Lake Brunner
Lake Large South Island lake, renowned trout fishery
On New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Brunner sits near Greymouth; anglers, kayakers, and tramping parties use it for trout fishing, flat-water paddling, and access to West Coast walks.
Lake Brunner is a large freshwater lake on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, near the small settlement of Moana. It is a prominent recreational lake in the region, widely used for fishing and boating.
Known for trout fishing and recreational boating, the lake has sheltered bays and shallow shoreline areas popular with family outings and small craft. There are walking tracks and picnic spots around the lake and boat launches at several points along the shore.
The lake is a natural feature of the West Coast landscape and has been used locally for recreation and fishing for many decades. Surrounding land use has included small settlements and lakeside holiday homes rather than large-scale commercial development.
The lake sits on New Zealand’s West Coast in the South Island, in a largely forested, lowland basin. The nearby town of Greymouth is the main regional service centre, with the settlement of Moana immediately adjacent to the lake.
- Fishing: Commonly fished for brown trout; local angling regulations and licences apply.
- Nearest settlement: The small settlement of Moana sits on the lake's northeast shore and provides basic visitor services and boat access.
How to Get to Lake Brunner #
From Greymouth or Hokitika: drive inland on State Highway 7 and then follow local roads toward Moana and the Lake Brunner settlements; the lake lies roughly 20-30 minutes from the coastal towns depending on route.
Tips for Visiting Lake Brunner #
- Rent a boat from local operators to reach quiet coves - motorboats are common, but kayaking reveals more of the shoreline.
- Visit the nearby small settlements for excellent trout fishing tips and local hospitality.
- If driving from the West Coast, account for mountain passes that can close in winter; check road conditions outside summer months.
Best Time to Visit Lake Brunner #
Best during the New Zealand summer for warm weather and full access to roads and services.
Weather & Climate near Lake Brunner #
Lake Brunner's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Heavy rainfall (2811 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (298 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (439 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (324 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (333 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (233 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm).
