10 Luxury Experiences in Greymouth

1. Ride “Scenic Class Plus” on the TranzAlpine Train

Begin your West Coast experience by doing a journey that’s out of the ordinary. Often ranked as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, the TranzAlpine is a four-hour train experience where you get to admire the transformational scenery of the plains of Canterbury to the rugged West Coast.

In between are the magnificent mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Heighten the experience with a seat in “Scenic Plus Class” combining the views with local delicacies and regional wines served to your seat in a carriage with panoramic windows.

The journey runs from Greymouth and Christchurch and vice versa.

Location: Start from either Greymouth Railway Station, 164 MacKay Street or Christchurch Railway Station.

© Great Journeys New Zealand

2. See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge or Other Highlights on a Guided Tour

Pairing quite nicely with visiting Greymouth by train, Explore West Coast enables you to see the West Coast must-sees on a small-group tour.

Join knowledgable guides for a journey north to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks along the Great Coast Road where you’ll have lots of opportunities to stop for photos.

Alternatively, head south to explore the milky blue waters of Hokitika Gorge and walk the West Coast Treetop Walk. They also offer private bespoke tours built around the attractions you want to see.

Location: Tours begin from the Greymouth i-SITE/Greymouth Railway Station, 164 MacKay Street or from your Greymouth accommodation.

© westcoast.co.nz

3. Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail

One of the premium cycle trails on the South Island, the West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 136 km (85 mi) cycle trail showcasing the stunning landscapes and historical sites of the West Coast.

Hire a quality mountain bike from Greymouth and begin your journey from the Greymouth Railway Station, taking you along the Grey River to the coast and beyond.

Admire moody lakes, surging rivers, coastal rainforest, charming towns with memorable hotel and dining experiences, and much more on this trail that takes two-to-four days to complete.

Find out more in the guide to Mountain Biking on the West Coast.

Location: Start from the Greymouth Railway Station, 164 MacKay Street, Greymouth town.

© westcoast.co.nz

4. Hike the Paparoa Great Walk

Nearby Greymouth is also one of New Zealand’s premium multi-day hiking trails, the Paparoa Track. This 55 km (34 mi) hiking or “tramping” trail is classed as a New Zealand Great Walk meaning it has the highest grade of backcountry huts and the best trail maintenance in the country.

The dual-use hiking and mountain biking trail encapsulates lush primeval rainforest and the limestone karst landscapes and mountaintops of the Paparoa Ranges. Track transport operators are available in Greymouth.

Learn more in The Complete Guide to the Paparoa Track.

Location: Smoke-ho car park, Blackball, approximately 30km (19 miles) from Greymouth town centre.

© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz

5. Play a Round at One of the Local Golf Courses

With New Zealand being a country of avid golfers, as it is the highest participation sport in the country, it’s no surprise that there’s a couple of golf courses nearby Greymouth.

The Greymouth Golf Club is just 5 km (3 mi) away, offering a well-presented 18-hole course among park-like grounds on the riverbank.

Alternatively, travel a little further afield to the Hokitika Golf Club or “Mahinapua Links” which is arguably more scenic with pohutukawa trees (New Zealand Christmas tree) blooming in summer and views of the snowcapped Southern Alps on a clear day.

See how the courses compare in the 20 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.

Location: Greymouth Golf Club – Rochfort Street, Kaiata, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Greymouth town centre. Hokitika Golf Club – 206 Golf Links Road, Hokitika, approximately 43 km (27 mi) from Greymouth town centre.

© Pixabay

6. Fly and Land in the Majestic Southern Alps on a Helicopter Tour

For a different perspective of the West Coast, join one of the local helicopter operators for a scenic flight over the majestic Southern Alps.

Anderson Helicopters offers a diverse range of scenic flights lasting from 30 minutes to 1 hr 20 mins, with opportunities to land in glacier-carved valleys or fly around New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook.

Alternatively, Precision Helicopters flies you up the Whitcombe Valley into the Southern Alps to view six spectacular glaciers directly inland of Hokitika. Along the way, see remote pounamu and gold sites, historic deer stalker huts, and wild Himalayan Tahr before landing on a magical alpine snowfield.

Location: Hokitika Airport, Airport Drive, Hokitika, approximately 40 km (25 mi) from Greymouth town centre.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Do Some Boutique Shopping and Gallery Browsing in Town

If you find yourself in Greymouth on a rainy day, which can happen frequently on the wild West Coast, take the time to look around the gorgeous art galleries and boutiques.

With a history of jade hunting and gold mining, Greymouth has lots of inspiration for talented artists and craftsmen. Visit Garth Wilson Jade for live pounamu (greenstone/jade) carving demonstrations and to pick out unique pieces.

The Left Bank Art Gallery displays a diverse range of artwork, including jade, paintings and sculptures, at its gallery in a historic bank building.

For fashion, take a look around Victoria’s or Into Jeans, both luxury boutiques selling high-end women’s fashion brands.

Location: Garth Wilson Jade – 63 Rutherglen Road, Paroa, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Greymouth town centre. Left Bank Art Gallery – 1 Tainui Street. Victoria’s – 66 MacKay Street. Into Jeans – 100 Mackey Street.

© westcoast.co.nz

8. Make Your Own Knife in Barrytown

For something a little unique, how about making your own quality knife? Barrytown Knifemaking is just a short drive north of Greymouth in a small and scattered community where you’ll be handcrafting a knife in the backyard of your friendly hosts among the punga and nikau palms.

Experience the sweat of the pioneers as you immerse in this traditional skill to forge and hammer your own knife.

In this small-group all-day workshop, enjoy drinks, toasted sandwiches and other refreshments throughout. While not traditional “luxury” it’s a unique experience with the impressive outcome of a quality knife that just about any type of travellers can appreciate.

Location: 2662 Coast Road, Barrytown, approximately 27 km (17 mi) from Greymouth town centre.

© Pixabay

9. Indulge in a Fine Dining Experience

While Greymouth is celebrated for its wild landscapes, it also delivers refined culinary experiences. At Monteith’s Brewery Restaurant, heritage brewing meets gourmet dining. Their menu highlights the best of the West Coast, from freshly caught seafood to slow-cooked lamb and venison, all carefully crafted with seasonal produce.

For an elevated dining experience, Buccleugh’s on High (inside the Recreation Hotel) offers seasonal West Coast fare, blue cod, whitebait (in season), and venison, presented with exquisite attention, a varied wine list, and standout service.

Nearby, Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen (within the Copthorne Hotel) specialises in sophisticated, globally inspired dishes, while Sevenpenny offers contemporary fine cuisine with historical flair.

Location: Monteith’s Brewery Restaurant – Herbert Street, Greymouth, West Coast, South Island. Buccleugh’s on High – 51 Gresson Street. Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen – 42 Mawhera Quay. Sevenpenny – 11 Tainui Street.

© Nimmo Photography - westcoast.co.nz

10. Fish for Brown Trout

Great year-round fishing, wild brown trout, a stunning lake… What else do you need?! Lake Brunner is legendary, one of New Zealand’s premier still-water fisheries.

The brown trout here often range between 2-4 lb (about 1-1.5 kg), though bigger specimens occasionally appear. What makes this lake so special? A mix of temperate West Coast climate, forest-fed water, and nutrient-rich insect life keeps trout active even in winter.

Most anglers troll from boats, but casting flies or spinners near weed beds or where streams such as the Arnold or Crooked enter, can reward you with stalking opportunities along calm shorelines.

For those seeking a luxury experience, we recommend hiring a local expert guide who can provide top-notch equipment and share insider knowledge of the best fishing spots.

Take your own gear, get a fishing license and try your luck, or indulge in a guided fishing expedition for a truly memorable and potentially fruitful day on the water.

Location: Lake Brunner and the Arnold River

© NZPocketGuide.com