Things To Do in Greymouth

Name: Things To Do in Greymouth | See and Do NZ
Uploaded: 2021-07-01T08:00:00+08:00
Description: Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island's west coast. Situated at the mouth of the Grey River. Around the town, you'll find galleries specialising in pounamu, also known as NZ Jade or greens

Frequently Asked Questions about Greymouth

Where is Greymouth located?

Greymouth is located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, at the mouth of the Grey River, approximately 200 km west of Christchurch, serving as the largest town in the West Coast region.

What is Greymouth best known for?

Greymouth is best known for its historic gold-mining heritage, coal mining history, access to the West Coast’s natural attractions, and the iconic Monteith’s Brewery, which showcases local craft beer.

How do I get to Greymouth?

Greymouth is accessible by car via State Highway 6, by train on the TranzAlpine route from Christchurch, and by bus services connecting major South Island towns, making it convenient for both self-drive and public transport visitors.

Is Greymouth good for outdoor activities?

Yes, Greymouth is excellent for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, gold panning, river kayaking, scenic drives along the West Coast, and exploring nearby national parks and beaches.

Is Greymouth family-friendly?

Yes, Greymouth is family-friendly, offering heritage parks, safe walking tracks, river and beach activities, interactive museums, and wildlife experiences, suitable for visitors of all ages.

What is the weather like in Greymouth?

Greymouth has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summers averaging 18–22°C, cool winters around 6–12°C, and high rainfall throughout the year, giving the region its lush greenery.

How long should I spend in Greymouth?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days in Greymouth, which is enough to explore the town, enjoy nearby attractions like Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park, and experience outdoor adventures, while longer stays allow for more in-depth exploration of the West Coast.

Tourist Information About Greymouth

Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island's west coast. Situated at the mouth of the Grey River. Around the town, you'll find galleries specialising in pounamu, also known as NZ Jade or greenstone. These treasured gemstones are found around the region. Visit Shantytown, a replica of an 1880's gold town with 30 shops and buildings to explore, it shows life the way it used to be. You will find some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand at Lake Brunner. Wake up early to watch the morning mist creeping over the hills and across the stunning West Coast beach. Experience the stunning raw beauty that is Greymouth.

Best Attractions and free things to do in Greymouth

1. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

On the Great Coast Road, there are numerous fun and free things to see that make the long drive worth it. Between Greymouth and Westport, the Great Coast Road is a lovely drive, but most visitors will enjoy a half-day trek to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. A sealed 20-minute circular walk immediately off the highway leads to the seaside attraction with pancake-shaped limestone formations. If you want to view the finest blowhole displays, go while the tide is high. Stop through Motukiekie or Rapahoe Beach on your way back.

2. The Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika, a former gold mining town, is the principal tourism center on the West Coast, embracing a wild and rugged stretch of coastline with clear views over the peaks of the Southern Alps to the east. It's a hub for pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) manufacture, with a slew of boutiques displaying a wide range of pounamu jewelry and carvings, as well as a slew of other local artisan shops.

Lake Kaniere, just outside of town, offers excellent swimming and boating options, while Hokitika Gorge, with its azure water and deep native forest, makes for excellent half-day walks.

3. The Left Bank Art Gallery

If you've had enough of the treks and mining sites, visit the Left Bank Art Gallery for something a bit different! This free art exhibition shows modern New Zealand paintings, photography, sculptures, and crafts inside the towering architecture of a former Bank of New Zealand building. Pounamu art can also be seen here. Browse the gift store for handcrafted textiles, jewelry, jade, antique pendants, and carvings to take home as a one-of-a-kind remembrance.

4. Woods Creek Track

Check out some of the wonderful walking routes to learn more about Greymouth's mining heritage that is being reclaimed by nature. The Woods Creek Track is a highlight, a 45-minute circle that passes through natural woodland and includes trail races, dams, and tunnels. This stroll may be found on the way to the Shantytown Heritage Park, a reasonably priced attraction and replica of a gold-rush town. Between the Floodwall Walkway and Breakwater Tiphead, as well as the waterfall at Coal Creek Falls, there are plenty of other treks to enjoy in Greymouth.

5. Brunner Mine Site

Greymouth has a number of noteworthy historical landmarks that highlight the town's rich coal and gold mining history. The Brunner Mine Site, approximately inland from Greymouth, is a well-known attraction. A short walking track with several interpretive panels here explains the tale of one of the country's first industrial coal mining sites, as well as the ruins of a coke furnace, tunnel, and brick factory.

6. Rapahoe Beach

Rapahoe Beach, while part of the Point Elizabeth Walkway, is a stand-alone destination that you may visit by car if you want. This beautiful beach, backed by cliffs, is a great spot to see the sunset on the West Coast or just stop by on your way through Greymouth. On weekends during the summer, the beach is monitored for swimming, so you can relax in the waves!

7. Point Elizabeth Walkway

You're in New Zealand, so you're certain to want to see some spectacular landscape, right? Landscapes for photographing abound in Greymouth, particularly along the Point Elizabeth Walkway. As you travel through coastal woodland to a rocky overlook with views of the Southern Alps, take in the coastline vistas of the untamed West Coast. The trip takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes one way, but a return trek to the viewpoint is an excellent option for doing the whole thing.

8. Lake Brunner

Inland from Greymouth is a hidden treasure that few West Coast visitors are aware of. Lake Brunner is a magnificent sight in the foothills of the Southern Alps, sculpted by glacier carving. A half-hour drive from Greymouth will bring you to the lakeside community of Moana, where you'll discover a variety of short treks to enjoy the scenery. You may also just have a picnic by the lake if you want a more low-key day!

9. Glow Worm Cave Tour

Have a wonderful, gorgeous adventure within the Ananui Glow Worm Caves, full of historical legends and beauty. Discover the natural splendor of this Cave's Wonderland. The ancient tubes we journey through are part of one of New Zealand's greatest cave systems, full of stalagmites and stalactites. It's a return stroll out of the Cave tunnels once you've visited the Main Entrance, where you'll see an amazing display of glowworms. The best part about this trip is that you get to see the formations twice! Return to the lovely Café in Charleston via our adorable small jungle trains for a hot cup of coffee and lunch with our amazing café staff.