Escape into the picture-postcard paradise of Moana on the banks of Lake Brunner on this 3-day TranzAlpine escape.
Soak in spectacular tranquillity as you relax in Moana. Stroll along the sandy banks and native forests surrounding Lake Brunner. Wander around the curious limestone formations of Punakaiki Pancake Rocks on a guided West Coast tour.
Highlights
- Discover the enigmatic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
- Explore the scenic walking trails of Lake Brunner
- Relax aboard the TranzAlpine train as you travel through the stunning peaks, ravines, rivers, and valleys of the Southern Alps
- Unwind in a freshly poured wood-fired hot tub
- Tour of Brunner Mine Site
You'll love this break
If you are looking for a few unforgettable days exploring the spectacular natural beauty and extraordinary geological architecture of Lake Brunner and Punakaiki, then this 3-day TranzAlpine escape is for you.
Inclusions
- Return travel on the TranzAlpine train including morning and afternoon tea
- 2 nights accommodation in Moana
- Wood Fired Hot Tub Experience with charcuterie platter
- Guided Tour of Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- 2 Breakfast, 1 Dinner, 1 Lunch
Price per person - share twin
- Morning Tea
- 4-Star Accommodation at Hotel Lake Brunner
- Dinner
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Experience
- Wood Fired Hot Tub with charcuterie platter and drinks
- 4-Star Accommodation at Hotel Lake Brunner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Guided West Coast tour including Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Brunner Mine Site
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Afternoon Tea aboard the TranzAlpine
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Experience
Day 1 Overview
Your Scenic Escape Lake Brunner begins with a world-famous journey through the Southern Alps to stunning Moana aboard the spectacular TranzAlpine.
Stepping onto the platform in Moana, you'll be immersed in spectacular scenery and your West Coast adventure begins. Spend the afternoon exploring the lake front walks or venturing into the hills on a hike.
Come evening, you'll be soaking in the scenery from a wood-fired hot tub, and dining at the Kingfisher Restaurant.
Accommodation & Meals
Activities Included
Christchurch to Moana by train
Your Scenic Escape Lake Brunner begins with a world-famous journey through the Southern Alps to stunning Moana aboard the spectacular TranzAlpine.
Your morning will flow through a series of picturesque vistas, from the patchwork paddocks of the Canterbury Plains, across the piedmont of the Torlesse Mountains, into the rugged ravines of the Waimakariri River gorge. With your morning tea being served, dreamy views of the Southern Alps and the mountains of Arthur's Pass will glide by your window.
After a short stop at Arthur's Pass, it will be time to descend through the 8.5km Otira tunnel beneath the Great Divide into the lush green valleys of the West Coast.
Stepping onto the platform in Moana, you'll be immersed in spectacular scenery and your West Coast relaxing adventure begins.
Explore Beautiful Lake Brunner
With a whole afternoon free to explore this charming little town and the stunning lake environs, you'll feel the weight of the world evaporate. Everything you need is in your immediate vicinity. No need for cars, buses or taxisâyou are free to explore.
Options for the afternoon are elegantly simpleâyou don't need a map or any help from TripAdvisor. Simply stroll across the Arnold River bridge and wander around the lake. With sandy beaches leading into native forest, you won't need to go far to be completely immersed in nature.
However, hiking the nearby hills is even more attractiveâespecially if you like a longer walk. Climbing Mount Te Kinga is the best option, with the first viewing point an hour's walk, and the second viewing point a healthy three-hour return. From here, you can see for miles across the lake and the nearby Arnold Valley. And, with the trail starting and ending in idyllic Iveagh Bay, you can go for a refreshing dip in the lake afterwards.
Soak in the Scenery
As the sun goes down over Lake Brunner, soak in the views from the soothing warmth of a wood-fired hot tub.
Lake Brunner Hotel is renowned for its relaxing hot tubs. Freshly poured from the natural spring that rises beneath the hotel and wood-fire heated to 42°C, this is a simply revitalising and relaxing experience. Overlooking the lake and its spectacular surroundings, there is nothing more blissful at the end of the day than a warm soak in the great outdoors. And while you relax, you'll be served a platter of regional cheeses that you can enjoy with a glass of local wine.
The hotel's Kingfisher restaurant is also a renowned dining destination in Moana, and once you are fully relaxed from your hot tub experience, simply head to the restaurant and bar to continue your evening's entertainment.
Explore the West Coast
Around noon, your afternoon adventure begins with your Tour Guide collecting you from the hotel. You'll then embark on a scenic drive around the local area, discovering the history and culture of West Coast along with the divine landscapes for which the region is renowned. From swinging bridges to ancient forests and spouting blow holes, this will be an afternoon to remember.
Your first stop will be a brief tour of the historic Brunner Mine Site. Long abandoned in the native forest on the banks of the Grey River, this curious little site has a poignant story to tell.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks is your ultimate destination for the afternoon. Formed over millennia, this enigmatic formation of layered limestone is one of the geological wonders of New Zealand. Shaped and sculpted by the relentless tides of the Tasman Sea, the soft rock is riddled with holes that spout plumes of seawater high into the air with each crashing wave. It is certainly a sight to behold, and a story to be told to friends and family for years to come!
Day 2 Overview
Start your day with a leisurely and delicious breakfast in the fabulous hotel restaurant overlooking the lake in its spectacular scenic setting. Take a morning stroll around the lake or even a quick dipâthe lake stays surprisingly warm in this sheltered location and gets up to 24°C in the summer.
Come afternoon, you'll be exploring the enigmatic West Coast. Stopping briefly at the magical Brunner Minner Site, your guide will take you to the extraordinary Pancake Rock and blow holes at Punakaiki.
Returning in the evening, enjoy dinner overlooking stunning Lake Brunner. If it's a clear night, enjoy the night sky as it illuminates with a thousand shining stars.
Accommodation & Meals Included
Activities Included
Day 3 Overview
Enjoy a casual morning with breakfast at the hotel and a couple of hours saying farewell to the idyllic world of Moana.
Just after 3pm, it will be time to board the TranzAlpine one last time, and spend the afternoon enjoying a majestic return through the mountains to Christchurch by train.
Meals Included
Activities Included
Greymouth to Christchurch by train
Departing Moana just after 3pm, the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch will be your afternoon adventure.
Enjoy watching the wonderful world glide by your window. Ascending back through the peaks of the Southern Alps, we'll serve you afternoon tea while you enjoy the scenery.
Reinvigorated after three days enjoying the spectacular West Coast, the beautifully sculptured mountains of the Southern Alps will appear all the more glorious.
As a final treat, you'll enjoy afternoon tea whilst gliding through the lush valleys of Otira and across the high plains of Cass and Craigieburn aboard this wondrous train journey.
Arriving home, you'll feel the peace and tranquillity of Lake Brunner has journeyed home with you after this scenic three-day escape.
Included Activities
Your Scenic Escape Lake Brunner gives you the perfect balance of spectacular sightseeing and relaxing immersion amidst stunning natural beauty.
Sleeping Beauty
With scenic views from your Lake View Studio Room, you will be completely immersed in stunning natural beauty from sunrise to sunset on this three day escape.
Gaze at the surrounding mountains and forests. Unwind and relax amidst blissful tranquillity. Your stay at the Hotel Lake Brunner promises a complete departure from modern life.
Enjoy the hotel's rustic charm and its spacious and elegantly furnished suites. With an excellent restaurant, bar, and lounge, offering a range of culinary delights and refreshing libations, there will be something for everyone.
Ready to book?
Use our online form to create your enquiry and we'll then make your reservations and contact you for confirmation and payment.
Alternatively, if you would like to book over the phone or have any questions, then contact our Travel Centre team right now:
0800 872 467
Explore more West Coast escapes
Explore our East Coast escapes
Discover the West Coast
From idyllic lakes to geological wonders, discover why New Zealand's West Coast is such a spectacular place to visit: