Lake Brunner

Lake Brunner is the West Coast’s best-kept secret: a vast, moody lake surrounded by ancient podocarp forest, where the only sounds are the splash of a trout and the cry of a native bird. This is the quintessential South Island backcountry escape, beloved by anglers, kayakers, and anyone craving a genuine slice of New Zealand wilderness without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Arnold River & Moana: The tiny settlement of Moana sits at the lake’s edge, with a historic railway station and a general store that serves surprisingly good coffee. Rent a kayak or join a guided fishing trip on the Arnold River – the brown trout fishing here is legendary.
• Lake Brunner Scenic Lookout: A short walk from the Moana camping ground leads to a viewpoint that captures the lake’s full expanse, with the Southern Alps glinting on the horizon.
• Crooked River Walkway: An easy 45-minute loop through lush rainforest along the Crooked River, where you’ll spot native ferns, rimu trees, and maybe even a weka or pukeko.
• Boat Cruises & Water Taxis: Several operators offer cruises across the lake to remote beaches and historic gold-mining sites – a fantastic way to soak up the serenity.

Suggested Time to Spend

Lake Brunner rewards a relaxed pace. Most visitors spend a half-day to a full day here, combining a walk, a coffee at Moana, and a kayak or fishing session. If you’re self-driving the West Coast, it’s the perfect overnight stop to break up the journey between Hokitika and Punakaiki – the Moana Lake Brunner Motel and the Lake Brunner Lodge offer comfortable stays right on the water.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – about 90 minutes south, where you can walk to the glacier terminal or take a heli-hike onto the ice.
• Fox Glacier – slightly further south, with equally dramatic ice views and the stunning Lake Matheson.
• Punakaiki – an hour north, famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Dolomite Point.
• Hokitika – 45 minutes south-west, a charming gold-rush town with a vibrant arts scene, greenstone (pounamu) galleries, and the Hokitika Gorge.

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