The Luxury Travel Guide to Greymouth

© Kiwi Rail

Luxury Adventure Activities

From premium hiking and mountain biking trails to world-class train journeys, Greymouth offers plenty of lavish experiences for travellers seeking something special.

Make your journey in or out of Greymouth out of the ordinary with a train experience on the TranzAlpine. Often ranked as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, the TranzAlpine is a four-hour event where you get to admire the transformational scenery of the rugged West Coast to the plains of Canterbury.

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.

Pairing quite nicely with visiting Greymouth by train, Explore West Coast takes you on a small-group tour to see the West Coast’s major highlights from Greymouth. Join knowledgable guides for a journey 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.

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.

For more luxury adventures, head to the 10 Luxury Activities in Greymouth.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Luxury All-weather Activities

They don’t call it the “Wild West Coast” for nothing! So if the rain pours, don’t hit the pause button on your luxury getaway. Take the time to look around the gorgeous art galleries and boutiques of Greymouth.

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 (jade) carving demonstrations and to pick out unique pieces.

The Left Bank Art Gallery displays a diverse range of artwork, including jade, 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.

For something a little unique, how about making your own 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 trees 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.

For more all-weather experiences, check out the 10 Things to Do in Greymouth on a Rainy Day.

© Goldfield Suites

Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations 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.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Greymouth, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

Goldfield Suites – Luxurious Rural Retreat

A rural retreat yet just a short drive from town, the Goldfield Suites offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the immediate area. Stay in one of the spacious suites which boast a separate lounge and bedroom, a private balcony and a stylish ensuite.

Beds are comfortable and personalised with a choice from the pillow menu, while double glazing helps keep your suite toasty all year round – or you could always warm yourself up in the wood-fired hot tub.

One of the suites also has a kitchenette, should you want to spruce up your own meals or indulge in a chargrilled dinner presented by your host chef.

Rimu Lodge (Hokitika) – Five-Star Luxury Lodge in Hokitika

While Rimu Lodge is located closer to the neighbouring town of Hokitika than Greymouth, it’s still worth mentioning here as the only five-star lodge on the West Coast.

Nestled in an unspoiled environment of rainforest and views of the Hokitika River, this luxury B&B lodge is a place you’ll never want to leave.

After waking up to the relaxing tones and large windows of your room, be treated to an indulgent breakfast of French toast, eggs benedict, muesli and yoghurt or whatever you fancy.

You might even want to enjoy it on the extensive decking or in the contemporary decor of the lounge/dining room with an open fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

© Paroa Hotel

Fine Dining in Greymouth

Did we mention that Greymouth is a mining town? With that, premium fine dining wouldn’t fit in well here in a town that prefers to keep things casual.

Nevertheless, if you seek the most upscale establishments possible here, then some good options include Buccleugh’s on High (68 High Street) specialising in local delicacies like whitebait (when in season between mid-August and November), blue cod, venison and vegetarian options.

Similarly, Speight’s Ale House (130 Mawhera Quay) offers hearty West Coast cuisine along with a range of their own beers, enjoyed in the charming setting of a historic building.

And if you head a little south to the Paroa Hotel (508 Main South Road), you’ll be served well-presented plates of surf and turf along with magnificent views of the famous West Coast sunset.

Remember, the luxury accommodations in Greymouth also offer some sort of private dining for guests, so be sure to take them up on the offer.

For more dining recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Greymouth.