Greymouth

Greymouth is a town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Sample the beer and listen to wild west coast stories.

Once the site of the Maori pa Mawhera (which means ‘wide spread river mouth’, in reference to the town’s river mouth location), Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island’s west coast. The area has a history of gold mining, which can be appreciated at the local museum and nearby Shantytown. The local brewery is something of a New Zealand legend; it runs tours that include a tasting session.

Other Greymouth entertainments include sea fishing, fly fishing, a quayside walk and hiking the Elizabeth Track, which passes through a scenic reserve and old goldmining sites. Around the town you’ll find galleries specialising in pounamu (New Zealand jade).

Consider these must do activities in and around Greymouth:

• Shantytown is a replica pioneering town with historical train rides, a working gold claim (where you can successfully pan for gold) and 30 historic buildings.
   
• The Jade Boulder Gallery lets you see the different types of pounamu (greenstone or jade) in its natural state. View carvers at work.
   
• Lake Brunner is known for its trout fishing and beautiful views.
   
• Blackball is a mining town where the New Zealand Labour Party was founded. Visit the colourful 'Formerly the Blackball Hilton' hotel.
   
• Adventure and activity options include rafting, dolphin-watching, 4WD (four-wheel drive) bikes, underground cave rafting and scenic flights.

Functional facts: Approx. population 13,300, i-SITE Visitor Centre, train station.