Access

Lake Brunner is 24 km from Stillwater off SH7 (13 km from Greymouth). Moana Carpark is at the end of Ahau St by the lakefront.

The start of the track is signposted from the large parking area on the right at the end of Ahau St, before crossing the bridge.

Track

The track climbs through podocarp/beech forest.

Make sure you take the short detour to the lookout - the highlight of this walk.

The track links Ahau Street and Taku Street. Return via the same track or via the roads.

Geology

The shallow lake occupies a glacially scoured hollow and is no more than 30 metres deep.

Flora

The walk passes under some lofty rimu.

Fauna

Lake Brunner is stuffed full of big trout.

Polynesian History

The Maori name is Moana Kotuku, meaning ‘Lake of the White Heron’.

European History

Lake Brunner was named after the European explorer and surveyor, Thomas Brunner. He became chief Nelson Provincial Surveyor and was recognised with a Royal Geographic Society award in 1850.