KiwiGlimpseOverview
Lyell is a historic ghost town located in the Buller District of New Zealand's South Island. The town was once a thriving gold mining settlement and today, visitors can explore the town's fascinating history, as well as enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the surrounding area. Lyell is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers and history buffs.
| Lyell Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lyell |
| Region | West Coast |
| District Council | Buller District |
| Sub-District | Buller District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 03:01 PM |
| Date: | Saturday, April 18, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.44 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -41.7949 |
| Longitude | 172.0485 |
| DMS Lat | -42° 12' 18.4062'' |
| DMS Long | 172° 2' 54.4877'' |
History
The Lyell area has a rich history dating back to the 1860s, when gold was first discovered in the nearby mountains. The town of Lyell was established as a mining settlement and at its peak, it was home to over 1,000 residents. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the town's historic buildings, including the old hotel and the courthouse and learn about the lives of the early miners who worked in the area.
Geography
Lyell is located in the Buller Gorge, a stunningly beautiful area of New Zealand's South Island. The town is situated in a narrow valley, surrounded by steep mountains and dense forests. The nearby Buller River is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking and white-water rafting, while the surrounding hills and mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.
Lyell is located at latitude -41.79488716 and longitude 172.04846880 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -42° 12' 18.4062'' and longitude 172° 2' 54.4877'' (DMS).
Below is map of Lyell
Demographics
Lyell is a ghost town and today, there are no permanent residents living in the area. However, the town remains an important part of the region's history and is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs.
Climate
Lyell has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with most precipitation occurring in the winter months. The surrounding mountains can experience heavy snowfall in the winter, making it an ideal location for winter sports.
Lyell Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Lyell is home to a number of historic landmarks and tourist attractions, including the ruins of the town's historic buildings and the old Lyell Cemetery, where many of the town's early settlers are buried. The area is also popular for outdoor activities, with hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing spots and white-water rafting opportunities all nearby.
Economy
Lyell is a ghost town and there is no permanent economy in the area. However, tourism is an important part of the local economy, with many visitors drawn to the area's stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Granity/Ngakawau Playcentre |
| 2 | Granity School |
| 3 | Murchison Area School |
| 4 | Murchison Kindergarten |
| 5 | Murchison Playcentre |