Moana West Coast Cycle

 

The Moana West Coast Cycle is a fantastic adventure that circumnavigates Lake Brunner on the West Coast of the South Island… and provides an introduction to the abundant birdlife, and variety of wetland and rainforest ecosystems, in this iconic part of New Zealand.

Lake Brunner is named after the 19^th century explorer, Thomas Brunner, who undertook an arduous journey in 1846… following the Buller River to the sea, and the West Coast as far South as Milford Sound. He and his party also searched for a pass across the Southern Alps and his adventures earned him a medal from the Royal Geographical Society.

Brunner is the largest lake in Westland and covers around 40 square kilometres in area. It originated as a branch of the Taramakau Glacier and is one of a cluster of lakes within this sector of the Grey River catchment. Its main settlement is Moana which sits on its shores, amidst a scenic backdrop of the Southern Alps and native forests.

The surrounding rivers and streams offer some of the finest brown trout fishing in the South Island and the lake’s outflow is the Arnold River, which is a tributary of the Grey River. The Maori name is “Moana Kotuku”, or Lake of the White Heron.

On this trip you will complete a fully guided 3 day, 150 kilometre loop, around the lake. You will cycle through scenic back roads, festooned with ferns and native bush, while at the same time pass through a number of small settlements including Inchbonnie, Rotomanu, Stillwater, Dobson, Kumara, and Mitchells; as well as the City of Greymouth.

As an interesting diversion you will cycle to Shantytown – which is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading cultural and heritage attractions. It is a re-creation of a gold town of over 30 historic buildings that was inspired by the gold rushes of the 1860s… and illustrates the colourful history of the early pioneers (particularly the Irish and Chinese) who were captured by the ongoing attractions of the West Coast. You can enjoy a train ride into regenerated forest and view the relics of this fascinating era.

The Moana Westcoast Cycle includes:

• A well-trained and experienced guide.

• All of your transport over the 3 days – starting at, and returning to, Christchurch (which has an excellent international airport).

• A support vehicle to carry luggage and provide exercise relief if required. All that you need each day is a small day pack with your camera and a water bottle.

• Cycle equipment available for hire. The cycling options are flexible.

• Quality accommodation and meals (alcohol is extra).

 

Day One - Cycle from Mitchells to Moana (54km)

You depart from central Christchurch travelling by bus on a scenic trip (interesting in its own right) through Arthur’s Pass to Mitchells – which is located on the edge of Lake Brunner.

You will then cycle along the foreshore of Lake Brunner, following the Orangipuku River, where you pedal through a large amount of native bush on a back country road.

Your next stop is the settlement of Inchbonnie, named after its beautiful scenery… Inch is Scottish for "small island", and bonnie is "attractive".

In the afternoon you cycle down a remote road to get a glimpse of Lake Poerua, which is wonderfully secluded and well-known as a birdwatchers paradise with Canadian Geese, Black and White Swans, Wekas, Pukekos, Keas and Kotuku (White Heron). The lake is also noted for its brown trout, which have orange flesh from their diet of freshwater crayfish and bullies.

As you continue pedalling North you will enjoy the flat riding through Rotomanu, which is nestled between the spectacular Southern Alps and the tranquil Lake Brunner. You will capture great views of Granite Hill on your right as you make your way past Lady Lake and Bell Hill. To the right of Bell Hill is Weka Farm Settlement where there is a high density of weka.

Your destination for the evening is the township of Moana, on the Northern shore of Lake Brunner. You will enjoy good quality accommodation and will dine at the Moana Railway Station Café… a character establishment, nestled beside one of the most picturesque railway stations in the country.

 

Day Two - Cycle from Moana to Greymouth (46km)

You will start this morning by pedalling over the swing bridge at the mouth of the Arnold River, through to Aratiki, and along the Arnold Valley Road, taking in views of Mount Riley and Mount Fox on your left.

You will then reach Stillwater where you will learn of the interesting history of the 1896 Brunner mining disaster.

From here you will enjoy a flat pedal along the banks of the Grey River as you make your way past the Strongman coal mine site, through Dobson and out to the mouth of the Grey River, where you will capture great views of the Tasman Sea.

You should have spare time in the afternoon and we have an interesting option available to take in the Point Elizabeth Walkway. This is a wonderful scenic walk, along a 5 kilometre track, which links Cobden's North Beach with Rapahoe. It is mostly level and follows an old water race, built by 19th century miners to sluice their gold claims. The track features seascapes, coastal forest and gold mining remains... and you will walk amongst dense fern and native trees, while listening to Fantails, Tomtits, Grey Warblers and Bellbirds.

We highly recommend that you participate in this option (which takes about 1.5 hours) as it is one of the best little walks on the West Coast.

The evening’s accommodation is a high quality lodge, near Greymouth, situated on a ridge overlooking the Tasman Sea. You will enjoy a fun night at this establishment.

 

Day Three - Cycle from Greymouth to Mitchells (50km)

After breakfast you will cycle along the coast to Shantytown where you will have the opportunity of exploring this historic re-created village. You will learn about the gold mining days of this era, and see various features of the unique saw milling operations that typified the region. You can try gold panning and will no doubt take the steam train ride out into the bush.

After morning tea you will continue pedalling to the old town of Kumara (it once had 80 pubs, but now has none!), which is the starting point of the famous Coast to Coast multi-sport race. This former gold mining town has a colourful history as many came here to seek their fortune… particularly the Irish.

You will now pedal inland and cycle through the heart of Pounamu country – which is an area that is a rich source of greenstone, or nephrite jade. You cycle gently through alpine rain forests as you make your way to the completion of your loop cycle, back at Mitchells, on the shores of Lake Brunner.

You will then travel by bus back to Christchurch, through Arthur’s Pass, in the late afternoon.

 

This trip is ideal for the recreational cyclist, who enjoys pedalling for around 50 kilometres a day, on flat to undulating, low traffic roads (shingle and tar seal)……….. through some of the best native bush and country pastures that can be experienced in New Zealand.