Lake Brunner Scenic Trail

The Lake Brunner Scenic Trail (LBST) is one of three successful projects within the Grey District that received a portion of the Three Waters Reform $2.93M Better Off Funding Package announced in August 2022 c/o the Grey District Council.

This portion of funding will be focused on the Duck Creek to Irishman's Bay link. Overall this funding added to the current funding efforts that LBST Committee has achieved to date will enable trail construction to happen more quickly.

Trail Concept

The Trail is being constructed through the pristine native forest on the Western shore of Lake Brunner. The trail will link the township of Moana to the settlement of Mitchells at the Southern end of the lake, and then onto Kumara where it will link with the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

Once operational it will boost economic activity in the Lake Brunner area and benefit the Grey District, West Coast and the Tranz Alpine. This will provide a better connected, integrated and funded network of trails on the West Coast.

The Trail will encourage Wilderness Trail users to spend one additional night if not two in the region. This trail will link with the Tranz Alpine train at Moana and provide an additional highly marketable starting point for users of the network of West Coast trails. See the map of the trail below.

Construction stages

Construction of The Trail has been split into two stages.

Stage one is the construction of a 9.2 km trail from the township of Moana to Bain Bay. At Bain Bay the trail will link with an existing 3.4 km DOC Trail that leads on to Mitchells settlement on the southern side of the lake.

Cyclists and walkers will then be able to travel on the 22 km Grey District Council Road to link with the Westland Cycle Trail at Kumara. The trail will become operational for domestic tourists seeking to link with the wider network of West Coast Trails at Kumara on completion of stage one.

Stage two will involve upgrading the existing DOC trail from Bain Bay to Mitchells to enable it to accommodate the expected greater volume of users.


Board Walk DOC Section Bain Bay to MitchellsDOC Section Bain Bay to MitchellsDOC section Bain Bay to Mitchells

Project Delivery

Construction of the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail began in February 2021 and has been progressing as funding allows through assistance from volunteers. The project has been scheduled to be completed over a ten-year period however, due to the success of receiving the Three Waters Better Off Funding, the LBST committee estimate to have the Moana Township to Bain Bay (minus swing bridge) trail completed by February 2024.

The Lake Brunner Wilderness Trail Trust has established a construction subcommittee that has appointed a volunteer Project Manager to manage the project on behalf of the trust.

With on going fundraising a contractor will be paid to construct areas of the trail so they are not only relying on volunteers. The construction stage has provided employment opportunities for 8 people. These positions are for a range of both skilled and unskilled jobs.

LBST Committee will continue with their fund raising efforts to enable continual future maintenance and possible seating or picnic tables along the trail.

This project has the support of Kiwi Rail and in anticipation of increased patronage from people intending to start and finish their West Coast journeys at either Greymouth or Moana they have added a cycle friendly carriage to their train.

Current progress

So far, close to 8km of the trail has been constructed, starting from the Moana Community Centre to the southern end of Irishman's Bay, known as Dobson Bay. The trail is getting close to the Hohonu River, where a new swing bridge will be built, about 2/3rds the size of the Arnold River swing bridge, Moana.


Progress Map: Start Moana Community Centre - Current Position Dobson Bay




Cleared gorse to enable easy access to this stunning beach close to Irishman's. Seen here being enjoyed by LBST committee members.





They have reached the 9km mark, approaching Hohunu River. What a spectacular view.


Hohunu River


LBST Committee are thrilled to see the high number of visitors and locals already walking and biking the available trail. Everyone is welcome to walk and ride this spectacular area, become familiar with our trail progress, and share your pics with family and friends.

Stay up to date

Please use the following links to connect with the LBST and keep up to date with news, construction progress, competitions, cool stories, photos, and so much more.

Email: lakebrunnerscenictrail@gmail.com

Facebook & Instagram.

Click here to follow the project on Facebook.

Click here to follow via Instagram

The Lake Brunner Scenic Trail (LBST) is one of three successful projects within the Grey District that received a portion of the Three Waters Reform $2.93M Better Off Funding Package announced in August 2022 c/o the Grey District Council.

This portion of funding will be focused on the Duck Creek to Irishman's Bay link. Overall this funding added to the current funding efforts that LBST Committee has achieved to date will enable trail construction to happen more quickly.

Trail Concept

The Trail is being constructed through the pristine native forest on the Western shore of Lake Brunner. The trail will link the township of Moana to the settlement of Mitchells at the Southern end of the lake, and then onto Kumara where it will link with the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

Once operational it will boost economic activity in the Lake Brunner area and benefit the Grey District, West Coast and the Tranz Alpine. This will provide a better connected, integrated and funded network of trails on the West Coast.

The Trail will encourage Wilderness Trail users to spend one additional night if not two in the region. This trail will link with the Tranz Alpine train at Moana and provide an additional highly marketable starting point for users of the network of West Coast trails. See the map of the trail below.

Construction stages

Construction of The Trail has been split into two stages.

Stage one is the construction of a 9.2 km trail from the township of Moana to Bain Bay. At Bain Bay the trail will link with an existing 3.4 km DOC Trail that leads on to Mitchells settlement on the southern side of the lake.

Cyclists and walkers will then be able to travel on the 22 km Grey District Council Road to link with the Westland Cycle Trail at Kumara. The trail will become operational for domestic tourists seeking to link with the wider network of West Coast Trails at Kumara on completion of stage one.

Stage two will involve upgrading the existing DOC trail from Bain Bay to Mitchells to enable it to accommodate the expected greater volume of users.


Board Walk DOC Section Bain Bay to MitchellsDOC Section Bain Bay to MitchellsDOC section Bain Bay to Mitchells

Project Delivery

Construction of the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail began in February 2021 and has been progressing as funding allows through assistance from volunteers. The project has been scheduled to be completed over a ten-year period however, due to the success of receiving the Three Waters Better Off Funding, the LBST committee estimate to have the Moana Township to Bain Bay (minus swing bridge) trail completed by February 2024.

The Lake Brunner Wilderness Trail Trust has established a construction subcommittee that has appointed a volunteer Project Manager to manage the project on behalf of the trust.

With on going fundraising a contractor will be paid to construct areas of the trail so they are not only relying on volunteers. The construction stage has provided employment opportunities for 8 people. These positions are for a range of both skilled and unskilled jobs.

LBST Committee will continue with their fund raising efforts to enable continual future maintenance and possible seating or picnic tables along the trail.

This project has the support of Kiwi Rail and in anticipation of increased patronage from people intending to start and finish their West Coast journeys at either Greymouth or Moana they have added a cycle friendly carriage to their train.

Current progress

So far, close to 8km of the trail has been constructed, starting from the Moana Community Centre to the southern end of Irishman's Bay, known as Dobson Bay. The trail is getting close to the Hohonu River, where a new swing bridge will be built, about 2/3rds the size of the Arnold River swing bridge, Moana.


Progress Map: Start Moana Community Centre - Current Position Dobson Bay




Cleared gorse to enable easy access to this stunning beach close to Irishman's. Seen here being enjoyed by LBST committee members.





They have reached the 9km mark, approaching Hohunu River. What a spectacular view.


Hohunu River


LBST Committee are thrilled to see the high number of visitors and locals already walking and biking the available trail. Everyone is welcome to walk and ride this spectacular area, become familiar with our trail progress, and share your pics with family and friends.

Stay up to date

Please use the following links to connect with the LBST and keep up to date with news, construction progress, competitions, cool stories, photos, and so much more.

Email: lakebrunnerscenictrail@gmail.com

Facebook & Instagram.

Click here to follow the project on Facebook.

Click here to follow via Instagram

  • Show Weekend Auction Success!

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    The Lake Brunner Scenic Trail committee are grateful to everyone that was a part of the poker run and auction over Show Weekend - 18 November 2023. Hosted by Lake Brunner Hotel.

    Thanks to Chris Farnley, and his team for organising the Poker Run. Thanks to Sean Sweeney and Munzie for organising the Mega Raffle. I think everyone took something home. Huge thanks to the legendary Matt Brownlee and Sarah Hammond. You guys are absolute legends. You both put your heart and soul into this event. To everyone that donated goods and services and to everyone that purchased goods or bought raffle tickets – CHEERS.

    This was a huge event and huge success. WE RAISED A WHOOPING $40,500. Everyone will benefit from your contribution. Hope you had a fun night.

  • Bridge Construction Irishman's Bridge #2

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    Construction on Irishman's Bridge #2 has commenced

  • Bridge Construction Irishman's No#1 Foundations

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    Exciting achievement with the first lot of foundations being done for Irishman's No1 bridge.