Brunner Lake

Brunner Lake (Lake Brunner) is a serene, dark-water gem on the West Coast, ringed by native bush and snow-capped peaks. Known locally as Moana (its main settlement), this lake offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with excellent fishing, kayaking, and a laid-back café scene. The surrounding rainforest and the nearby Arnold River create a tranquil setting that feels quintessentially West Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Kayak or paddleboard on the calm, mirror-like waters – rent gear from Moana or bring your own for a serene exploration of the lake's inlets and islands.
• Brown trout fishing – Lake Brunner is renowned for trophy-sized trout; hire a local guide for the best spots.
• Walk the Lake Brunner Scenic Reserve – a short loop through podocarp forest with views over the lake and birdlife.
• Moana township – grab a coffee at the Lake Brunner Lodge or the historic Moana Hotel (built 1900) and watch the TranzAlpine train rumble past.
• Arnold River – a short drive away, walk the Arnold River Track to see the river rush over limestone boulders and into the lake.
• Stargazing – the dark skies above the lake are perfect for spotting the Milky Way on a clear night.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a leisurely half-day to a full day around the lake. If you're driving the West Coast, a night at Moana allows you to enjoy an evening on the water and a morning fishing or walking. The lake is a perfect stop for a picnic lunch or a coffee break en route between Greymouth and Hokitika, but staying overnight lets you soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Greymouth – 30 minutes north, this historic coal-mining town offers the Left Bank Art Gallery and the famous Monteith's Brewery.
• Hokitika – 45 minutes south, known for its pounamu (greenstone) workshops, the Hokitika Gorge, and wild beaches.
• Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks – an hour north, the dramatic layered limestone formations and blowholes are a must-see on the West Coast.
• Arthur's Pass National Park – an hour east via the stunning Otira Gorge, offering alpine walks, waterfalls, and kea sightings.
• Jackson Bay – 1.5 hours south, a remote fishing village with a wild beach and the southernmost point of the West Coast road.

Please check official sources for current details.