Lake Brunner Walks
Hidden behind the allure of the rugged West Coast coastline is a glacier-carved lake far too many backpackers travel right by without knowing its there.
Before continuing along the coast from Greymouth, take the time to turn inland up the Arnold Valley road to the huge Lake Brunner.
This dark lake captures the reflection of the surrounding mountains and makes an incredible backdrop to any hike in the Lake Brunner area.
Hikes around Lake Brunner range from 10 minutes to 10 hours, so there’s no reason to not fit it in your timeframe. Explore the rainforests, be mesmerised by a waterfall, or climb to a summit: you have heaps of options around Lake Brunner.
Just take a look at the list of hikes around Lake Brunner below!
Table of Contents
1. Lake Side Walk (1-hour Return)
Starting our list with a simple stroll along the shores of Lake Brunner, the Lake Side Walk is an easy leg-stretcher that’s all about lake vibes and big views. This is a popular picnic spot to soak up the scenery of the lake and the mountains beyond!
Cross the Arnold River swing bridge beside the Moana Railway Station, then turn left and amble along the lakeside.
You’re walking the start of the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail, a flat, well-formed path shared with cyclists that strings together pebble beaches, picnic nooks, and perfectly still reflections of Mt Te Kinga and the Hohonu Range.
Do it as a mellow 30-minute out-and-back or linger longer on warm days with a swim. It’s family-friendly, close to town, and a great first taste of Brunner’s rainforest and birdlife.
Location: Cross the Arnold River swingbridge then continue left along the lakeside, Moana, West Coast, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Carew Falls Track (1-hour Return)
While in the Lake Brunner area, go see an impressive waterfall! (Yes, another waterfall in New Zealand). This easy short walk offers a big payoff with stunning views of the 30-metre Carew Falls cascade.
The benched track gently climbs through lush mixed podocarp forest before reaching immense, water-smoothed granite boulders at the base of the misty and photogenic falls.
On clear days, you’ll be treated to elevated views over the western end of Lake Brunner through the trees.
If you’ve only got an hour in the area, this is the hit of scenery you’re after!
Location: The track starts a few hundred metres east of Lake Brunner Lodge, off Kumara–Inchbonnie Road, Mitchells, on the southern end of the lake. Alternatively, you can take the water taxi from Moana.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Velenski Track (20 Minutes One Way)
This easy walk is a delightful little adventure right on Moana‘s doorstep. The track winds uphill through lush native bush, with rimu and kahikatea trees draped in moss creating an atmospheric forest experience.
While it’s beautiful any time of day, nighttime walks offer the chance to see glowworms at their brightest.
During the day, you’ll be treated to glimpses of Lake Brunner and Mt Te Kinga from a couple of signposted lookouts.
It’s a great option if you’re short on time but still want to experience nature. Because it’s so close to the village, it’s easy to pair with a lakeside picnic or coffee at Moana’s cafés afterwards.
Location: Signposted on Taku Street, Moana
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Rakaitane Track (45-minute Loop)
Delve into this mixed podocarp forest filled with mosses and fascinating trees. The easy track provides some great views of the Arnold River and is a relaxing forest wander near the river’s outlet.
We love the tall kahikatea and rimu that tower above a carpet of ferns, creating a magical atmosphere. The highlight is the calm, reflective Arnold River itself, often dotted with anglers trying their luck for trout.
A sturdy swing bridge offers picturesque views up and down the river, a natural photo stop you won’t want to miss.
The well-graded circuit is perfect for families and takes about 45 minutes at an easy pace. Keep an eye out for tūī, fantail and kererū often spotted among the trees, adding a delightful touch of birdlife to your walk.
Location: Cross the Arnold River swingbridge and follow the signposts to your right. Near Moana, West Coast, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Bain Bay Track (2 Hours Return)
This easy track provides another awesome perspective of Lake Brunner with its mountain backdrop. Starting from Moana, the well-formed path weaves through thick native bush, offering glimpses of the lake through rimu, kahikatea and beech trees.
Along the way, you’re likely to hear tūī and bellbirds, with the damp forest floor alive with ferns and mosses.
The track leads to Bain Bay, a secluded beach perfect for swimming, especially in summer when the dark waters of the lake warm up nicely.
It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or simply soaking in the tranquillity. Remember to pack insect repellent, as sandflies love the lake edges.
Location: The hike starts outside of the Lake Brunner Lodge, Mitchells, on the southern end of Lake Brunner along Kumara-Inchbonnie Road. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi to Bain Bay from Moana.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Arnold Dam Walkway (45-minute Loop)
The title of the walkway is pretty explanatory of what you will see. Yes, you might just see the Arnold Dam… Plus, you get views of the Arnold River on this moderate level walking track.
This short loop offers a splash of engineering history near Lake Brunner’s hydroelectric powerhouse. The walk winds through regenerating forest before reaching the dam and spillway, with interpretive panels sharing stories about the area’s hydro history.
It’s a flat, family-friendly track that takes about 45 minutes, offering good river views and plenty of birdsong.
Location: Found 7 km (4 mi) towards Greymouth from Moana along Arnold Valley Road. The hike starts at the Arnold Dam Power Station.
© DB Thats-Me on Wikipedia7. Ara O Te Kinga Track (1-hour Return to the First Lookout…)
(…3 hours return to the third lookout and 6-7 hours return to the summit)
See that mountain over there? Do you want to climb it? Course you do! A real Lake Brunner adventure awaits on this day trip to the summit of Mt Te Kinga.
There are three lookout points along the way overlooking Iveagh Bay and the surrounding landscape.
From the third lookout, follow the marked route up to the open tussock-covered mountain top. As this is a summit hike, be prepared for a lot of uphill climbs.
Location: The hike starts at Iveagh Bay
© Michal Klajban on Wikipedia8. Mt French (8 Hours Return)
On a clear day, embrace the views of Lake Brunner and the Southern Alps. This challenging climb over rugged terrain takes you to the top of Mt French (1,305 m/4,281 ft) on the Hohonu Range.
You’ll experience dense beech forest before emerging into alpine tussock and scrub.
The steep ascent rewards experienced trampers with panoramic vistas stretching across Lake Brunner, the Taramakau Valley, and out to snow-capped peaks.
We can’t get enough of the unforgettable West Coast wilderness on display here!
Location: Start the hike approximately 5 km (3 mi) west of Mitchells on the Inchbonnie-Kumara Road.
© Michal Klajban on Wikipedia9. Camp Creek Route (3 Hours One Way to Hut…)
(…8-10 hours one way to the summit)
The Camp Creek Route offers a classic backcountry experience near Lake Brunner. This steady climb through lush beech forest leads to the cosy Camp Creek Hut, nestled beside the creek.
The route crosses streams and traverses rough, rooty ground, adding to the adventure. For those seeking a longer journey, a ridge beyond the hut leads to Mt Alexander’s summit, rewarding hikers with stunning 360-degree views.
It’s a popular overnight trip or a challenging day walk for experienced trampers. Because it’s a route rather than a formed track, come prepared with good footwear, rain gear and maps.
Location: The Camp Creek Route starts from the end of Nelson Creek Road, about 30 minutes’ drive from Moana, just east of Rotomanu along the Lake Brunner Road
© Tournasol7 on Wikipedia10. Crooked Route (6 Hours One Way to Jacko Flat Hut…)
(…2 hours one way from Jacko Flat Hut to Crooked Hut)
This one is only advised for experienced trampers. Plus, walking access permission needs to be obtained by the owner (see below).
The route to the Jacko Flat Hut follows the Crooked River along rough and very steep terrain, passing spectacular gorges and rapids, as well as blue pools. Getting walking access might just be worth it!
Location: The hike starts along Bell Hill Road just west of Rotomanu. You must gain walking access from Bruce Burgess, phone +64 3 429 0901.
© NZPocketGuide.comNow That You Have Done Your Lake Brunner Walks…
Here are some more awesome things to do on the West Coast!
- 5 Amazing Things to Do at Lake Brunner & Moana
- 10 West Coast Must-Dos
- Outdoor Safety When Hiking in New Zealand
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Greymouth.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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