The Complete Guide to Greymouth© westcoast.co.nz
The Complete Guide to Greymouth

The Complete Travel Guide to Greymouth [2024]

© westcoast.co.nz

How to Plan the Best Trip to Greymouth

Greymouth, or Mawhera which means “wide-spread river mouth” in Maori, is nestled between the Grey River’s mouth, the Tasman Sea and an interior of rugged West Coast mountains and rainforest. From the early Maori searching for pounamu (greenstone) in the surrounding area to the European pioneers harnessing the land for gold and coal, Greymouth certainly has a fascinating history made vivid by the abandoned mining sites and machinery along many of its walks now being reclaimed by the rainforest. Some traditions, like whitebaiting and beer-brewing, are still a major part of local life, making for a foodie addition to your visit to the Grey Valley.

Of course, being a South Island town, its main highlight is, indeed, the scenery. Greymouth is surrounded by beautifully rugged coastline and untamed natural rainforest that be experienced on anything from short walks to New Zealand Great Walks and premium cycling trails to 4WD off-roading adventures.

So plan your “stay in the Grey” with this complete travel guide to Greymouth, covering all types of travel.

Common Questions About Greymouth

We’re not messing around with this travel guide to Greymouth; here are the most common questions travellers have about visiting.

Where is Greymouth Located?

On the west coast the South Island in the centre of the West Coast region, New Zealand.

What is the Weather Usually Like in Greymouth?

Greymouth is on the wettest coast of the South Island. The daily average temperature is 12.2°C/53.9°F, while the yearly average rainfall is 2,553 mm/100.5″. Find out more in What is the Weather Like in New Zealand?

Does Gryemouth Have Snow?

No, Greymouth is a low lying coastal city so rarely gets snow.

How Do You Get to Greymouth?

Greymouth is connected to the rest of the South Island via State Highway 6 providing access to the rest of the West Coast and State Highway 7 leading east to Christchurch. The closest international airport is Christchurch Airport (3 hours drive), but domestic flights to Hokitika Airport are available from Christchurch and Queenstown. Greymouth is also on the main national bus route, which you can find more information about in Bus Networks in New Zealand.

What is Greymouth Known For?

Greymouth is known for being the largest town on the West Coast of New Zealand. Its history in greenstone hunting and gold mining are also well known.

The Complete Travel Guide to Greymouth© westcoast.co.nz

What to Do in Greymouth

Immersing in the West Coast traditions, history and culture are certainly what Greymouth is best for. Between touring the local brewery and wandering around a historical mining site, experience an exciting self-drive off-roading tour.

The Top Experiences in Greymouth

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Greymouth highlights:

… Or check out some of the other experiences over in our 15 Best Things to Do in Greymouth.

Rainy Day Activities

It’s no secret that Greymouth is in one of the rainiest regions in New Zealand. Have wet weather backups at the ready, such as:

  • Tour the Monteith’s Brewery (more info on Viator or Tripadvisor)
  • Ride the TranzAlpine train through Arthur’s Pass (on Klook, Viator or Tripadvisor)
  • Carve your own Maori bone pendant at the Skeleton Crew Carving Studio

… And much more! Check out the 11 Things to Do in Greymouth on a Rainy Day for more ideas.

The Complete Travel Guide to Greymouth© westcoast.co.nz

Where to Stay in Greymouth

Other than the accommodations we recommend on the righthand side (or at the bottom on mobile) of this complete travel guide to Greymouth, we have compiled entire lists of places to stay based on price, what’s best for families or a couples’ getaway and premium stays. What’s more, each list is compiled by real writers; not some algorithm!

The Complete Guide to Greymouth© NZPocketGuide.com

Greymouth for Budget Travellers

A town shrouded in history and surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, Greymouth is easy to explore on a budget. Check out historical sites, many of which make interesting features while delving into the West Coast rainforest or lapping up the rugged scenery of the coast. Much of the highlights surrounding Greymouth, from the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to Hokitika Gorge, as well as hidden gems like Lake Brunner, are just a short drive away but completely free to enjoy. So plan your affordable getaway using The Guide to Greymouth on a Budget.

Cheap Activities in Greymouth

For more details on each activity and more, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth.

Budget Accommodation in Greymouth

Seaside holiday parks, characterful hostels, convenient motels and historic hotels, the budget accommodation in Greymouth covers the whole spectrum meaning there’s something for everybody. Check out our top recommendations in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Greymouth.

The Complete Guide to Greymouth© westcoast.co.nz

Greymouth for Luxury Travellers

We admit, when we first visited Greymouth, we didn’t think any luxury stays or premium tours would exist in this down-to-earth mining town. Then, we discovered what’s on the outskirts of town, along the beachfront and nestled in primaeval native rainforest. Boutique lodges certainly have a presence here, even if they’re hard to find, making your stay on this historical coast of the South Island a special one. Combined with awe-inspiring helicopter rides, teeing off on scenic golf courses, and hiking premium trails like the Paparoa Track, these premium lodges complement a luxury stay on the West Coast quite nicely. Find out more in The Luxury Guide to Greymouth.

Luxury Activities in Greymouth

  • Ride “Scenic Class Plus” on the TranzAlpine train (available on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook)
  • See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge or other highlights with Explore West Coast (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
  • Hike the Paparoa Great Walk
  • Fly and land in the majestic Southern Alps on a helicopter tour
  • Do some boutique shopping and gallery browsing in town.

For more details on each experience and others, see the 8 Best Luxury Experiences in Greymouth.

Luxury Accommodation in Greymouth

The selection of premium accommodation in Greymouth is by no means extensive, with just one upscale apartment complex within the town. Its outskirts, however, hide a few boutique lodges with rainforest or coastal locations you’ll never want to leave. Check them out in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Greymouth.

The Complete Guide to Greymouth© westcoast.co.nz

Greymouth for Families

An essential stop on a West Coast family road trip, Greymouth offers “heaps” for families. From free short walks to fun-filled 4WD tours, there’s a variety of outdoor adventures to be had. A highlight for families is Shantytown, a replica gold-rush town with train rides, gold panning and much more to keep the little ones entertained for the whole day. Stay in one of the holiday parks, motels or hotel rooms in Greymouth and make that the base for exploring surrounding West Coast highlights, like the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge and much more. Check out our advice for planning a family trip using The Guide to Greymouth for Families.

Family Activities in Greymouth

For more details on each activity and its locations, check out the 10 Things to Do in Greymouth with Kids.

Family-Friendly Accommodation in Greymouth

Make your accommodation part of the recreation at one of the holiday parks or make your life easy with self-catering facilities at one of the motels. Either way, you have plenty of options for family-friendly stays, as listed in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Greymouth.

The Complete Guide to Greymouth© westcoast.co.nz

Greymouth for Couples

Sure, a place called “Greymouth” doesn’t sound all that romantic. But couples who can look past the not-too-endearing name will find charm in the historical ambience, beautifully rugged coastline and hidden gems like glowworm caves. A special experience is finding greenstone to carve into a necklace for each other while retreating to your boutique B&B puts a romantic spin to your trip. Check out our advice for couples visiting Greymouth in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Greymouth.

Romantic Activities in Greymouth

  • Watch the West Coast sunset from Rapahoe Beach
  • Immerse in a cultural experience on the Arahura Greenstone Tour
  • Tackle the West Coast Wilderness Trail together
  • Buddy up or go solo on a self-drive 4WD tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
  • Do the Monteith’s Brewery Tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

For more details on each experience and others, take a look at the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Greymouth for Couples.

Romantic Accommodation in Greymouth

While some couples might not be too fussed with the affordable hotels, motels and hostels in town, others might want to set the tone just right by staying in the quaint B&Bs and boutique lodges. Check them out in the 6 Best Romantic Accommodations in Greymouth.

The Complete Guide to Greymouth© NZPocketGuide.com

Greymouth for Foodies

As well as coal and gold mining, Greymouth has a history in beer-brewing and whitebaiting, which are traditions that still hold strong to this day. One of the highlights of the town for many visitors is the Monteith’s Brewery offering comprehensive brewery tours. Visiting Greymouth between mid-August to November will bring you into the throws of the whitebait season where “whitebait fritters” adorn most local menus. So plan a few food experiences while you’re in town with The Food Guide to Greymouth: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Food Tours and Activities in Greymouth

  • Tour the Monteith’s Brewery (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
  • Try the West Coast delicacy, whitebait
  • Pick up some gourmet New Zealand meat products from Blackball Salami
  • Browse the Greymouth Sunday Market
  • Make your own kitchen utensils with Barrytown Knifemaking.

For more details and locations of each experience, see the 7 Best Foodie Experiences in Greymouth.

Where to Eat in Greymouth

  • Buccleugh’s on High (68 High Street)
  • Sevenpenny (9 Tainui Street)
  • DP1 Cafe (104 Mawhera Quay)
  • Maggies Kitchen (65 Mackay Street)
  • The Lifeboat NZ (Blaketown Tiphead)

Foodie Accommodation in Greymouth

From self-catering stays to hotels with popular restaurants to lodges with delectable breakfasts, there are a few accommodations in Greymouth that work to enhance your foodie trip. Check them out in the 10 Best Accommodations in Greymouth for Foodies.

More About Greymouth

That’s it for our complete travel guide to Greymouth but by no means the end of our Greymouth travel tips! Check out the following guides for more advice on what to do nearby:

Finally, plan more of your South Island trip using the South Island in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary or South Island in One Week: Road Trip Itinerary. You’ll also find more advice for planning an epic NZ trip in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

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