Greymouth

Greymouth is steeped in history, with a vibrant past shaped by the gold mining boom. Visit Shantytown, a living museum that recreates a 19th-century gold mining town, complete with costumed characters and the chance to pan for your own gold—an experience that immerses you in the region’s rich heritage.

Adventure seekers can cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a picturesque route that takes you through lush rainforests, along scenic coastlines, and past views of the Tasman Sea. For a taste of nature's artistry, head north to Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks. Here, you can witness the layered limestone formations sculpted by the relentless forces of nature and observe blowholes erupting with spectacular sprays of water.

Greymouth’s captivating blend of heritage, adventure, and natural beauty makes it a perfect base for exploring the West Coast's wonders. Just remember, with an annual rainfall of around 2000mm, packing a rain jacket is essential!

To reach Greymouth from the East Coast, the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch is your best option, as there is no scheduled bus service.

Once on the West Coast, you can connect north by bus to Punakaiki (the Pancake Rocks), Westport, and Nelson, or southbound to Hokitika, Franz Josef, and Fox Glacier. After a night or two in one of these towns, you can connect onwards to Wanaka and Queenstown.

For a scenic loop of the southern part of the South Island, take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, then continue by bus to either Hokitika, Franz Josef, or Fox Glacier. Travel down the West Coast through Haast Pass to Queenstown, then return to Christchurch by bus, passing through the picturesque Lindis Pass and Mackenzie Basin, with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook before arriving back in Christchurch.