Braeburn Range
{{Short description|Mountains in New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Braeburn Range
| country = New Zealand
| region = Tasman Region
| range_coordinates =
| length_km = 23
| length_orientation = NW - SE
| highest =
| elevation_m = 1469
| coordinates = {{coord|41|43|48|S|172|29|59|E|type:mountain|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| topo_map = 250-18 Murchison
| topo_maker = LINZ
| photo = Mount Murchison from the Buller Road.jpg
| photo_caption = Mount Murchison from the Buller Road,
probably around 1900
}}
The Braeburn Range is a mountain range in the Tasman Region of New Zealand's South Island. It lies to the west of Lake Rotoroa and much of the eastern flank of the range is within the Nelson Lakes National Park. 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 {{convert|1469|m|ft}} Mount Murchison overlooking the Buller River. The southern endpoint of the range is Mount Hutton ({{convert|1400|m|ft}}) above the Tiraumea Saddle. The higher Ella Range lies to the south. Other peaks include Mount Pickering ({{convert|1249|m|ft}}), Mount Cotton ({{convert|1256|m|ft}}), Mount Baring ({{convert|1127|m|ft}}), and Twins ({{convert|1152|m|ft}}).New Zealand 1:260000 Topographic Map Series sheet 250–18: Murchison The bush line is around {{convert|1350|m|ft}} in this area, so only the two highest peaks are not covered in bush. There is a radio and television transmission mast on top of Mount Murchison.
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".{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp49.pdf|pages=157–159|title=Recovery plans for Powelliphanta land snails 2003–2013|first=Kath|last=Walker|publisher=Department of Conservation}} Living beneath tussocks and mountain flax, these snails have survived summer grazing by sheep and cattle in the past. Pigs are still considered a threat. A more widespread variety, Powelliphanta "Matakitaki" is found in bush above 1200 metres south of Mount Murchison. It is also the only known site of Veronica societatis, a small grassland hebe first discovered by members of the Nelson Botanical Society and named after the society in 2002.{{Cite book|last=Bayly|first=Michael|title=An illustrated guide to New Zealand Hebes.|last2=Kellow|publisher=Te Papa Press|year=2006|isbn=978-0-909010-12-6|location=Wellington, New Zealand|pages=232}}
The area is popular for hunting, with red deer, pigs, chamois and goats to be found.{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/hunting/where-to-hunt/nelson-tasman/nelson-lakes-hunting/where-to-hunt/braeburn-range/|title=Nelson Lakes Hunting - Braeburn Range|publisher=Department of Conservation|accessdate=15 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222040531/http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/hunting/where-to-hunt/nelson-tasman/nelson-lakes-hunting/where-to-hunt/braeburn-range/|archive-date=22 February 2013|url-status=dead}} The range is crossed by one track navigable by four-wheel-drive vehicles, the Braeburn Track, which connects the outlet of Lake Rotoroa with the upper Mangles River valley via a saddle at {{convert|650|m|ft}}. The Tiraumea tramping track crosses the saddle at the southern end of the range, following the Tiraumea River.