Activities in and around Lake Brunner Eco Lodge

At the Lodge

Stay in and enjoy:

Walks

There is a range of beautiful walks located within 30 mins from the lodge. ​
Carew Falls - 1 hr return
Carew Falls is a 30-meter high waterfall that is directly behind the lodge and which powers the lodge.There is a gentle sloping track up to the base of Carew falls. To access the beginning of this track, just take a two minute walk from the lodge along the road. 
Carew Falls flows down from Castle Hill, which is part of the Hohonu Ranges that form the backdrop to the lodge. 
This walk takes you gently up through native bush and if you look out along the way you may find some historic items remaining from the previous hydro scheme. Once you make it to the base of the waterfall, large granite boulders will invite you to sit and enjoy the waterfall and the view down out across Lake Brunner. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch.
You return back down the same track. Estimated time: 1 hour return (but longer if you take your time to enjoy your surroundings).​
Partial walk to Bain Bay
Currently the full walk to Bain Bay is closed. But the start of this walk offers a gentle flat walk around the edge of Lake Brunner. To access this, walk down Ryder’s Road which leads directly to the lake from the lodge.
This walk consists of a combination of tracks and boardwalk which curve around the edge of the lake and offers views out across the lake to Te Kinga and also back up to Carew Falls behind the lodge.
You will also enjoy the changing surroundings within such a short distance. From lake edge to wetland and Kahikatea stands. Watch out for Kotuku (white heron), from which the Māori name for the lake derives “Kotuku Whakaoho” , which means flapping wings of the kotuku.
We will let you know when the full walk to Bain Bay will be open again in the near future.
Mt French Track
Mt French Track is located between the lodge and Kumara. To get to this track, head towards Kumara via Kumara Inchbonnie Road for approximately five kilometres.
This will take you to the start of Mt French Track which winds its way up through rimu forest to the top of Mt French at 1,305 metres.
Once at the top you will be rewarded with views across Lake Brunner and out to the Southern Alps on a fine day. A great reward for the tramp on an unformed, but well marked track up to the top.
Glow Worms
In the evening the glow worms come out, glistening amongst the trees. The glow worms can be found just walking along the road to the Carew Falls track.  Along the first part of the track there are some areas with large populations of glow worms that will shine through the native bush.
​Remember to turn your torch off so that you can see them!
Fishing
A popular place to catch some fish, Lake Brunner is well known for its brown trout. There are some very knowledgeable local fishing guides available to take you out on your next fishing adventure.
Water Activities
A boat ramp is located opposite the lodge and there is ample parking for your watercraft on the lodge grounds. The lake is a stunning location to enjoy recreational boating, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming.