The largest town on New Zealand's South Island west coast sits along the Grey River. A former gold mining settlement with rugged beaches and local jade carving workshops.
Greymouth, the largest town on New Zealand's West Coast, sits at the mouth of the Grey River with the Southern Alps rising behind it. Walk through the recreated 1860s gold rush town at Shantytown, sample craft beers at Monteith's Brewery (operating since 1868), or watch artists carve pounamu (New Zealand jade) in local studios. The TranzAlpine train crosses mountain passes and river valleys on its journey between Greymouth and Christchurch.
Getting to Greymouth
The TranzAlpine train runs daily between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass. The journey takes about 4.5 hours each way. State Highway 6 connects Greymouth with Hokitika and Westport, while State Highway 7 leads to Canterbury through Lewis Pass.
Walking Tracks Around Town
The Point Elizabeth Walk stretches 5.5 km along coastal cliffs between Rapahoe Beach and North Beach Road. You'll walk through native bush and past old gold mining sites, with views of the Tasman Sea from multiple lookout points. The Coal Creek Falls track leads through regenerating forest to a 10-meter waterfall, while the Brunner Mine walk takes you past industrial ruins including brick ovens and tunnel entrances.
Cultural Experiences
The Pounamu Pathway combines interactive digital displays and physical exhibits by Weta Workshop to tell stories of local Māori history. The Left Bank Art Gallery, housed in the former Bank of New Zealand building, displays paintings, sculptures, and photographs by West Coast artists, along with the National Pounamu Collection. You can watch carvers shape pounamu into traditional designs at several studios in town.
Mining History
At the Brunner Mine Site, walk among the remains of coke ovens and brick-making facilities where 65 miners lost their lives in an 1896 disaster. At Shantytown, pan for gold in a water sluice, ride a restored steam train, and explore 30 recreated buildings from the 1860s gold rush era.
Local Food and Drink
Take a tour at Monteith's Brewery to see the brewing equipment, learn about beer-making processes, and taste their range of beers in the tasting room. For fresh seafood, try whitebait fritters (in season from September to November) or blue cod at restaurants like Paroa Hotel or Speight's Ale House.
When to Visit
Greymouth gets around 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Summer (December-February) brings temperatures of 17-22°C, ideal for coastal walks and exploring mining sites. Winter (June-August) has clear days of 10-15°C with views of snow-capped mountains. Spring brings frequent rain, but walking tracks remain accessible throughout the year.
