Come along and collect your Registration Bag from the Art Room foyer at Murchison Area School. This will be signposted at the school entrance.

Join us for a relaxed 'Mix & Mingle' from 12 noon to 5:00 pm, generously sponsored by Murchison Mobil! This free event at the Peacock Hospitality Suite (look for signs at the school entrance) is the perfect chance to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. Stick around for the Murchison Rural Women’s Smoko from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, where you can enjoy traditional tasty treats with tea and coffee. Barista coffee will also be available for purchase. Explore your old school with guided tours throughout the afternoon too!  Check out the displays and work from the current students of Murchison Area School.  

Make sure to register to secure your place at this event, and so that we can confirm catering numbers for our wonderful Rural Women's team. 

Step back in time and celebrate a true Murchison gem! From 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Hodgson's Store is hosting a special Late Night Shopping event. As this historic store celebrates its 125th birthday in 2026, and its current building marks its 95th year, come and experience the charm and history of this amazing local treasure. Hodgson's will be showcasing its rich past alongside a fantastic array of special goods on offer. It's the perfect opportunity to support a beloved local institution and perhaps find a unique piece of Murchison history to take home! 

Step back in time with us at the historical local theatre from 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm for a special Silent Movie Screening! For just a gold coin donation (registration essential to reserve a seat), you can enjoy a nostalgic glimpse into Murchison's past. We'll be showcasing charming old film clips of community events from days gone by, including treasured school moments and exciting A&P Shows. It's a unique opportunity to see Murchison's history come to life on the big screen. Make sure to register your spot for this trip down memory lane, and bring some coins for your seat and for a classic old fashioned ice-cream at the theatre!

Another opportunity to step back in time with us at the historical local theatre for a different Silent Movie Screening! For just a gold coin donation (registration essential), you can enjoy some more nostalgic glimpses into different aspects of Murchison's past.  Make sure to register your spot for this second trip down memory lane, and bring some coins for your seat and for a classic old fashioned ice-cream at the theatre!

Come and see Murchison shine for its 150th birthday!  Local young people have worked with New Zealand digital animation artist Tim Budgen to create 'Shining Through Time' — a FREE magical art show that brings Murchison’s story to life. Starting with the school’s mural, which shows the town’s beautiful landscape and farming life, the students drew their own pictures of how Murchison has changed over the years. These drawings have been turned into colourful animations that will be projected onto the mural at night — a fun, creative celebration for the whole community to enjoy! Follow the signs to the mural by the school tennis courts.

Final registrations in the Recreation Centre foyer.

Register for one of our catered breakfasts, served in the Rec Centre's Function Room.

Get ready for a spectacular display of community spirit! Join us for The Grand Parade, a highlight of the Murchison 150th celebrations. Parade entrants will assemble from 10:00 am, with the vibrant procession taking place between 11:00 am and 12:45 pm. Watch as colourful floats created by our wonderful local community groups – from sports teams and valley communities to essential services like our school, health centre, and emergency responders – make their way through Murchison. Following the parade, everyone will park up at the Recreation Centre for the official opening of the celebrations by visiting dignitary Dame Annette King, and the cutting of a special commemorative cake. Don't miss this fantastic showcase of Murchison's heart and soul! 

Pick up your tasty picnic lunch boxes (registration required) from the Rec Centre any time between 11:30am and 1:00pm.

When you head to the Rec Centre grounds on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April you’ll find an array of stalls to wander through, and goodies to gift or eat! On Saturday check out home-made jewellery, cutlery, toys, booties and crafts at stalls including ‘Shenandoah Crafts’ and ‘Baby with Love’. ‘Tutaki Honey’ (Trees and Bees) provide their local honey and candles for sale while ‘Buller Botanicals’ will bring cute Easter soaps, balms, creams and bath salts. ‘Not Just Clocks’ offers time pieces of olde-worlde charm. H.J. Hodgson & Co have some sweet treats for the kids selling alongside their range of Hodgson’s memorabilia and nature themed merchandise. Helen from Tasman Heritage (Tasman District Libraries) will be recording stories told by folk on the day. 

Yummy treats include Beans ‘n Berries with real fruit icecream and coffee, Karen’s Snow Cones and Dyan’s Bacon Butties, Whitebait Sammies, Hot Chips and Icecream.

On Sunday, the foodies are joined by Lil Orbits (mini-donuts and soft serve) and Lar’s Fruit & Veg. And there’s a change around of some of the craft and gift stalls.

Be in to win with a spin of the Chocolate Wheel plus a special treat both days will be the Clydesdale Horse & Cart rides.

The Murch Merch Stall provides a range of services over both days … it’s the First Aid post; an information site; folks will sign up for entry to competitions; and 150th themed merchandise will be for sale. On Sunday, youngsters up to 10 years can take part in the Easter Egg hunt, details at the stall.

Want to know more about booking a stall site at the celebrations? Text Michelle Reilly on 027 606 9796.

Journey through the Tutaki and Lower Maruia valleys on guided bus tours. For many, it’s a chance to see where they grew up; for others, to discover these places for the first time. Along the way, your guide will share the stories, history, and memories that bring our valleys to life.  TUTAKI BUS TOUR SOLD OUT! (Self-drive maps will be available) Assemble 15mins beforehand.

Join us as we officially kick off our weekend of celebrations. Our visiting dignitary will speak and this will be followed by the cutting of our commemorative cake.

Get ready for some action-packed family fun at The Great Murchison Muster! From 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, witness the ultimate showdown as valley teams and town teams go head-to-head in a series of hilarious rural-themed contests. Expect relay races, challenging obstacle courses, and skill-based surprises that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you're a current local, now's the time to think about gathering your mates and forming a team to compete for bragging rights! If you're visiting or returning home, prepare for some fantastic entertainment as you cheer on the participants and reconnect with everyone at the celebration. This is one event you won't want to miss!  More details on this event to come.

Floats and vehicles depart, doing a final lap of the grounds, and bringing the day's events to a close.

It’s time for the kids to hit the dance floor! The Junior Disco at the Axemen’s Shed is a special event just for children aged 5–10 years. There’ll be music, lights, and loads of fun as everyone dances, laughs, and celebrates together. Popcorn and drinks will be on sale, so bring some coins and enjoy a great night out with friends. A perfect way for Murchison’s youngest locals to join in the 150th celebrations!

Join us for an evening of delicious food, fantastic company, and wonderful entertainment at our Celebration Dinner, proudly sponsored by H J Hodgson! From 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm (registration required), this event promises to be a true highlight of the Murchison 150th celebrations – a perfect opportunity to relax, socialise, and enjoy a memorable meal together. As the dinner concludes, the festivities will continue in a separate space: from 9:30 pm to midnight, the Function Room will host after-dinner music and a bar, offering a chance to dance the night away for those who wish. Meanwhile, the dinner area will remain available for those who prefer a quieter space to continue their conversations. Don't miss this special social occasion! 

It’s time to turn up the music and celebrate Murchison’s 150th in style! The Teens Disco at the Axemen’s Shed is the place to be for teens aged 11 and up. There’ll be awesome tunes, flashing lights, and plenty of space to dance, chill, and catch up with friends. Drinks and popcorn will be available to buy — so grab your mates, dress to impress, and get ready for a fun night just for the teens of Murchison!

Register for one of our catered breakfasts, served in the Rec Centre's Function Room.

When you head to the Rec Centre grounds on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April you’ll find an array of stalls to wander through, and goodies to gift or eat! On Saturday check out home-made jewellery, cutlery, toys, booties and crafts at stalls including ‘Shenandoah Crafts’ and ‘Baby with Love’. ‘Tutaki Honey’ (Trees and Bees) provide their local honey and candles for sale while ‘Buller Botanicals’ will bring cute Easter soaps, balms, creams and bath salts. ‘Not Just Clocks’ offers time pieces of olde-worlde charm. H.J. Hodgson & Co have some sweet treats for the kids selling alongside their range of Hodgson’s memorabilia and nature themed merchandise. Helen from Tasman Heritage (Tasman District Libraries) will be recording stories told by folk on the day. 

Yummy treats include Beans ‘n Berries with real fruit icecream and coffee, Karen’s Snow Cones and Dyan’s Bacon Butties, Whitebait Sammies, Hot Chips and Icecream.

On Sunday, the foodies are joined by Lil Orbits (mini-donuts and soft serve) and Lar’s Fruit & Veg. And there’s a change around of some of the craft and gift stalls.

Be in to win with a spin of the Chocolate Wheel plus a special treat both days will be the Clydesdale Horse & Cart rides.

The Murch Merch Stall provides a range of services over both days … it’s the First Aid post; an information site; folks will sign up for entry to competitions; and 150th themed merchandise will be for sale. On Sunday, youngsters up to 10 years can take part in the Easter Egg hunt, details at the stall.

Want to know more about booking a stall site at the celebrations? Text Michelle Reilly on 027 606 9796.

Join us for a time of reflection and remembrance at our local Cemetery from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (registration required). This special ceremony offers a meaningful opportunity to honour the memories of family members and friends who are no longer with us. Afterwards, you are welcome to wander through the cemetery, taking a moment to remember the many individuals who have contributed to the rich history of Murchison. It's a chance to connect with the past and pay our respects to those who have shaped our community. 

Join our local congregation for the traditional Murchison Easter Service at St Paul's Church from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. All are welcome to attend this time of reflection and worship. 

Get ready for a fantastic afternoon of fun for the whole family at our Carnival Day & Family Picnic! Join us at the Recreation Centre domain from 12 noon to 4:30 pm for a classic family carnival experience. There will be competition judging, a variety of market stalls and merchandise to browse, carnival activities for all to try, captivating photographic displays, and lively music to enjoy. Don't miss the excitement of our Easter Egg Hunt! You're welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the domain, or you can pre-order one of our delicious picnic lunch boxes (registration required). It's the perfect way to spend a laidback afternoon reconnecting and celebrating together! 

The moment you've been waiting for! Join us as we celebrate the creative talents and fun-loving spirit of our community with the judging and announcement of results for all our weekend competitions. From the most impressive beards and moustaches to the heights of beehives and the flair of mullets, witness the winners of the Beard & Moustache competition and the Beehive & Mullet competition. We'll also be revealing the stylish standouts from the Through the Ages: Fashion in the Field competition, the talented wordsmiths of the Writing competition, the most imaginative Decorated letterboxes and fences, the sharpest eyes in the Match the Celebrity competition, and the cleverest young detectives from the Kids’ Scavenger Hunt. Come along and cheer on the participants and discover who will take home the top honours! 

Journey through the Matiri and Matakitaki valleys on guided bus tours. For many, it’s a chance to see where they grew up; for others, to discover these places for the first time. Along the way, your guide will share the stories, history, and memories that bring our valleys to life. LAST SEATS AVAILABLE - GET IN QUICK!  Assemble 15mins beforehand.

Time to relax and enjoy some great tunes!  Join us for Murchison's Jukebox Jam at the historic local theatre! This laid-back event is the perfect way to wind down after a busy weekend of celebrations. We'll be featuring fantastic live music from the '50s and '60s, along with other entertainment, all performed by talented locals. Get ready to tap your feet and enjoy the nostalgic tunes in a relaxed setting. Please note that registration is required as there is a limit of 180 people, and the cost is $10 per person. Don't miss this chance for a fun and relaxed evening of music and community spirit! 

Check out our popular local Murchison Market which you can find at the Museum Green, from 9am - 2.00pm.

Static Displays will also be set up at the Museum Green.