Portuguese 
Spanish 
Natural flame in Blackwater Valley has remained active since 1922, fueled by methane gas escaping from the ground in an isolated area of Murchison.
A natural fire that has been burning for over a century continues to spark curiosity in New Zealand and attract visitors interested in one of the country’s most unusual geological phenomena.
Located in the Blackwater Valley, near the small village of Murchison on the South Island, the flame is continuously fueled by methane gas emerging from the ground.
According to local tourist records, the fire was lit in 1922 and since then, only heavy periods of rain have required it to be relit.
-
Brazilian Town Known for Its Steady Winds Impresses with Cutting-Edge Hospitals, Clean Air, and Peaceful Living Just Three Hours from São Paulo
-
Animal Thought Extinct for 130 Years Reappears in Brazil, Exciting Scientists with Rare Comeback
-
German Sailor Found Mummified on His Boat in the Philippines, Leaving Scientists Puzzled by an Unbelievable Detail
-
Brazilian Couple Trades Motorhome for “Houseboat” Adventure on Historic Welsh Canal with Unique Challenges
Besides the permanent flame, the region also draws attention for the Blackwater River, whose waters have a slight kerosene-like odor due to the natural presence of oil in the nearby mountains.
According to Visit Murchison NZ and the official portal 100% Pure New Zealand, the phenomenon has become one of the region’s most curious natural attractions.
Natural phenomenon emerged in an area rich in oil and gas
The history of the eternal fire of New Zealand is directly linked to the geological characteristics of Blackwater Valley.
According to accounts preserved by residents, a pair of hunters noticed the strong smell of gas during an expedition in 1922.
Subsequently, a flame came into contact with the gas escaping from the ground.
Since then, the fire has remained burning almost without interruption.
Although there are different versions of the episode, all indicate that the fire occurred accidentally.
According to local residents, the gas continues to be released naturally to this day.
Tour takes tourists to the hidden bonfire in the forest
Currently, the phenomenon is known as the Natural Flames Experience, a name created by tour operators Merve and Shirley Bigden.
The itinerary begins with a journey of approximately 15 kilometers on a dirt road.
After that, visitors walk a trail of about 2.4 kilometers through native forest.
Along the way, guides present ancient structures used in attempts to explore oil carried out in the 1970s.
Additionally, they share stories about the occupation of the region, which began around 1800, and about the moa birds, an extinct species that lived in New Zealand.
Flames appear unexpectedly amidst the vegetation
After about an hour of walking, the yellow and smokeless flames appear in a small cavity surrounded by ferns and native vegetation.
The contrast between the permanent fire and the forest creates an unusual landscape.
During the visit, the flame is also used to heat water and prepare simple foods.
According to local guides, tea and pancakes are usually prepared directly on the stones heated by the natural fire.
Meanwhile, visitors remain close to the flames observing a geological phenomenon that has been active for more than a hundred years.
Other countries also have eternal flames fueled by natural gas
Although it is uncommon, the Murchison fire pit is not the only one on the planet.
In Turkey, for example, the flames of Yanartaş on Mount Olympus have been burning continuously for at least 2,500 years and are associated with the ancient myth of the Chimera, mentioned by Homer.
Additionally, in India, the temple of Jawalamukhi houses another permanent flame fueled by natural gas, considered sacred and visited annually by thousands of pilgrims.
However, according to those responsible for the tourist attraction, the New Zealand fire pit has a unique characteristic.
Unlike the others, it remains lit in an isolated and uninhabited forest, making the setting even more unusual.
Natural changes may alter the future of the eternal fire
Despite the stability observed in recent decades, local experts warn that natural changes in the underground circulation of oil and gas may alter the behavior of the flames in the future.
Furthermore, there is the possibility of new activities related to oil and gas exploration in the region.
According to information from Visit Murchison NZ and Natural Flames Experience, these changes may directly influence the continuity of this unique natural phenomenon.
Meanwhile, the eternal fire continues to burn silently in the forest, preserving one of New Zealand’s most impressive geological curiosities.
And you, were you aware of this natural fire that has been burning for over 100 years? Do you believe that phenomena like this should be preserved exclusively for tourism and scientific purposes? Leave your opinion in the comments!
