The Travel Guide to Greymouth on a Budget

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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 (as featured on Viator and Tripadvisor).

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. Learn more about the tour on Viator or Tripadvisor.

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

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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.