Few places in New Zealand reward the curious traveller quite like the lakes of the West Coast. While Lake Matheson draws the crowds with its famous mirror reflections, a string of equally spectacular lakes lies scattered across the region, each offering its own brand of wilderness beauty, seclusion, and outstanding fishing.
Lake Brunner / Moana - Trout Heaven
Tucked away on the Coast and beloved by those lucky enough to know it, Lake Brunner is everything a summer escape should be. The small holiday settlement of Moana sits along the northern shore, looking out across the water to the mountains, and makes an excellent base for anyone wanting to make the most of what the lake and its surroundings have to offer. Whether that means getting out on the water by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, cooling off at a sandy beach beside the rainforest, or heading off on foot or by bike, the options here are genuinely plentiful.
As the largest lake on the West Coast, Lake Brunner holds a special place among anglers. Its waters are so productive that, as the saying goes, the trout here die of old age. World-class brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon fishing is available year-round, but non-fishers are equally well catered for. Scenic lakeside trails weave through the surroundings, and the short but rewarding Carew Falls Track is well worth a wander. Cyclists can tackle the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail, which runs along the western shores and delivers some lovely views along the way.
When the day winds down, there is still plenty to look forward to. Lake Brunner Hotel offers hot tubs for hire, and on a clear night the stargazing is something else entirely. The region is also dotted with glow-worm grottoes, and the Velenski Track, which is easy to access and short enough for most visitors, puts on a dazzling display of tiny lights after dark.
[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="164295,164290,164289,164288,164286,164285,164284,164271,164274,164275,164276,164277,164279,164280,164282,164269"]
Lake Kaniere - Local gem
Hemmed in by mountains on three sides and long kept as something of a locals-only secret, Lake Kaniere got a little more foot traffic once the Wilderness Trail came through. Sitting 19 km east of Hokitika, its quiet collection of holiday homes and cribs now serves as a welcome lunch stop or overnight destination for cyclists passing through. Stay after dark and you will quickly understand the appeal: the night sky here is extraordinary.
Giant podocarp trees crowd the lake's edge, and the water holds extraordinary reflections of the surrounding peaks. In the warmer months, Lake Kaniere is a popular spot for camping and boating, and fishing, mountain biking, bush walking, and hiking are available all year round. The Kaniere Water Race Trail is a lovely option for walkers or cyclists, following a historic hand-dug waterway from 1875 through mature, bird-filled bush in the direction of Hokitika. Those with the legs and experience for a bigger challenge can attempt the steep climb to the summit of Mt. Tuhua at 1125 m, where the views stretching across the coast and mountains are well worth the effort.
Lake Mahinapua - Cruising around
A first glance at the still waters of Lake Mahināpua, just south of Hokitika, might suggest a peaceful but unremarkable stop. Look a little closer and there is far more going on. Fishing, boating, kayaking, walking, cycling, and even zip lining all have a place here, and the lake carries a fascinating backstory to boot.
Long before State Highway 6 existed, the West Coast's early settlers navigated these waters as a practical transport route. Gold miners, among others, would paddle from Ross all the way to Hokitika by way of Lake Mahināpua and the Mahināpua Creek. That journey is still possible today, though most visitors prefer the more leisurely options now on offer. West Coast Scenic Waterways runs guided cruises that trace the same historic route in considerably more comfort, and freedom kayaks are available for those who prefer to set their own pace. E-bikes can be hired in Hokitika for a gentle cycle out to the lake, the Wilderness Trail boardwalks provide a pleasant walking option, and the West Coast Treetop Walkway lifts visitors 40 m above the forest floor before the zipline brings them back to earth.
Lake Mapourika - Conservation jewel
Positioned on the main highway just north of Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika is impossible to pass without at least pausing at the small jetty on its edge. The reflections here are striking at any time of day, from early morning mist drifting across the water to the warm colours of an evening sky.
Despite sitting in the shadow of better-known West Coast destinations, Mapourika consistently delivers some of the most dramatic mountain reflections in the region, along with excellent brown trout fishing year-round and seasonal salmon runs. When the weather is warm, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular pursuits on the lake.
The lake's origins go back 14,000 years, when a retreating glacier left behind the depression that would become this glacial kettle lake. Today it functions as a sanctuary for the Ōkārito rowi, the rarest kiwi species in the world. Guided eco tours, available by kayak or boat, take visitors across the lake to the sanctuary on the far shore.
Those who arrive without a boat of their own need not miss out on the fishing. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours operates a comfortable, fully covered, all-weather charter fishing boat, with a knowledgeable guide on board and all equipment supplied. A BBQ on board means the catch can be cooked and enjoyed on the water for lunch. With only the occasional kayak for company, guests are likely to have the lake almost entirely to themselves.
