Greymouth, the largest town on the South Island’s West Coast, is often overlooked by travelers. But with a fascinating gold and coal mining history, some epic walks nearby, great surf breaks, a long brewing history, and burgeoning culinary and arts scenes, there are many things to do in Greymouth. It’s well-positioned for exploring the central and upper parts of the West Coast—staying here offers easy access to Westport and Punakaiki to the north, Hokitika and Franz Josef to the south, and the inland areas around Lake Brunner and Reefton. So, what are you waiting for?
The West Coast of the South Island is notoriously wet–its famous rainforest lives up to its name–but that shouldn’t put you off visiting at any time of year, as long as you bring a raincoat or umbrella. Summer and early autumn (December to April) generally provide the warmest temperatures and best conditions. While you should expect rain year-round, summers in Greymouth can be pleasant—it regularly reaches 70°F (20°C).
Central Greymouth is quite compact and it’s easy to walk between some attractions, such as the riverfront, the center of town, Monteith’s Brewery, and the train station. However, to reach Shantytown or to explore beyond the center of town, you’ll need your own wheels. There are no public bus services in Greymouth and long-distance buses no longer operate on the West Coast. The TranzAlpine train connects Greymouth with Christchurch.
While Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast, it attracts fewer visitors than nearby Hokitika. There’s no shortage of accommodation in and around Greymouth though, so if you’d like a more local, less touristy experience of the West Coast, Greymouth is a good destination. It has the added benefit of being just a half-hour drive north of Hokitika, and a 40-minute drive south of Punakaiki, another must-visit West Coast location.
