Moana on Lake Brunner

Moana lies on the northern shore of Lake Brunner and combines impressive lake views with walking tracks, water activities and a distinctive railway heritage. From the village, you can look across the lake to the hills and the snow-capped mountains beyond. For planning your trip, there are several options: a walk with a specified distance, a track to a suspension bridge, or experiences on and by the water.

Walks with Different Views

The Velenski Walk is an easy 20-minute walk, covering 600 metres one way. It starts at the western end of Moana. A viewpoint offers views across the lake to the Orangipuku Valley, as well as Mt Te Kinga and the Hohonu Range. If you’re looking for a short route with a stated distance and duration to help plan your day, this walk provides a clear guide.

The Rakaitane Track also starts at the western end of Moana: the trailhead is at the lakeside car park on Ahau Street, behind the motor camp. The track leads to a suspension bridge over the Arnold River, with panoramic views. This offers a different experience from the Velenski Walk, whose described viewpoint looks across the lake to the valley and mountains.

Another option for walkers is the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail. It runs along the northwestern shore of Lake Brunner and leads to picnic areas and swimming beaches. The trail is also open to cyclists. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you’d prefer to explore on foot or by bike; the picnic areas and swimming beaches along the way offer additional destinations.

Lakeside Railway Station and Local History

One of Moana’s unusual heritage attractions is the Moana Railway Station on the shore of Lake Brunner. It is New Zealand’s only surviving Type A station, complete with its tracks and goods shed. The station is listed as a Historic Place Category 1 and is privately owned. If you’re interested in railway history as well as scenery and outdoor activities, it offers a distinct aspect of the village to discover.

Activities on and around Lake Brunner

The calm waters near Moana are suitable for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and water skiing. A boat ramp provides access to the lake, allowing you to get out on the water in a motorboat, yacht or charter boat. This gives you a range of ways to enjoy the lake, from spending time in the water to taking a boat trip.

Fishing is another activity on offer. Moana Trout Fishing Safari offers guided fishing trips on lakes, rivers and streams. The options include fly fishing, spin fishing and trolling for wild brown trout. The different fishing methods give you a practical point of reference when considering whether a guided trip suits your interests.

When choosing where to stay, you can consider which aspect of Moana matters most to your trip: views across Lake Brunner, a scenic walk, railway heritage or water activities. A holiday rental in Moana is a suitable option if you’re considering the village as a base for a stay focused on these experiences.

Other destinations you can discover: Rapahoe, Runanga, Atarau.

For the main travel overview: Grey District.