Greymouth Travel Guide: The West Coast's Working Town, River and Rail
Updated: Oct 11
Greymouth is not a postcard town.
It's the West Coast's working hub, with supermarkets, hardware stores and a no-fuss attitude.
But walk the floodwall perched above the Grey River, and you'll see a town shaped by water.
The river looks menacing even on a calm day, and it floods a lot.
Greymouth is also where the TranzAlpine train ends and where the West Coast Wilderness Trail begins, which makes it a better base than its reputation suggests.
Clock tower, built on floodwater ramparts above the mighty Buller River, Gryemouth Heritage railway station, visitor centre Tranzalpine West Coast stop, Greymouth Greymouth Star newspaper mural, historic newspaper, Greymouth Stillwater cemetery where victims of Brunner mining disaster rest, 65 men Shanty town, replica 19th century village for tourist located outside Greymouth Speights brewing historic building, Greymouth
At a glance
Where: The mouth of the Grey River, central West Coast
Known for: The TranzAlpine train, the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, mining heritage and Monteith's
Time needed: One or two days, more with day trips to Punakaiki and Lake Brunner
Best time: September to early December, or March to May, for fewer sandflies and crowds
Greymouth sits on the site of the Māori pā Māwhera, "widespread river mouth", and is the largest town on the West Coast. Its English name honours Governor Sir George Grey.
The Floodwall walk
This is Greymouth's extraordinary walk. The path runs along the top of the floodwall, perched above the Grey River, with the town on one side and the churning water on the other. Big photo panels show the river in flood, and the wharf pilings tell stories of ships wrecked on the treacherous Greymouth bar.
It's free, flat and fascinating for kids too.
Brunner Mine Site
About 13 km from town on State Highway 7, the Brunner Mine Site tells the story of New Zealand's worst mining disaster: an explosion in 1896 that killed 65 men. Cross the old suspension bridge over the river and explore rare beehive brick coke ovens, chimneys and mining relics. Allow up to an hour, and cross both sides of the river to see it all.
Shantytown Heritage Park
A firm family favourite. Over 30 relocated and replica buildings recreate a 19th-century gold-mining town, with a steam train, stagecoach rides, a Chinatown, a sawmill and gold panning. Plan for most of a day. It's busy in the school holidays.
Coal Creek Falls
These falls feature on tea towels, posters and postcards as the image of the West Coast. An easy bush walk leads down to the falls near Rūnanga, and the pools at the bottom are perfect for a summer dip. Combine it with a visit to the Brunner Mine Site.
Monteith's Brewery Experience
Monteith's is a West Coast legend. Most of the beer is now brewed elsewhere, but the Greymouth Brewery Experience still offers tastings, tours and a bar on the original site. Check times and book ahead.
Short walks around town
King Park: a short zigzag climb to lookouts over the town, river and Grey Valley
Point Elizabeth Walkway: a coastal track through native bush to a clifftop viewpoint, starting near Rapahoe Beach
Blaketown Lagoon: an easy boardwalk through wetland, good for wading birds
Omotomotu Bush Walk: a 25-minute loop through forest close to town
The West Coast Wilderness Trail
Greymouth is the beginning of one of New Zealand's best cycle trails. The West Coast Wilderness Trail runs south through rainforest, past glacial rivers and lakes, through Kumara and Hokitika to Ross. Ride it over three or four days, or hire a bike for just the Greymouth to Kumara section. Take a photo at the start kiosk: the GREYMOUTH sign uses anamorphic lettering that looks upright in photos.
Heritage Greymouth
Walk the town's heritage precinct past the ornate railway station, the restored Regent Theatre and the old government buildings. Then head out of town:
Rūnanga Miners' Hall: an emblem of New Zealand's union movement
Blackball: a quirky former mining village, where the 1908 miners' strike helped give birth to the Labour Party
Kumara: stop for lunch at the historic Theatre Royal Hotel and watch the cyclists roll by
Ross: pan for gold and walk the historic precinct. New Zealand's largest gold nugget, the 3.1 kg "Honourable Roddy", was found here in 1909
Greymouth or Hokitika?
They're only about 40 km apart. Greymouth is the practical hub, with more shops and services. Hokitika is the prettier, more touristy town, with the beach, cafés and galleries. Stay in either and explore in both directions.
Day trips from Greymouth
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park: about 45 minutes north
Lake Brunner and Moana: a peaceful inland lake, and a stop on the TranzAlpine line
Hokitika: about 35 minutes south
Goldsborough and Kumara: gold-mining trails and fossicking
Make a day of it: follow my Greymouth inland day trip via Kumara, Lake Brunner, Moana and the Brunner Mine Site.
Getting there and around
Driving times to Greymouth (approx.):
Hokitika: 35 minutes
Punakaiki: 45 minutes
Westport: 1.5 hours
Franz Josef: 2.5 hours
Christchurch via Arthur's Pass: 3.5 hours
The best way to arrive is the TranzAlpine from Christchurch, one of the world's great train journeys, about 5 hours across Arthur's Pass. Hire a car in Greymouth to explore the coast at your own pace. Intercity buses also connect Greymouth with the rest of the South Island.
Sandflies and weather
The West Coast is the wettest part of New Zealand, and sandflies love still, humid days. Pack a raincoat and repellent, and enjoy the mist on the hills.
Where to stay
Browse places to stay in Greymouth on Booking.com.
This post includes affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Bits Travel may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plan your trip
Fit it into a 2-week South Island road trip
FAQs
Is Greymouth worth visiting?
Yes, as a base. The Floodwall walk, Brunner Mine Site, Shantytown and Coal Creek Falls are worth a day, and it's the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail and the end of the TranzAlpine.
Where does the West Coast Wilderness Trail start?
In Greymouth. The trail runs south through Kumara and Hokitika to Ross, and is usually ridden over three or four days.
How long is the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth?
About 5 hours, crossing the Canterbury Plains and Arthur's Pass National Park.
Should I stay in Greymouth or Hokitika?
Greymouth is the practical hub with more shops and services. Hokitika is prettier and more touristy. They're about 35 minutes apart, so either works as a base.
