Greymouth

Greymouth (Māori: Māwhera; in English pronounced "Grey Mouth" without shortening the "ou") is the heart of the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island.

Understand
Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and is the turnaround of the Tranz Alpine train journey, recognised as one of the top train trips in the world. The town sits along the bank of the Grey River (named in honour of Sir George Grey), about half a mile from the coast.

Greymouth has several scenic walkways along the river and parks, while the surrounding Grey Valley offer adventure activities, heritage attractions and guided nature tours.

By car

 * Approximately 2½ hours drive north of Fox Glacier.
 * From Christchurch 250 km 3½ hours
 * Punakaiki 45 min, Westport 1½ hours, Reefton 1 hour

By train
See also Train travel in New Zealand

The world-famous TranzAlpine, operated by Tranz Scenic departs from Christchurch station at 8:15AM and arrives at Greymouth at 12:45PM daily. Trains depart Greymouth at 2PM for Arthur's Pass National Park and Christchurch.

By bus

 * Intercity Coaches operate comfortable coaches from Nelson, Westport, Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier. Schedules coincide with train arrivals.


 * West Coast Shuttle offers a daily return service from and to Christchurch. (Ideal for day trips to Arthur's Pass). Departs Greymouth at 8AM and travels via Arthur's pass (9:30AM) and Christchurch airport (11.30) and the Christchurch Square midday. Leaves Christchurch at 3PM, via airport then Arthur's Pass arriving back in Greymouth at 7PM.

By plane

 * Hokitika airport has two flights per day from Christchurch. Greymouth Taxis (+64 3 768 7078) run connecting shuttle buses.
 * Hokitika airport has two flights per day from Christchurch. Greymouth Taxis (+64 3 768 7078) run connecting shuttle buses.

Get around
This is a small town and you can easily walk to inns and restaurants within the town. If you want to go further afield, your choices are:


 * Taxi - Greymouth Taxis, 138 Mackay Street, phone +64 3 768-7078. 50 m from the train station, Greymouth Taxis can arrange trips to Punakaiki or other nearby destinations.
 * Rental car - The Greymouth train station has rental car counters from Hertz, Budget and a variety of discount agencies. Advance reservations are recommended.
 * Organized tours - Several tour companies will pick you up at your inn, take you to nearby destinations, then return you to your hotel (or to the train station in time for your departing train). Check brochures in the train station or at your hotel.

Buy
There is a large supermarket, and "The Warehouse", a large general goods type store, next to the train station, making Greymouth a good place to stock up on essentials for your trip. (You must walk around the station to enter their parking lot; do not cross the railway tracks at the station and try to climb over the fence.)
 * Greymouth at sunset.jpg
 * Greymouth at sunset.jpg
 * Greymouth at sunset.jpg

Eat

 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg
 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg
 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg
 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg
 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg
 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg
 * Greymouth Afghan MRD 02.jpg

Drink

 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg
 * Blaketown, Greymouth.jpg

Connect
Wireless Internet is available for free at the public library (18 Albert St, just off Mackay Street), and at certain hostels and hotels.

Go next

 * Punakaiki – to the north
 * Reefton – inland to the north-east
 * Hokitika – to the south
 * Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier – further to the south
 * Take a day trip to Christchurch or Arthur's Pass. Catch the train to Arthur's Pass (1:30PM departure) and coach back to Greymouth (5:15PM at Arthur's Pass) arrive back to Greymouth at 7PM.