Lake Brunner

What a find this was.

Planned on staying at the Iveagh Bay campsite on the Eastern side of the Lake for one night, but loved it so much, we stayed two nights before we moved to the Brunner Campground on the Northern side of the lake at Moana.

The campsite at Iveagh bay is just metres from the lake foreshore.

Lake Brunner is the largest lake on the West Coast being 10km across covering an area of 40klm at a depth of 109m. The Lake flows out of the Arnold river which is a tributary of the mighty Grey River.

Robyn on the foreshore at Iveagh bay

The local residents and Grey Council make every effort for caravans and Motorhomes to come and stay awhile at this self contained site on the eastern shore by providing designated areas to park and provide toilets and make rubbish bins available.

Magical place

The school holidays brought the wonderful family of Sam and Tam and their three children. It was great to share stories with them and our knowledge gained on our journey. They too, will become nomads in their Caravan sometime soon and work out of their home on wheels and home school the kids while travelling.

The Lake has Brown trout and eels which bring fishermen to this area. There are some Rainbow trout but the Brown is the most caught. We watched a local fisherman trout fishing from the foreshore with his fly rod and when he had his quota of two Brown Trout (the regulation) he gave us one. We did not do a good job of filleting, however, the fish was a delight to eat that night with salad.

“This is for you-a Brown.”
“I know lets make a mess of filleting it, eh?”

This area of Moana and Ruru still has a railway line close to the Moana township and Lake foreshore and freight trains pass by at regular intervals. The line was a valuable asset for the large Sawmills that operated here until native timber milling ceased here in 1963. Remnants of this era are still visible and implements scatter properties keen to retain some history.

From the sawmilling days
Passenger waiting for the train at Ruru station
Unused train shed from yesteryear.

One of the many walks at Lake Brunner takes you across the Arnold river which joins the Grey river. Access to these walks is crossing a swing-bridge which my mate, Fletcher and I did one morning.

River Arnold and swing-bridge
Fletcher in the lead as always
The River Arnold a tributary to the Grey River
North side of the Lake at Moana
Rob and Fletch
Check the name on the boat-ha.
Robyn and Peter
Peter Bonham

Picture of Peter Bonham

Peter Bonham

5 Comments

  • James Bonham

    What a brave boy Fletcher is charging across the bridge showing Mum and Dad how to do it.

  • Fay Grigg

    Love the presentation💜

  • Les

    Warmest Aloha Robyn & Pete, What a wonderful journey you’re on and the photos are Awesome! Pristine unspoiled, incredible scenery! We’re so happy you’re having a grand time exploring, meeting other Nomads, sharing stories and experiencing the beauty of this Good Sacred Places on Earth…..Just breathtaking! Mahalo Nui for sharing! I also enjoyed your day at Knifemaking Class at Barrytown. I forwarded it to Lucas since he’s always had a fascination for Knives. Super! Take Care of Yourselves! Oceans of Love, Les & Annie

  • Les

    Warmest Aloha Robyn & Pete, What a wonderful journey you’re on and the photos are Awesome! Pristine unspoiled, incredible scenery! We’re so happy you’re having a grand time exploring, meeting other Nomads, sharing stories and experiencing the beauty of this Good Sacred Places on Earth…..Just breathtaking! Mahalo Nui for sharing! I also enjoyed your day at Knifemaking Class at Barrytown. I forwarded it to Lucas since he’s always had a fascination for Knives. Super! Take Care of Yourselves! Oceans of Love, Les & Annie

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