Lake Brunner Lake

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.

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.

• 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.