Greymouth is the largest town on New Zealand’s South Island’s west coast and the arrival point for the TranzAlpine from Christchurch. If you’re arriving at the train station, you can pick up your Hertz rental car before setting off to explore the region.
Greymouth has a history of gold mining and nearby you’ll find Shantytown, a perfect example of a lovingly restored gold rush era town. Shantytown is one New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions and serves as an interesting insight into the past.
With a designated driver on board, we recommend visiting Monteith's brewery, a Kiwi institution that runs daily tours that include tasting sessions.
You can’t go to Greymouth without encountering pounamu – also known as New Zealand jade or greenstone. Around the town you’ll find galleries and jewelry stores that specialise in it.
Other activities on offer in Greymouth include fishing and adventure activities such as rafting and caving.
If you’re still feeling energetic, try the two hour Point Elizabeth Walk that passes through a scenic reserve and old gold mining sites. It begins 12-km north of Greymouth at Rapahoe Beach, which is also a great swimming spot during summer.
