrounded by native bush, making it perfect for stretching your legs, enjoying lunch or cooling off in the clear alpine water on a hot day.
The area sits where the Maruia River and Alfred River meet with wide river flats and several short walks to discover, including the Lake Daniell walk (see above).
It’s also historically significant, once serving as the site of an early accommodation house for travellers crossing the pass.
Location: Off State Highway 7, 23 km south of Maruia/6.5 km east of Springs Junction.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Indulge at the Thermal Pools
Maruia Hot Springs is the Lewis Pass & Maruia’s hottest little attraction. Ease your muscles from your New Zealand road trip in the soothing mineral waters naturally sourced from a hot spring across the Maruia River.
The thermal pools are inspired by Japanese spas, with outdoor and indoor hot pools to choose from. We recommend staying outdoors to soak up the stunning mountain scenery.
Find more fantastic thermal pools with our 10 Damn Relaxing Hot Pools in New Zealand.
Location: State Highway 7, 33km south of Maruia/15km east of Springs Junction.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Stay at a Luxury Eco Retreat in the Forest
For a deeply restorative escape into nature, Maruia River Retreat offers a five-star boutique experience set within a 500-acre (200 ha) private native forest estate.
This eco-luxury lodge is designed for guests seeking to disconnect and slow down, with seven tranquil villas positioned for complete privacy and stunning river or forest views.
The retreat’s wellness-focused facilities include a yoga shala, heated magnesium pool, outdoor hot tub and multiple saunas. You can wander through native forest on walking tracks, enjoy private river access, or simply soak in the serenity of your surroundings.
Nourishing gourmet cuisine is served in a peaceful setting that reflects the lodge’s commitment to wellbeing.
Location: 2314 Shenandoah Highway State Highway 65.
© NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi - Nelson Regional Development AgencyMore About Maruia
That’s it for our guide to Maruia; for more information about the West Coast region, check out the following articles:
Find more activities for your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do in the South Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Nelson Tasman Official Tourism
- Nelson City Council (Local council website)
- Tasman District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
