Fresh as West Coast water breaks
Looking for a refreshing break in a sublime beauty spot, a getaway from the crowds, a wander in the woods, or a quiet spot for some great fishing?
Famous for its picture postcard reflections, Lake Matheson is only one of a whole series of stunning West Coast lakes — lesser known gems with breathtaking mirror reflections, wilderness trails, and lovely lakeside picnic spots to enjoy.
Oh, and did we mention? If you’re after a chance to fish for wild trout (brown, rainbow, and salmon, too), the lakes of the West Coast are pretty great.
Lake Brunner / Moana – Trout Heaven
Tranquil Lake Brunner is a well-loved summer spot for Kiwis in the know. On the northern shores, Moana is a friendly little holiday settlement with panoramic views of the lake and mountains beyond. It’s the ideal base for access to all the activities on and around the lake. Think boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding to swimming, walking, biking, and fishing.
Largest of the many lakes on the Coast, Lake Brunner’s plentiful waters offer year-round, world-class trout fishing (so plentiful, the trout are said to die of old age here). If you’re not after the “big one”, kayak, swim, or relax on sandy beaches beside pristine rainforest. Or explore one of the many scenic lakeside trails or hilly day hikes, including the short but photogenic Carew Falls Track. Alternatively, set out on two wheels and ride the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail along the western shores.
If relaxing is on the menu, Lake Brunner Hotel has hot tubs for hire and magnificent stargazing on clear nights. Other adventures after dark include exploring magical glow-worm grottoes, of which there are many nearby. The short, easy-access Velenski Track shines with the glow of thousands of tiny lights after nightfall.
Lake Kaniere – Local gem
Moody Lake Kaniere, enclosed on three sides by mountains, was a well-kept local secret until the Wilderness Trail came riding past! The quiet cluster of holiday homes and cribs (19 km east of Hokitika) is now a welcome lunch or overnight stop for bikers. Stay over, and the views at night are wild.
Giant podocarp forest trees grow right to the lake edge, and there are magnificent views and mirror images of nearby mountain peaks. In warmer months, Lake Kaniere is a lovely camping and boating spot, and year-round for fishing, mountain biking, bush walking, and hiking.
A pretty stroll or cycle, the well-formed Kaniere Water Race Trail follows an impressive historic waterway (hand-dug in 1875) through bird-filled mature forest, direction of Hokitika. For experienced trampers, the steep hike to the top of Mt. Tuhua (1125 m) pays off with epic views of the coast and mountains.
Lake Mahinapua – Crusiing around
Don’t let your first view of the quiet waters of Lake Mahināpua fool you! Just south of Hokitika, there’s loads to get excited about here — fishing, boating, kayaking, walking, cycling, even zip lining, and more.
Long before there was a highway, early settlers used these waters to make their way up and down the West Coast. Hardy folks, like gold miners off to do some banking, could paddle their way from Ross to Hokitika via Lake Mahināpua and the Mahināpua Creek — you still can but there are more enjoyable, easier ways to get about here these days.
Relax on a guided cruise following in the wake of those hardy pioneers or paddle a freedom kayak with West Coast Scenic Waterways. Hire an e-bike from Hokitika for a gentle cycle, walk the boardwalks on the Wilderness Trail or join the birds up top (40 m above the forest floor) at the West Coast Treetop Walkway then come back to earth on the zipline.
Lake Mapourika – Conservation jewel
Lake Mapourika is a conservation jewel on the main highway just north of Franz Josef. Don’t pass by without stopping off at the little jetty on the waters’ edge — a photogenic masterpiece at any hour of the day, from misty mornings to the rosy sunset glow.
Somewhat under the radar compared to other West Coast lakes, Mapourika has some of the most impressive mountain reflections and stunning views, along with some of the best year-round brown trout and seasonal salmon fishing on the Coast. Warm weather makes it the ideal spot to swim, kayak, or paddleboard.
Created 14,000 years ago as the glacier retreated after a significant ice age, Lake Mapourika is an example of a glacial kettle lake. Today it’s a haven for Ōkārito rowi, the rarest of all kiwi species. Take an immersive eco tour, by kayak or boat, out to the sanctuary on the other side of the lake.
If you didn’t bring your boat, Franz Josef Wilderness Tours has the perfect solution for a fun family or friends fishing expedition. The comfortable, fully-covered, all-weather fishing charter boat comes complete with a knowledgeable fishing guide, all fishing equipment and a bbq so you can cook your catch for lunch. There may be a few kayaks around, but you’ll likely be the only boat on the lake.
Thank you to author Maia Peart-Anderson from Development West Coast for authoring this article.
