Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and the western end of the TranzAlpine railway, which makes it a natural hub for exploring this rugged, rainy, gloriously empty side of the island. It’s not a beauty-pageant town, but it’s real, friendly and well placed — and the coast around it is spectacular.
Things to do
- Monteith’s Brewery: The West Coast’s famous brewery runs tours and tastings in town — a classic rainy-day option.
- Point Elizabeth Walkway: A lovely free coastal track just north of town through bush and along wild shoreline.
- History of gold and coal: This whole coast was built on mining; the small museums and old sites tell a tough, fascinating story.
- Wild beaches: Driftwood, crashing surf, dramatic skies. Sunsets here are unreal when the clouds break.
Don’t miss nearby
Drive 45 minutes north to Punakaiki for the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes — bizarre layered limestone stacks where the sea explodes through blowholes at high tide. It’s free and one of the West Coast’s signature sights. Time it with high tide.
Weather warning
The West Coast is wet — it can rain hard for days. Embrace it; the rainforest and waterfalls are at their most dramatic, and the crowds thin right out.
Camping
Use the holiday parks, DOC sites along the coast, and designated self-contained spots — check CamperMate and Grey District rules.
A Campervanz van and a West Coast storm is a surprisingly magic combination.
