The Star: August 20, 2020

Thursday August 20 2020 The Star
FAVOURITE PLACES: MOANA 25
No stress, just you and nature
As we are
making great
strides to
see more
of our own
backyards,
we asked
people from
around the south to tell
us about their favourite
places. Afterall, there
is nothing like getting
travel advice from a local.
Former Grey district
mayor Tony Kokshoorn
talks about his lakeside
bach in Moana, on the
West Coast
What I love most about
Moana:
Moana is a hidden gem. Tucked
away under the Southern Alps
among the lush West Coast
rainforests on the shores of the
West Coast’s largest lake, Brunner.
Everything is so fresh, an untamed
natural wilderness. No stress in
Moana, just you and nature.
What most people don’t
know about Moana:
Moana has the amenities that
modern living requires. Ultrafast
broadband, a four-star hotel
and restaurant with a takeaway
service, a camping ground serving
barista coffee, a lakefront
restaurant and boat charter is
available also. A service centre
includes a petrol station, a mechanical
workshop and a modern
general store that supplies everything
you need.
A great area to stay in is:
Everywhere. With 300 baches
and holiday homes on offer there is
plenty of accommodation for hire.
The best way to start the
day:
Gazing across the lake, with a
coffee in hand, at a mirror image
of the surrounding mountains.
Such a peaceful place. At the end
of your day, the renowned West
Coast sunsets are to die for.
For a great night out:
The centrally situated Moana
hotel (Hotel Lake Brunner) with
entertainment nights and a modern
cuisine is a cracker, or the
Station House cafe with its fine
HIGH JINKS: Children jump from the swing bridge over the
Arnold River.
PHOTO: TONY KOKSHOORN
dining or genuine West Coast
tucker. I have been a regular
here for 25 years. I love the Thai
chicken, or you could indulge
yourself with whitebait patties
and accompaniments.
In the evening it is so still. Stand
and gaze up at the Milky Way. Listen
out for swans on the lake and
morepork resting in the forest.
Top place to walk, run,
cycle, tramp, exercise:
Moana has many walking
and cycling tracks surrounding
the lake. All-day tramps on Mt
Te Kinga and Mt French, or
one-hour and three-hour hikes,
depending on your fitness level.
Stroll along the shore to take
in some fresh air and view the
wildlife.
Top experience not to be
missed:
Bain Bay on the western shore
is a must. A sandy beach is
sandwiched between the pristine
waters and the ancient rimu
forest of yesteryear. Its beauty
takes some beating.
Best kept secret:
Is its natural beauty.
• Next week: Patons Rock
Lake Brunner
STILL WATERS: Stroll along the Lake
Brunner shore to take in some fresh
country air and view the wildlife on offer.
PHOTO: TONY KOKSHOORN
Moana
Category: Lakeside settlement, off the beaten track
Drive times: Christchurch, two and a-half hours;
Greymouth 30min; the Tranzalpine train arrives daily
Population: 70 permanent residents
Average temp (summer/winter): 20 deg C/12 deg C
Did you know:: The lake covers 40 sq km. It was
named after 19th-century explorer Thomas Brunner
Lake Brunner
Great deals on accommodation
and activities available now.
WESTCOAST.CO.NZ DEALS