Moana on Lake Brunner: Lake, Trails and Railway Heritage

Moana lies on the northern shore of Lake Brunner. From here, the lake, surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains beyond shape the panoramic views. Walking tracks, seasonal water activities and a distinctive railway heritage give the town different sides. You can tailor your stay to the scenery, outdoor activities or history.

Lakeside trails and activities on the lake

The Lake Brunner Scenic Trail runs along the lake’s northwestern shore and leads to picnic areas and swimming beaches. The trail is open to pedestrians and cyclists. This lets you experience the lakeside landscape on foot or by bike, with picnic areas and beaches offering possible places to stop along the way. Check the local trail signs before setting out.

The calm waters near Moana also offer seasonal opportunities for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and water skiing. A boat ramp provides access to the lake for a motorboat, yacht or sightseeing charter. The availability of individual operators may vary; check the specific booking details in advance.

Two walks, different perspectives

The Rakaitane Track starts at the lakeside car park on Ahau Street, behind the motor camp at the western end of Moana. The route leads to a suspension bridge over the Arnold River and offers panoramic views. The starting point, river and bridge provide clear landmarks for this walk through the landscape.

The Velenski Walk starts at the western end of the town. It is an easy, 600-metre walk that takes 20 minutes one way. From its lookout, views stretch across the lake to the Orangipuku Valley, as well as Mt Te Kinga and the Hohonu Range. Both the walk’s distance and duration, and the views at the destination, are useful details for planning your day. Check track conditions before setting out.

A distinctive railway heritage

Moana Railway Station stands on the shore of Lake Brunner. It is the only surviving Category A railway station in New Zealand; its associated tracks and goods sheds have also been preserved. The station is classified as a Historic Place Category 1 and is privately owned. For those interested in railway history, the combination of the station and its preserved railway facilities is a distinctive part of the town’s character.

Guided fishing trips

Moana Trout Fishing Safari offers guided fishing trips on lakes, rivers and streams. Options include fly fishing, spin fishing and trolling for wild brown trout. Alongside activities on the lake, fishing in a variety of waters is another activity to consider. Before taking part, check booking details as well as applicable fishing regulations and conditions.

Plan your stay in Moana

When looking for a hotel or accommodation in Moana, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: the lake and water activities, a walk with a clearly stated distance, or the suspension bridge over the Arnold River. The Lake Brunner Scenic Trail combines the option of walking or cycling with picnic areas and swimming beaches, while the Velenski Walk has a specific time and distance. These differences give you a practical way to choose Moana as a place to stay based on the experiences that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Rapahoe, Atarau, Runanga.

Return to the main travel overview: Grey District.