Exploring the Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk
The Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk is a scenic trail located on the edge of Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park, near the village of St Arnaud. This easy walk is a great opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty, with its diverse native flora and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Trail Description and Variations
The trail begins at the western side of Kerr Bay, just below the Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre. It winds around the peninsula to West Bay, then cuts inland to connect with the end of Cotterill Street in St Arnaud. From there, you can walk along the street and then onto View Road to reach the signposted entrance to the DOC Visitor Centre. The entire loop takes about 90 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Alternatively, you can choose to walk from Kerr Bay to the jetty and beach at West Bay, which takes about an hour. You can also take a short deviation to the top of Black Hill.
Natural and Historical Highlights
The walk primarily takes you through regrowth beech forest, with a variety of native trees and shrubs. During autumn and winter, the forest is adorned with a remarkable array of fungi. Several easy access points to the lakeshore enhance the experience, providing opportunities for reflection shots, especially as you enter West Bay, where the water is often calm.
As you round the peninsula, you are greeted by the steep, rugged face of Mount Robert, with its distinctive rounded top. Along the route, informative panels provide insights into the area's history. One panel depicts the destruction of the beech forests on Mount Robert from fires in the late 1800s, resulting in the scarring of the mountainside. In 1965, Park Ranger George Lyon initiated reforestation efforts by planting beech seedlings.
The first Europeans arrived in the area in search of vast grasslands, which the New Zealand Company had promised to its investors in London. The rugged terrain of Nelson Lakes was not what they hoped for, but they were able to name the area’s features after places from the Crimean War, family members, and leaders of the New Zealand Company. Notably, the Māori name for Mount Robert, Pourangahau, has been restored alongside its European name.
How to Get There
To reach the Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk, drive to Saint Arnaud on State Highway 63 and take Kerr Bay Road to Kerr Bay. There is ample parking available in the bay, and the trail is clearly signposted at the west end of the gravel beach.
Nearby, you can also walk the Hineydew Walk, visit the Classic Boat Museum in St Arnau and drive up to the short walk to the Pourangahou / Mt Robert Viewpoint.
