Westport to Lake Brunner
From Westport SH06 takes you through the scenic Buller Gorge. If you want to continue the road you'll reach Murchison but this route takes us to Reefton. So don't miss the turn off at Inaugahua Junction. SH69 will bring you to Reefton.
Reefton
Reefton has a lot of historical sites and buildings from the late 1860's goldrush. It was a prosperous town after the discovery of rich gold-bearing quartz reefs with even a stock exchange. 1888 the town had the first public supply of electricity in New Zealand, just a few years later than New York.
Visit the i-Site on the Broadway! You can walk through a replica mine and learn about the native birdlife. They also provide brochures of walks around the town and the region.
Walk around buildings from the town's earliest days including the School of Mines.
Bottled Lighting - Powerhouse Walk40 min return - easy
River views and the hydro station for the first public supply of electricity in New Zealand.
Blackball
Founded during the goldrush, Blackball was a coal mining town some 30 years later. It is known for the "Crib time Strike". The Arbitration court had refused to lengthen the coalminers lunch break from 15 minutes to half an hour. In 1908 seven miners went out and refused to come back to work. When the group was fired other workers joined the strike. Finally the management agreed with the longer lunch break.
Blackball Salami CompanyIf you are not to vegetarian you can visit the Salami Factory.
Lake Brunner
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Moana
The TranzAlpine stops here on it's way from Christchurch to Greymouth.
there is aslo a campground.
Velenski Track
40 min return, easy
Start: Taku Street
Lake views, birds, native trees and orchard, glow worms
20 min - one hour return, easy
Start: cross the Arnold River swing bridge then turn to your left
Views of the lake, mountains and the Arnold River
Mitchells
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Bain Bay Track
2 hours return, easy
Start: Lake side in front of Lake Brunner Lodge
Native bush, views of the lake, relics of timber mills. Don't forget your swimsuit.
1 hour return, moderate
Start: 50 metres from Lake Brunner Lodge
A gentle climb through mixed podocarp forest to the impressive Falls.
