What to Do at Moana & Lake Brunner: the West Coast’s Largest Lake
A stunning lake with a backdrop of mountains and ancient forest, Lake Brunner is well worth the short venture from Greymouth on the West Coast.
On the northern shores of the lake is the little town of Moana, a tight-knit community with an excellent tavern worth popping into to meet the friendly locals.
Otherwise, you’ll want to spend the rest of your time outdoors tackling the myriad of hiking trails surrounding the lake, joining one of the fishing guides for brown trout fishing, or just soaking up the scenery of this breathtaking hidden gem of the South Island.
Find out what to do here with this list of things to do at Lake Brunner and Moana.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 5 Greymouth Must-Dos and 10 West Coast Must-Dos.
Table of Contents
1. Fish for Brown Trout
Great year-round fishing, wild brown trout, a stunning lake… What else do you need?! Lake Brunner is legendary, one of New Zealand’s premier still-water fisheries.
The brown trout here often range between 2-4 lb (about 1-1.5 kg), though bigger specimens occasionally appear.
What makes this lake so special? A mix of temperate West Coast climate, forest-fed water, and nutrient-rich insect life keeps trout active even in winter.
Most anglers troll from boats, but casting flies or spinners near weed beds or where streams such as the Arnold or Crooked enter, can reward you with stalking opportunities along calm shorelines.
Take your own gear, get a fishing license and try your luck, or hire one of the local fishing guides to take you out on the water.
Location: Lake Brunner and the Arnold River, West Coast, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Walk the Bain Bay Track and to Carew Falls
Lake Brunner is surrounded by spectacular walking and hiking trails. One of the highlights is the Bain Bay Track. This 2-hour return walk crosses boardwalks through old native forest to Bain Bay.
At Bain Bay, you’ll see timber mill relics, a historic jetty (or what is left of it) and expansive views of the lake. Starting from the same area, do the 1-hour return Carew Falls Track steadily climbing to an impressive waterfall. And that’s just the beginning…
Check out the 10 Hikes Around Lake Brunner for more amazing walks.
Location: These walks start from the southwest side of the lake by Lake Brunner Lodge and Mitchell’s. 38 km (24 mi) from Moana by road.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Take the Train Through Arthur’s Pass National Park
Moana and Lake Brunner are one of the starting (and finishing) stations of the TranzAlpine Train that runs between Greymouth and Christchurch.
Hop on the train at Moana and enjoy breathtaking views on a scenic journey through Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps. The journey is approximately 4 hours.
Highlights include the engineering marvel of the Otira Tunnel and the wide, glacially carved Waimakariri River valley. It’s a journey that takes you from coast to mountains in a single day, with the train slowing for the best views.
The train features open-air viewing carriages and a cafe.
Learn more about the journey in the Train Network in New Zealand.
Location: Just off Ana Street on the lakefront.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Check Out the Pottery and Art at Kotuku Pottery
For a creative twist on your Lake Brunner adventure, head about 20 minutes from Moana to the charming Kotuku Pottery and Gallery. Located among lush bushes in the tiny settlement of Kotuku, this long-established studio showcases the work of local potters Chris and Elaine Doughty.
We personally love browsing their collection of hand-thrown mugs, bowls and intricate sculptural pieces, often inspired by the surrounding landscapes and wildlife.
Pop in to chat with the artists about their craft and pick up a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir that captures the essence of the West Coast.
Location: 1967 Arnold Valley Road, Kotuku, West Coast, South Island. About 20 km (12 mi) from Moana.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Visit the Historic Jack’s Mill School
One of the quirkiest historic attractions in the area, Jack’s Mill School was built and furnished by school children. The headteacher of the school in 1935, Edward Darracott, was known for giving his students alternative hands-on projects.
First, with making a garden, then by getting the 10-12-year-old schoolchildren to build their own house complete with a bathtub and a full kitchen.
The bungalow was completed in 1955 with running water and electricity. The buildings are open on Sundays, 2-5 pm. Otherwise, visiting the school grounds has plenty of photo opportunities.
Location: Kotuku, 5.5 km (3.4 mi) north of Moana.
© itravelNZ on Flickr6. See Glowworms
Discover the enchanting world of glowworms right from Moana! The Velenski Track offers a magical nocturnal experience, where you can spot clusters of these bioluminescent creatures lighting up the night. It’s one of the places listed on 10 Free Glowworm Destinations in New Zealand.
This 30-minute return walk is perfect for a short evening adventure. But that’s not all, Moana serves as a gateway to several delightful forest trails through diverse wetland and rainforest ecosystems.
From gentle 20-minute strolls to secluded beaches and waterfalls, to challenging day hikes and alpine tracks for experienced trampers, there’s something for every nature enthusiast.
Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife during the day, and let the glowworms guide your way after dark.
Location: Velenski Track signposted on Taku Street, Moana, West Coast, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Paddle on Lake Brunner
To truly appreciate the majestic beauty of Lake Brunner, the largest lake on the West Coast, get out on its tranquil waters. Fringed by native bush and backed by dramatic mountain ranges, the lake offers a serene escape for nature lovers.
Kayaking is a popular way to explore the sheltered bays and quiet inlets, especially at dawn or dusk when the reflections are simply breathtaking.
Complimentary kayak and paddleboards are available if you stay with Lake Brunner Eco Lodge.
Location: Lake Brunner, Moana, West Coast, South Island. 37 km (23 mi) east of Greymouth.
© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nzMore Things to Do Near Lake Brunner and Moana
That’s it for our guide to Lake Brunner and Moana; for more information about the West Coast, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to the 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])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- West Coast NZ (Regional tourism website)
- Grey District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
![20 BEST Things to Do in Whangarei [2025]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Whangarei-Feature-Mandatory-Credit-NZPocketGuide.com_-900x600.jpg)
