Lake Brunner

With bad weather forecast for the weekend, we decided to head to the camp saver at Lake Brunner, via a night of freedom camping at Iveagh Bay. It turned out to be an amazing spot, right by the lake.

At this time of year there were very few sandflies, and it was so still there were some great reflections.

There is quite a large houseboat on the lake, though we saw no sign of life near it.

We are always a little hesitant to stay at free spots, but there are quite a lot of flash houses nearby, wealthy Cantabrians’ baches probably. And good phone and wifi signals. There’s a big walk up the nearby mountain. We did the first half hour, not the 8 hour return trip.

It was only 10 minutes up the road to Moana where we checked in to the motorcamp for 3 nights. School holidays now, so a few families in hired camper vans on the road and beside us at the camp.

Our neighbour told us Friday night was half price drinks and free nibbles at the pub, so we went along. It had a great atmosphere, lots of locals and weekenders.

View from the pub

We realised that the next night the Highlanders were playing the Crusaders, so we went back and secured ourselves a good seat to watch the game with the locals. A few were cheering for the Highlanders, but the majority were Crusaders.

Saturday was the first trip for the Tranz Alpine train since lockdown, and we watched it pull into the station from the cafe. The weather wasn’t that great, so we didn’t do the bush walks around the town. Another time, I’m sure we’ll be back.