The range runs south-southeast, with a westwards curve at the northern end and several westward-trending spurs.

The northernmost and highest peak of the range is the 1,469 metres (4,820 ft) Mount Murchison overlooking the Buller River.

The area above the bush line on Mount Murchison is one of three isolated habitats for an as-yet unnamed species of large alpine carnivorous land snail, currently known as Powelliphanta "Nelson Lakes".

[2] Living beneath tussocks and mountain flax, these snails have survived summer grazing by sheep and cattle in the past.

A more widespread variety, Powelliphanta "Matakitaki" is found in bush above 1200 metres south of Mount Murchison.