The Must-Dos in Greymouth!
As the biggest hub on the West Coast in the South Island, you simply can’t miss Greymouth. The town was once famous for its mining, but today it’s the start of many fantastic day trips, off-roading experiences, the base of one of New Zealand’s biggest beer brands, and more!
Check out the highlights in this list of the best things to do in Greymouth.
While there are many hikes, mountain bike trails, surfing, tours and more in Greymouth (just take a look at our The Complete Guide to Greymouth), we’ve made this list concise to the must-dos in Greymouth!
However, if you want to stick around a while to explore the area more, check out some accommodation in our 10 Best Motels in Greymouth and The Guide to Greymouth on a Budget lists.
Table of Contents
1. Do the Floodwall Walk
An easy walk within Greymouth, follow the floodwall beside the Grey River towards the river mouth. This protective barrier, completed in 1990 after the devastating 1988 floods, is a testament to Greymouth’s resilience.
Walking along Mawhera Quay, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Grey River, commercial riverfront, and estuary. Features include a monument to 300 men who died in West Coast mining disasters, watching locals fish, and birdwatching at the sandbar.
Don’t miss the poignant fisherman statue, a tribute to those who helped during the historic flood. At the Blaketown Tiphead, enjoy spectacular views to Aoraki Mt Cook on a clear day and watch the sunset.
Check out the 10 Best Walks in Greymouth for more walks in the area.
Location: Mawhera Quay, Greymouth, West Coast, South Island.
© westcoast.co.nz2. Check Out the Brunner Mine Site
Step into a chapter of New Zealand’s industrial past at the Brunner Mine Site, just 11 km (7 mi) east of Greymouth.
This historically significant site marks the location of New Zealand’s worst-ever workplace disaster, an 1896 coal-gas explosion that claimed 65 lives, sparking nationwide improvements in worker safety.
Today, a 2 km (1.2 mi) looped walking trail winds through remnants of the mine, including coke ovens, brickworks and tunnel entrances.
Interactive displays bring the era to life, while a suspension bridge over the Grey River adds both charm and access to the evocative ruins on the north bank.
Check out more experiences like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth.
Location: 11 km (7 mi) east of Greymouth on State Highway 7. The site and roadside car parking area are easy to spot.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Cave Rafting with UnderWorld Adventures
For a truly unforgettable West Coast adventure, swap rugged terrain for subterranean wonder with Underworld Adventures‘ Cave Rafting experience.
Just a short hop from Greymouth in Charleston, you’ll begin your journey aboard the Nile River Rainforest Train, winding through ancient rainforest and limestone canyons straight into Paparoa National Park.
After gearing up, enter a vast, unmodified cave system that feels like stepping into another world. Inside, you’ll drift along in tubes through pitch-black waters, guided only by the twinkling glowworm display above, like floating beneath a galaxy crafted by nature.
The dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, riveting stories from expert guides, and the whole experience rooted in sustainability make this a must-do adventure.
Location: State Highway 6, Charleston, West Coast, South Island. 30 km (19 mi) south of Westport.
© Liz Carlson - westcoast.co.nz4. Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail
Greymouth marks the beginning of the 2-4 day West Coast Wilderness Trail. This 120 km (75 mi) bike trail to Ross takes old miners’ trails through rainforest, past glacial rivers, lakes, wetlands and along the Tasman Sea.
Stop along the way in quaint West Coast villages like Kumara, Lake Kaniere and Hokitika.
The trail is mostly off-road and starts from the centre of Greymouth with plenty of bike hire and shuttle options for the one-way trip.
Learn more in our guide to Mountain Biking on the West Coast.
Location: The trail starts on the Floodwall opposite the i-SITE.
© westcoast.co.nz5. Take a Day Trip to Lake Brunner
One inland lake that many travellers don’t even know about on the West Coast is Lake Brunner. This glassy lake surrounded by dramatic mountains is a West Coast gem and an easy day trip from Greymouth—just a 30-minute drive inland.
It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: cast a line for brown trout, paddle a kayak along the shoreline, or tackle scenic walking tracks like the Carew Falls or Velenski Walk.
The township of Moana, perched on the lake’s edge, makes a great base for a leisurely lunch or relaxed picnic. With fewer crowds than bigger South Island lakes, Lake Brunner offers tranquility and plenty of space to unwind.
Check out some walks to do in the 5 Best Things to Do at Lake Brunner & Moana and the 10 Hikes Around Lake Brunner.
Location: 36 km (22 mi) southeast of Greymouth. Take State Highway 7 to the Arnold Valley Road turn off then follow the Arnold Valley Road to the town of Moana on the shore of Lake Brunner.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Do a Brewery Tour at Monteith’s Brewery
Beer is kind of a big deal in New Zealand, and Monteith’s Brewery is a West Coast institution with roots stretching back to 1868.
Learn about the beer-making process while seeing the inner workings of this iconic brewery on a guided tour. You’ll discover the stories behind Monteith’s craft beers, from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs and rich dark ales.
The highlight, as we’ve found, is the tasting session where you can sample fresh pours and even pour your own beer. For a complete experience, the brewery’s restaurant serves hearty meals designed to pair perfectly with their brews.
Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just curious to try something local, Monteith’s offers an authentic taste of the West Coast.
Location: 60 Herbert Street, Greymouth.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Travel on the TranzAlpine Through Arthur’s Pass
Greymouth Railway Station is the beginning/end of one of the world’s most scenic train journeys as voted in multiple travel publications.
Hop on the TranzAlpine in Greymouth and enjoy a journey through the West Coast rainforest and lakes on the way to the mountainous regions of the Arthur’s Pass National Park.
You’ll go through a nearly 2 km (1.2 mi)-long tunnel piercing through the mountains. The train goes all the way to Christchurch where you can return the same day or continue your travels from there.
Book your tickets with Great Journeys New Zealand. See more activities like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Greymouth.
Location: Greymouth Railway Station, 164 Mackay Street.
© Kiwi Rail8. Do a Road Trip Down the Grey Valley
Take the road less travelled and discover the history and small towns of the Grey Valley. The valley follows the Grey River incorporating interesting towns like Blackball.
Snap up a photo of Formerly the Blackball Hilton, a hotel and pub that famously got into a dispute with a certain international hotel chain.
You’ll also want to pop into the Blackball Salami Company‘s store to taste incredible gourmet meat products.
The valley also has a myriad of hiking and mountain biking trails which you can find out more about in our 10 Best Walks in Greymouth and Mountain Biking on the West Coast.
Location: Blackball, 24 km (15 mi) east of Greymouth on the Taylorville-Blackball Road.
© Phillip Capper on Wikipedia9. Visit the Historic Shantytown
Step back in time at Shantytown Heritage Park, a recreated 1860s gold-rush village just 10 km (6 mi) south of Greymouth. This immersive attraction combines museum and theme park, offering more than 30 historic buildings to explore.
Ride a steam train through native bush, try your luck at gold panning (you can keep what you find!), and experience working exhibits like the sawmill and printery.
Costumed staff and interactive displays bring the pioneering days to life, making it engaging for all ages. Don’t miss the old-time saloon, church, and on-site café.
Check out more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Greymouth with Kids.
Location: Rutherglen Road, 10 km (6 mi) south of Greymouth.
© Nimmo Photography - westcoast.co.nz10. Visit the Local Art Galleries and Jade Studios
Greymouth is more than history and adventure, it’s also a hub of creativity, particularly in the art of “pounamu” (greenstone) carving and locally inspired crafts.
Stop by Shades of Jade, where authentic West Coast pounamu is shaped into stunning jewellery, or visit the Garth Wilson Jade Studio to watch artisans at work, hand-carving greenstone into traditional and contemporary designs.
For something different, check out the Nimmo Gallery & Store, which showcases fine art photography alongside thoughtfully curated gifts that reflect the character of the Coast.
Beyond these highlights, smaller galleries and workshops reveal the creative spirit of local painters, sculptors and photographers, many inspired by the dramatic landscapes and moody skies of the region.
Location: Shades of Jade – 22 Tainui Street, Garth Wilson Jade – 63 Rutherglen Road, Nimmo Gallery – 102 Mackay Street.
© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz11. Check Out the Pop-Up History House Museum
[Update: The History House Museum has been relocated to what’s now called the Pop-Up History House Museum on 8 MacKay Street].
Learn about the people that flocked to Greymouth and the West Coast during the coal mining and gold rush eras to earn their fortunes despite the dangers and hardships of the jobs!
History House is a museum packed with relics found all over the region. Find more museums in the area with our 10 Interesting Museums on the West Coast.
Location: The Pop-Up History House Museum – 8 MacKay Street. The original History House Museum building – 27 Gresson Street.
© Mattinbgn on Wikipedia12. Mawhera Pounamu Pathway Centre
We love how Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Centre celebrates the deep connection between Ngāti Waewae, pounamu (greenstone), and the West Coast’s lands and rivers.
Located on Greymouth’s floodwall walkway, the centre blends storytelling, art and history to share the significance of pounamu in Māori culture.
Interactive exhibits and beautifully designed displays explain how this precious stone was traditionally sourced, shaped, and treasured as both a tool and a taonga (treasure).
The centre also serves as a hub for walking the adjacent Māwhera Pounamu Pathway, a riverside trail dotted with interpretive panels and carvings that further connect visitors with local heritage.
Location: 43 Tainui Street.
© Clint Trahan - westcoast.co.nz13. Experience the West Coast Tree Top Walk and Zipline
For a thrilling blend of nature and adventure, don’t miss the West Coast Tree Top Walk and Zipline just south of Greymouth near Ruatapu. This two-hour guided experience kicks off at the visitor centre, where you’ll meet your expert guide and gear up for an unforgettable journey.
Start by meandering along the elevated walkway set high in the ancient rimu rainforest, learning about the unique ecology of this special environment. Then, climb 106 steps up the spiral tower before the highlight: stepping off into the sky!
Harnessed to tandem ziplines, you’ll soar 45 metres above the ground, about 15 storeys high-flying through the treetops with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
After your adrenaline rush, unwind at the onsite café and soak in the tranquil setting.
Location: 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika, West Coast, South Island. About 23 km (14 mi) south of Greymouth.
© West Coast Tree Top - Zipline South Island14. Explore Point Elizabeth Walkway
Just north of Greymouth lies the Point Elizabeth Walkway, a scenic coastal trail that captures the wild beauty of the West Coast. The track winds through regenerating rainforest before opening onto dramatic cliff-top views of the Tasman Sea.
We love that on a clear day, you can even spot Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on the horizon.
Along the way, interpretation panels share stories of the area’s goldmining history and its rich birdlife, with chances to see tūī, bellbirds and fantails flitting among the trees.
The full walk takes about 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hours one way, ending at Rapahoe, but shorter sections make it accessible if you’re pressed for time.
Location: Point Elizabeth Walkway, Cobden, West Coast, South Island. Trailhead is 6 km (3.7 mi) north of Greymouth.
© NZPocketGuide.com15. Visit the Left Bank Art Gallery
For a dose of West Coast creativity, the Left Bank Art Gallery is a must-visit in Greymouth. Housed in the town’s historic Bank of New Zealand building, this gallery showcases the vibrant artistic spirit of the region.
As the official home of the West Coast Society of Arts, it regularly hosts exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists.
Inside, you’ll discover a diverse mix of mediums: painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and photography, all reflecting the raw landscapes and cultural stories of the West Coast.
The gallery also champions contemporary Māori art, making it a place where tradition and innovation intersect. With ever-changing exhibitions, every visit offers something new, whether you’re browsing or looking to purchase a unique piece.
Location: 1 Tainui Street, Greymouth, West Coast, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.comDiscover More Must-Dos and Things to Do in Greymouth
That’s it for our guide to the best things to do in Greymouth; for more information about this West Coast town, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Greymouth.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
