Overview

Set on the edge of the Tasman Sea and backed by the Southern Alps, Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and a launchpad for adventure and local discovery. Famous for its gold-mining past, jade (pounamu) carving, and rugged coastal beauty, this underrated destination is a must-stop on your South Island road trip.

Food & Drink

Greymouth is home to a surprisingly strong food and drink scene. Start your tasting journey at the iconic Monteith’s Brewery, a West Coast staple for craft beer lovers. Enjoy hearty local fare and fresh seafood at Ali’s Eating & Drinking or the charming Buccleugh’s on High. For something sweet, pop into a local café for West Coast hospitality and house-baked treats.

Adventure & Wilderness

Greymouth sits at the doorstep of some of the West Coast’s wildest landscapes. Walk or cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail, an easy-grade, multi-day trail through rainforest, glacial rivers and historical sites. Explore Point Elizabeth Walkway for sweeping coastal views, or take a short drive to the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes for a truly unmissable geological spectacle.

Highlights for All

  • Stroll the scenic Point Elizabeth Walkway with views over the Tasman Sea
  • Tour Monteith’s Brewery for a true taste of the West Coast
  • Ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail through rainforest and old goldfields
  • Witness the natural drama of the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
  • Visit a local jade carver and learn about pounamu’s cultural significance

Shopping

Greymouth’s shops focus on artisan and local products. Explore Left Bank Art Gallery for unique pieces by West Coast artists. For authentic New Zealand jade, visit local pounamu studios where you can watch traditional carving in action. You’ll also find hand-crafted souvenirs and jewellery made from driftwood, bone and shell.

Photography

Capture Greymouth’s historic charm and natural drama. Favourites include the Greymouth breakwater at sunset, foggy forest scenes along the Wilderness Trail, and the surreal rock formations of Punakaiki. Don’t miss photographing the dramatic light filtering through lush West Coast bush after rain is pure magic.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (Dec–Feb) offers the best weather for outdoor exploration and long cycling days.
Autumn (Mar–May) brings moody coastlines and fewer crowds.
Winter (Jun–Aug) is wild and wet but photogenic, especially for misty rainforest trails.
Spring (Sep–Nov) bursts with new growth and ideal conditions for scenic walking and wildlife spotting.

Explore Nearby

Greymouth makes a great base to explore the wider West Coast. Head north to Punakaiki and the Paparoa National Park, or south to the glacier towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Inland, the dramatic peaks and passes of Arthur’s Pass await.