Travel New Zealand with AusEmade: Greymouth Information and Attractions, South Island

Greymouth

Information Destination Guide - New Zealand

NZ Accommodation | NZ Attractions

Greymouth
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• Fox Glacier
• Franz Joseph Glacier
• Hokitika
• Westport

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Greymouth - Cities, Towns and Localities

The 1860 discovery of gold triggered one of New Zealand’s largest gold rushes as thousands of miners stampeded Westland in search of riches. Those who stayed settled mainly in Greymouth the largest town with 13,000 people and Hokitika with 3000. When the gold ran out miners turned to coal which still forms one of the main industries on ‘the coast’. The other is timber. With an extremely high rainfall and mild climate the West Coast was once entirely rain forest. Today limited forestry provides timber mainly for furniture while large areas are preserved in no less than five National Parks, Kahurangi National Park, Paparoa National Park, Arthur's Pass, Westland National Park, and Mount Aspiring National Park.

The West Coast is a truly amazing part of New Zealand and the friendly locals are a breed unto themselves. Greymouth is a great place to base yourself at for an in depth exploration of the ‘wild west.’ Not only are there a lot of things to see and do in town, such as the compulsory visit to the 1860’s replica gold rush Shantytown, but a short drive north are the amazing Pancake Rocks and to the south are the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

West Coast NZ

Getting to Greymouth itself can be an amazing experience if you arrive on New Zealand’s most scenic train journey the TranzAlpine from Christchurch. With plenty of tour operators to choose from in town you can safely leave your car behind. Greymouth also has a wide selection of hotels, motels and backpackers lodges to choose from and museums, galleries and sightseeing excursions all promise to make your stay a memorable one.

Contact the local I-Site Visitor Centre for more info. For Greymouth accommodation click here:

Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre
Cnr Herbert & Mackay Streets
GREYMOUTH NEW ZEALAND
Ph: +64 3 768 5101
FreePh: 0800 473 966 (within NZ)

Web: www.greydistrict.co.nz

Open - 7 days
Monday to Friday	8:30 am - 7 pm
Saturday	9 am - 6 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays	10 am - 5 pm
Opening hours are shorter in winter
Closed Christmas Day and and Greymouth Motor Cycle Street Race day which is the Sunday of Labour day weekend. Labour day is the fourth Monday of October.
Hours may vary, contact visitor centre

The West Coast Southern Alps
26 Mackay Street
GREYMOUTH NEW ZEALAND
Ph: +643 768 6633

(online form)
Web: www.west-coast.co.nz

Greymouth Attractions

Shantytown
• Is Greymouth’s very own Disneyland! Step back in time to the 1860’s gold rush where 30 replica buildings, vintage steam train and real gold panning relive the wild days of Greymouth’s past. An absolutely essentiall stop for kids.

Monteith’s Brewing Company
• Have tours of Greymouth’s historic mini brewery famous for its strong ales. You’ll learn all about the history and making of their distinctive brews and get to sample the end product.

History House Museum
• Has large collection of photographs and memorabilia recalling the West Coast’s gold and coal mining legacy and history of its early pioneers.

Punakaiki Canoes
• Offer guided kayaking tours and kayaking rentals in the tranquil setting of the Paparoa National Park one hour north of Greymouth. Rivers to challenge experienced kayakers or for beginners.

Punakaiki Horse Treks
• Offer guided horse riding treks to suit all levels of experience in some of the most magnificent natural settings imaginable.

Eco-Rafting
• Will take on the white water rafting thrill of a lifetime. From October to May they offer full and half day trips up the wild Grey River with breathtaking views and thrills guaranteed.

On Yer Bike!
• Promise the thrill of your holiday with 1 to 2 hour off road mini bike tours through the rugged and lush rainforest around Greymouth. Mud and adrenaline guaranteed.

Jade Boulder Gallery
• Located in the town centre showcases some of the most beautiful contemporary works of art made from New Zealand Greenstone (Nephrite Jade). Staff will guide you through and explain the pieces to you, bringing them to life.

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
• Are located 45 minutes drive north of Greymouth and are a natural wounder on the sea shore. Geologically formed layers of rocks that resemble a stack of pancake from spectacular blowholes as waves crash. The area also has several bush walks to enjoy.

Greymouth Events	NZ Events • North Island Events • South Island Events
Motorcycle Street Race • Is held in each Labour Weekend in October. Greymouth’s streets are closed for an exciting modified street car race.
Hokitika Wild Foods Festival • Is the West Coast premier food festival and one of New Zealand’s best. Next held on 6th March 2006 the festival attracts thousands to sample some of the strangest and inventive food imaginable and to be entertained by bands and experience the West Coast’s uniqueness.

Greymouth Tours	• NZ Tours
Off Beat Tours • Have a range of eco-tours to pick from including the glaciers, bird sanctuaries, Pancake rocks, caves and cruise trips all with a friendly and informative commentary.
Kea West Coast Tours • Have a range of guided day tours to choose from that will show you the highlights of the wild West Coast including the Monteith’s Heritage Tour that begins with the brewery and follows the miners trail along their favourite watering holes.
Te Ara Pounamu Guided Walks • Have an extensive range of guided hikes and tours to choose from ranging from one to several days, including all the hot spots of the West Coast, 4WD adventures, white water rafting and cave rafting and more.

Greymouth Other Links

• Greymouth Community/Local Government Links

Grey District Council
• The Grey District is situated on the West Coast of the South Island, and is the central and largest township in the West Coast Region, which extends from Karamea in the north to Jackson Bay in the south.

• Greymouth Related Links

West Coast Tourism
• The peak tourism season on the West Coast runs from mid-October to the end of April. During winter months the warmer currents of the Tasman Sea make the West Coast’s temperatures relatively mild compared to other parts of the South Island.