The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Greymouth

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Free Activities in Greymouth

Thankfully for travellers on a tight budget, most of the attractions in Greymouth are free to visit! However, with some of them being a little out of town, you will need to consider fuel costs.

Greymouth is home to some interesting historical sites to commemorate its rich heritage in coal and gold mining. One such site is the Brunner Mine Site, just a quick drive from the town along State Highway 7. A short walk here with lots of interpretation panels tells the story of one of the earliest coal mining sites in the country along with the remains of a coke oven, tunnel and brick factory.

Greymouth’s mining history also makes for some cool sights along its other walks, such as the Woods Creek Track, a 45-minute loop passing trail races, dams and tunnels. Find this walk on the road to the Shantytown Heritage Park.

Of course, in New Zealand, you want to see some stellar scenery, which is easy to find in Greymouth, particularly on the Point Elizabeth Walkway. Take in the amazing views of the wild West Coast with a mix of coastal forest and a rocky viewpoint looking out to the Southern Alps.

Part of the Point Elizabeth Walkway is an attraction in itself, which is Rapahoe Beach. This picturesque beach backed with coastal cliffs is a stunning place to watch the vivid West Coast sunset. The beach is patrolled for swimming on weekends during summer.

And for something a little different, get your art fix at the Left Bank Art Gallery. This free art gallery inside the grand architecture of a former Bank of New Zealand building showcases contemporary New Zealand paintings, photography, sculptures and crafts.

It’s also a great place to see pounamu (greenstone) art. Check out the gift shop to browse pieces of handcrafted textiles, jewellery, jade, vintage pendants and carvings making for a unique souvenir to take home.

For more free attractions, like a road trip on the Great Coast Road to the Punakaiki Pancake Rock or a trip to Hokitika or Lake Brunner, see the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth.

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Cheap Activities in Greymouth

With so many of Greymouth’s activities being free, there’s not that much left to put into the “cheap” category! Nevertheless, a quite affordable and alternative experience in Greymouth is a tour of the Monteith’s Brewery.

Learn about the West Coast’s passion for beer brewing on this comprehensive tour of a working brewery. Meander between the vats and bottling machines while learning about the brewing process.

You’ll also get an insight into the history of one of New Zealand’s oldest beermakers and see artefacts in the beer museum. At the end of the tour, learn how to pour your own pint and taste the goodness too, of course.

The brewery also has a bar and restaurant so you can indulge in the various beers and ciders with a tasting paddle and pair with some food.

For other cheap (but mostly free) activities, head to the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greymouth.

© Apostles View Motel

Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations 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.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Greymouth, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.

Apostles View Motel – Budget-Friendly Family Motel near Greymouth

Ideal for those with their own transport, Apostles View Motel is located 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Greymouth city centre and features fabulous views of the nearby mountains.

There are eight spacious motel units available with separate bedrooms, a dining area, a full kitchen and an ensuite.

With a children’s playground on-site, this budget motel is a popular choice for families.

Discover why Apostles View Motel is a convenient base for exploring Greymouth and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Noah’s Ark Backpackers – Budget-Friendly Hostel with Social Vibe

When it comes to budget accommodation, Noah’s Ark Backpackers offers a variety of options to suit different travellers.

This hostel provides family rooms with carpeted floors and shared bathrooms, each featuring a shower and views of the sea, garden, or mountains. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a sun terrace, and a garden during their stay.

The hostel goes above and beyond with its amenities, offering free bicycles, a lounge, shared kitchen, indoor play area, outdoor seating, picnic area, and barbecue facilities.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, part of a group, or travelling with family, Noah’s Ark Backpackers provides a comfortable and social atmosphere for your Greymouth adventure.

Learn more about why Noah’s Ark Backpackers is a popular budget stay in Greymouth and secure your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

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Cheap Eats in Greymouth

Greymouth is a place you can afford to eat out. In fact, it’s encouraged, as the West Coast is known for a few delicacies, such as whitebait fritters!

A great place to try them is Cobden Takeaways (126 Bright Street), which you’ll find on the menu between mid-August and November. It’s also a good place to pick up a classic Kiwi fish and chips with a can of tomato sauce to eat while parked up on the coast.

A surprising highlight on the cheap easts scene is The Lifeboat NZ at Blakedown Tiphead, found at the end of the Floodwall Walkway. It’s a Dutch food truck in a renovated boat! Try their coffee and stroopwafels.

For breakfast or lunch, enjoy the classic cafe charm of Maggie’s Kitchen (65 MacKay Street) serving all sorts from hot breakfasts to fish and chips at reasonable prices.

For more recommendations, head on over to The Foodie Guide to Greymouth.

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More About Gold Mining History in Greymouth

They call the coast of Greymouth the “Gold Coast”, not for its golden sands like Australia’s Gold Coast, but for its significant gold mining history.

Visit Shantytown Heritage Park, a replica of an 1880s gold town with a still-working steam train and one-of-a-kind holographic theatre. Try your hand at old panning where you are “guaranteed” to find gold.

More gold mining relics can be found all along the Grey Valley which runs between Greymouth and Reefton.

Just outside Greymouth on State Highway 7 and across the Ikamatua Junction is the small town of Blackball (population of 400).

The quirky town has a pub called “Formerly the Blackball Hilton”, named after a dispute with a certain hotel chain. The pub is worth checking out just for the ladies toilets alone! (Which isn’t as weird as it sounds).

Don’t leave the town without trying the famous Blackball Salami. To walk on a historic mining track complete with mining relics, take the Croesus Track close to Blackball (see track description below).

On the tragic side of the gold mining history, Stillwater on State Highway 7 has a mass cemetery of 33 men killed in the Brunner Coalmine collapse in 1896. You can still see the Brunner Mine Site and walk around the historic coke ovens, brick factory and the remains of tunnel entrances.

The Brunner Mine Site is 11 km (7 mi) east of Greymouth on State Highway 7 and the main car park is on State Highway 7.

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More About Pubs in Greymouth

Now, “pubs” aren’t exactly a must-do on every backpackers’ list, but if you are only going to go to one pub in New Zealand, it has to be in Greymouth.

The pub culture here is huge with the town having the national record for consuming more beer per head than any other town in New Zealand.

The West Coast Pub is a historic pub and always a safe bet in Greymouth to grab a beer. Check out The Monteith’s Brewery offering affordable tours and tastings – a great way to spend an afternoon with travel mates.

Plus, the quirky Formerly the Blackball Hilton in Blackball is well worth a visit.

© Jase Blair - westcoast.co.nz

More About Mountain Biking in Greymouth

To get to (or from the end of) the following bike tracks, you will need to either have your own transportation or make use of bike shuttles operating from Greymouth. By the way, have you checked out Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide?

West Coast Wilderness Trail (Grade 2)

Greymouth is the start of a 2-4 day West Coast Wilderness Trail. This 120 km (75 mi) bike trail to Ross takes old miners tracks through rainforest, past glacial rivers, lakes, Wetlands and the Tasman Sea.

Stop along the way in Kumara, Lake Kaniere and Hokitika. The trail is mostly off-road and starts from the centre of Greymouth with plenty of bike hire and transport options for the one-way trip.

Croesus Track (Grade 3-5)

The Croesus Track is a shared hiking and mountain biking track between Blackball and Barrytown (although you can cut your trip shorter by simply returning the same way).

Either slog your way uphill or treat yourself to a heli-bike experience from Greymouth. Read the track description in the walking section below.

Moonlight Pack Track (Grade 5)

Ride along another historic miners path on this hardcore mountain bike trail. The trail is 32 km (20 mi) and usually takes 4-6 hours to complete.

To get there, drive 9 km (5.5 mi) north of the Blackball turn-off where the Atarau Road bends past a picnic area, turn left onto the Moonlight Valley Road (narrow gravel road) as it runs off toward the range.

Napoleon Hill (Grade 3)

Take this adventurous ride on a 4×4 gravel road past an old gold mining settlement, tunnels and creeks. You’ll need the landowner’s permission, call Robin and Malcolm Smith (+64 27 606 5648).

To get there from Greymouth, follow State Highway 7 northeast for 34 km (21 mi) to Ahaura. At Ahaura turn right at the corner dairy onto Orwell Creek Road. The Napoleon Hill trail ends at Waipuna-Clarke Road (a 30-minute drive from the start point).

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More About Hiking in Greymouth

Greymouth Floodwall to Blaketown Tiphead (30-45 Minutes)

An easy walk within Greymouth itself, follow the top of the floodwall (on the riverside) towards the river mouth to see a monument to 300 men who died in West Coast mining disasters, watch people fishing, pass historic cranes and birdwatching at the sandbar.

You’ll get awesome views from the Blaketown tiphead all the way to Aoraki Mt Cook. Plus, this is a great place to watch the sunset.

Lions Walk (10-minute Return)

Walk up into the Rapahoe Range Scenic Reserve for excellent views of Greymouth, coastline and Southern Alps. Access is from the end of Weld Street in Cobden.

Omotumotu Bush Walk (25-minute Loop)

Get your quick dose of forest right in the Greymouth urban area in the Omotumotu Bush. Access is from Marsden Road.

Point Elizabeth Walkway (1h45mins One Way)

Get some awesome rugged coastal views and learn about the history of the area on the Point Elizabeth Walkway. Start from North Beach Road in Cobden.

King Domain Walk (25 Minutes One Way)

Reach four different lookout points on this zigzagging uphill climb. Access is on Mount Street.

Coal Creek Falls (1-hour Return)

Take a forest track to see Coal Creek Falls, which look particularly impressive after heavy rainfall. The track leads down into the Coal Creek Valley.

To get there from Greymouth, follow State Highway 6 northeast for 8 km (5 mi) to Runanga. Turn right down Seddon Street and right into Ballance Street where a car park is at the end of Ballance Street.

Croesus Track (1-2 Days)

The Croesus Track unsurprisingly follows an old miners pack track where you can do a variety of side trips and cut your walk short at any time by returning the way you came.

Whatever you decide to do, you’ll enjoy walking through a mixed podocarp and beech forest, crossing a swing bridge and finally making your way up to Ces Clark Hut (4-5 hours) with rewarding views over Lake Brunner and the Southern Alps.

From this track, you can either extend your walk 45 minutes to Garden Gully for historic mining relics or an 8-hour return hike to Croesus Knob for more epic views.

If you stay in the Ces Clark Hut, you can extend your walk the next day to Barrytown (4-5 hours).

To get to the Croesus Track, drive 1 km (0.6 mi) past Blackball on a sealed road to Roa mine with a signpost pointing right, indicating the gravel road to the Smoke-ho car park and to the start of Croesus Track.

Nelson Creek Walks (20-40 Minutes)

On the other side of the Grey River from Blackball near the town of Ngahere is the fascinating mining location of Nelson Creek.

A number of walks can be found here taking you to through tunnels, to see historic water races and gold panning areas.

Choose from the Callaghans Track (30 minutes one way) to a lookout point over bush-clad valleys, the Tailrace Walk (20 minutes return) to see some old gold workings, and the Colls Dam Walk (40 minutes loop) with a lookout over the dam.

More awesome walks can be found in Lake Brunner! Take a look in the 10 Hikes Around Lake Brunner.