Greymouth

New_Zealand

Greymouth is the largest town (population 10,000) in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island at the west end of the road through Arthur's Pass.

Greymouth is at the western terminus of the TranzAlpine line. The town sits along the bank of the Grey River (named in honour of Sir George Grey), about half a mile from the coast. The town suffered many floods from the river until a floodwall was built in 1992, which has saved the town from further floods. The town has several scenic walkways along the river and parks.

Greymouth still shows much of its industrial roots and would not be considered an especially attractive tourist town. Primarily recommended as a base when checking out Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks), white water rafting, kayaking, visit Shantytown or tours to Franz Josef Glacier, not as a destination in its own right.

  • Monteith's Brewery. The local brewery offers tours.
  • Shantytown. A replica gold mining town complete with sawmill, gold sluice and gold panning. A steam train runs several trips each day. Shantytown also operates New Zealand's only steam school in association with Tai Poutini Polytech.

Monteith's Brewery. The local brewery offers tours.

Shantytown. A replica gold mining town complete with sawmill, gold sluice and gold panning. A steam train runs several trips each day. Shantytown also operates New Zealand's only steam school in association with Tai Poutini Polytech.

  • Cave rafting.
  • Aquatic Centre. Completed in 2009, the public aquatic and sports centre offers indoor pools and waterslides.
  • Point Elizabeth Trail. A nice hike, the Point Elizabeth Trail, connects Rapahoe, just north of Greymouth, to a northerly "suburb" of Greymouth, on the north side of the river. This is probably most practical if you can be dropped off at one end and picked up at the other end.

Aquatic Centre. Completed in 2009, the public aquatic and sports centre offers indoor pools and waterslides.

Point Elizabeth Trail. A nice hike, the Point Elizabeth Trail, connects Rapahoe, just north of Greymouth, to a northerly "suburb" of Greymouth, on the north side of the river. This is probably most practical if you can be dropped off at one end and picked up at the other end.

A large supermarket, as well as "The Warehouse", a large general goods type store, are located next to the train station, making Greymouth a good place to stock up on essentials for your trip. (Note you must walk around the station to enter their parking lot; do not cross the railroad tracks at the station and try to climb over the fence).

  • Robert Harris Cafe, 123 MacKay St, +64 3 768 5959. Best coffee in Greymouth. Also good cafe breakfast and lunches.
  • Bonzai Pizza, 31 Mackay St, +64 3 768-4170. Good pizza in a friendly casual atmosphere. Order at the counter then sit down at a table or booth.

Robert Harris Cafe, 123 MacKay St, +64 3 768 5959. Best coffee in Greymouth. Also good cafe breakfast and lunches.

Bonzai Pizza, 31 Mackay St, +64 3 768-4170. Good pizza in a friendly casual atmosphere. Order at the counter then sit down at a table or booth.

Wireless Internet is available for free at the public library (18 Albert St, just off Mackay Street) as well as at certain hostels and hotels.