Greymouth

Located on the South Island’s west coast lies New Zealand’s largest city in the West Coast Region. Greymouth, located around 200 km west of Christchurch, is known for being a historic site for jade and gold mining. The city boasts a thriving craft brewery scene while also being a hub for water sport activities like kayaking and walking trails like the Point Elizabeth Track. Greymouth is also the arrival point for the TranzAlpine Railway, widely regarded as being among the top train journeys and experiences in the world.

The city’s name is derived as it is located at the mouth of the Grey River as it opens up into the Tasman Sea at Rapahoe Beach. One of the biggest highlights in Greymouth is Shantytown, a replica town modelled after the town’s history of being one of the biggest gold mines in the country. Greymouth is also a centre for the mining and production of pounamu, New Zealand green jade, jewellery and many studios and galleries selling the same can be found around town. 

Greymouth is also notable for being the birthplace of the local brewery Monteith’s. The brewery is famous around the country and offers some of the best beer in New Zealand. They conduct daily tours that incorporate tasting sessions of the various types of beers they produce. The city is also notable for the Point Elizabeth Track. This two-hour walking track passes through old gold mines and swathes of scenic beauty and begins at Rapahoe Beach. The beach itself is known for being a popular spot for swimming and kayaking in particular. The areas around Greymouth like the West Coast Wilderness Trail or the Croesus Track are notable areas for trail walking and mountain biking.