Duration: 3 Days
Price: from NZ$879
Departure From: Christchurch
Departure Date: Flexible Dates
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Tour Operator: LOCO Journeys
Meal Plan: B&B
Physical Grading: 2
ENQUIRE NOWThe tranquil village of Moana is a small settlement situated on the northern edge of Lake Brunner, amidst a stunning backdrop of mountains and ancient forest. And what better way to experience this paradise than on LOCO Journey’s TranzAlpine Moana Magic Escape.
Lake Brunner is the largest lake in the region and an incredibly popular location for water recreational activities including fishing and boating, summer swimming and walking.
There are not enough words to describe the peacefulness and tranquillity of Moana and Lake Brunner, New Zealand’s best kept secret.
Our TranzAlpine Moana Escape is primarily designed to get you there and home via the TranzAlpine including your accommodation, but there are plenty of highlights to enjoy
There are plenty of different walks to enjoy, some departing directly from the village, others a little further away.
Grade: Easy
Access: Cross the Arnold River swingbridge then continue left along the lakeside
Highlights: Starting our list with a simple stroll along the shores of Lake Brunner, the Lake Side Walk is not so much a trail but more like a walk along the lake’s pebble beach closest to Moana town. This is a popular picnic spot to soak up the views of the lake and the mountains beyond!
Grade: Easy
Access: 50m from the Lake Brunner Lodge, Mitchells, on the southern end of the lake. Alternatively, you can take the water taxi from Moana.
Highlights: While in the Lake Brunner area, go see an impressive waterfall! (Yes, another waterfall in New Zealand). This moderate walk gently climbs a mixed podocarp forest before continuing more steeply to the base of Carew Falls!
Grade: Easy
Access: Sign posted in Taku Street, Moana
Highlights: The best time to do this easy walk is at night when the glowworms are shining their brightest. Otherwise, a daytime walk will give you views of Lake Brunner and the native forest and bird life.
Grade: Easy
Access: Over the Arnold River outlet of the lake via the swing bridge, sign posted to your right.
Highlights: Delve into this mixed podocarp forest filled with mosses and fascinating trees. The easy track provides some great views of the Arnold River.
Grade: Easy
Access: Outside of the Lake Brunner Lodge, Mitchells, on the southern end of Lake Brunner along the Kumara-Inchbonnie Road. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi to Bain Bay from Moana.
Highlights: This easy track provides another awesome perspective of Lake Brunner with its mountain backdrop. Walk along boardwalks through native forest to find old relics of timber mills at Bain Bay (which is also the site of a Department of Conservation campground). Bain Bay is the perfect spot for swimming, especially in summer with the warm lake heated up thanks to its dark waters.
Grade: Moderate
Access: Found 7km towards Greymouth from Moana along the Arnold Valley Road. The hike starts at the Arnold Dam Power Station.
Highlights: The title of the walkway is pretty explanatory of what you will see. Yes there will be a dam at the end, but the walk will also show you what our wonderful rainforest has to offer… Plus, you get breathtaking views of the Arnold River on this moderate level walking track.
Grade: Moderate-Difficult (depending on the length of the journey)
Access: The hike starts at the Iveagh Bay freedom camping area.
Highlights: See that mountain over there? Do you want to climb it? Course you do! A real Lake Brunner adventure awaits on this day trip to the summit of Mt Te Kinga. There are three lookout points along the way overlooking Ivegh Bay and surrounding landscape. From the third lookout, follow the marked route up to the open tussock-covered mountain top. As this is a summit hike, be prepared for a lot of uphill climbs, especially past the first lookout.
A highlight of your TranzAlpine Moana Magic Escape is your return train journey to and from Christchurch. One of the world’s most celebrated train journeys, your getaway escape will start as soon as you board your train for your 4 hour scenic extravaganze. From Christchurch, Moana is the last stop prior to the train terminating in Greymouth. As you alight alongside the beautiful Lake Brunner, be satisfied that you have enjoyed the best of this iconic journey.
When it is time to leave the shores of the beautiful Lake Brunner, you have a choice as to which way to travel. It may be you want to travel to Greymouth for more West Coast adventures. Or, at an additional cost and subject to availability, you can complete your TranzAlpine train experience to Greymouth departing at midday before returning to Christchurch. The included option for this your as costed in the tour price, is to leave Moana at mid-afternoon giving you more time to enjoy this wonderful destination before returning directly to Christchurch.
Situated in the centre of Moana on the shores of the West Coast’s largest lake, Hotel Lake Brunner offers quality accommodation, food, drink and a great atmosphere. Contemporary studios and apartments offer a comfortable stay while you enjoy everything this wonderful destination has to offer.
For a detailed itinerary of the TranzAlpine Moana Magic Escape, the TranzAlpine timetable, departure days, and fare conditions, please see below.
For alternate TranzAlpine Escapes click here, and for a wider selections of South Island rail packages featuring the TranzAlpine and other rail journeys, click here
For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.