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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 8 (December 1, 1927)

Mitchell's and Lake Brunner

Mitchell's and Lake Brunner.

“….glory of broad waters interfused….

And over all the great wood rioting

And climbing, streak'd or starr'd at intervals

With falling brook or blossom'd bush-and last

Framing the mighty landscape to the west,

A purple range of mountain cones….”

—Tennyson.

Lake Brunner can be visited by means of two routes, that is, by going to Moana by rail or motor, or by car direct to Mitchell's on the western shore.

The twenty-six mile motor drive to Mitchell's is undoubtedly one of the finest excursions that can be made from Greymouth, providing as it does, a wealth of scenic charm with a plentitude of historic interest.

The tourist travelling by the Old Marsden Road route finds himself, when only two miles out of Greymouth, in the heart of the forest. Upon reaching the township of Marsden, the road commences the long ascent over No Name (Nemona). From a vantage-point on the crest of the rise over No Name there is a magnificent view upon looking back towards the township. This Old Marsden Road, and the grass-grown route over the No Name are unequalled for forest scenery.

The descent is made into the valley of the Hohonu, thence to almost deserted Greenstone (Pounamu), the ghost of a once populous mining town—a one time rendezvous favoured of the old-time Maori in quest of the prized pounamu from which they fashioned their various tools and weapons of war. It is a remarkable coincidence that at Greenstone, there should be found in fairly close proximity, minerals of which the one was eagerly sought by the pakeha, the other prized of the old Maori.

From Pounamu to Mitchell's the road lies for the most part through towering forest; the Eastern Hohonu is crossed and after a short climb the descent is made to the lake. The first glimpse of the lake when nearing Mitchell's is a splendid scene—the broad expanse of waters vignetted by the forest trees, and in the blue distance the serried ranks of the Southern Alps.

The beautiful Mitchell's Falls are within easy distance and are well worth a visit. The track commences immediately opposite the accommodation house, following the course of a bush stream, and the falls which are remarkable for their lace-like beauty, are reached at a distance of less than a quarter of a mile.

A favourite launch excursion is that to the mouth of the Orangi-Puka River, while energetic visitors will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama upon climbing the wooded slopes of the Hohonu range.

page 23

Good fishing is to be obtained in the lake and the various tributary streams, notably the Orangi-Puka. Swan and wild duck abound, and excellent sport in the nature of wild pig and goat shooting may also be indulged in.

The return journey from Mitchell's may be varied by proceeding via Westbrook and the old goldfields of Kumara, thence by the Main South Road to Greymouth, or, launch may be taken to Moana on the opposite shore, and the remaining section of the trip down the Grey Valley completed by rail or motor.

Looking up the Arnold River (near Kotuku), West Coast.

Looking up the Arnold River (near Kotuku), West Coast.