Lake Brunner
An amazing lake nestled in between hills and bush on three sides, it makes a great day trip or overnight from either Greymouth or Christchurch.
Quick Facts
Start 1 - Lake Brunner Boat Ramp, Ahau Street, Moana, 7872
Start 2 - Iveagh Bay Campground, Centennial Drive, Moana, 7875
Distance - 30km circumnavigation - trips can be anything up to this distance
Time - up to 1 day
Difficulty - Easy/moderate (depending on trip and condition)
Cautions - This is a wide lake next to mountains, so winds are likely to change or blow in a direction which is different to the forecast. Always exercise care in an offshore wind.
Key Planning Information
Wind
There are two easy spots to park and get on to paddle on Lake Brunner. Firstly, you could park in the public car park by the boat ramp in Moana. This is good on calm days, or if you want to explore up Arnold River. You can also access the river from the freedom campground at Iveagh Bay (self-contained status required to stay overnight here). Iveagh Bay is more enclosed and thus sheltered to all but a South Westerly wind.
Most trips are likely to be there and back to explore a section of the lake. A paddle around the outside of Iveagh Bay is 5.5km. It is 8km between Moana and Iveagh Bay
Those looking for a longer paddle may wish to paddle the whole circumference of the lake, which is 30km, an achievable distance in a sea kayak! The Western side of the lake is remote and there is no road access between Carew Bay/Mitchells and Moana.
Be careful if you decide to paddle directly over across the lake. Most points of the lake are between 5 and 6km wide (East to West). This is a serious crossing and if there is any wind you can expect difficult conditions in the middle. Staying closer to the edge is safer and you can see more!
Those with a bit of money could have a great day trip with a SUP from Christchurch on the Transalpine railway - the train would drop you off in Moana at 12:15pm, where it is a short walk down to the lake. The train would then pick you back up at 3:10pm to take you back to Christchurch. Your seat includes luggage of 23kg, which should easily allow you to bring a SUP and other neccessary kit. The return journey will cost at least $438 though!
Top photo and information provided by Coralie Walton
