Greymouth: A Gem on New Zealand’s East Coast
On the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island lies Greymouth, the largest town in the area. Greymouth was once a gold mining and jade-hunting town and traces of its past are chronicled at the local museum. Considered the heart of the West Coast, the town offers holiday activities like sea fishing, fly fishing, rafting and spelunking. The Greymouth Airport (GMN) located in the suburb of Blaketown near the town is available for general aviation use.
Best Time to Visit
Ideal weather awaits visitors coming to Greymouth between months of December and April. These are rainless days so you can go frolicking under the sun and enjoy all the outdoor activities that Greymouth has in store. Even so, the surge of tourists happens in months of March, July and June. But take heart because Greymouth doesn’t get as crowded as other places in New Zealand so prices for Greymouth hotels and flights are still affordable as they are all year round.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Your best options in booking a stay in Greymouth are quaint lodgings like The Ashley Hotel or the Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth. The restored miner’s hotel, Theatre Royal Hotel is also a good bet. Special places of interest in the area include the Monteith's Brewing Company. Located right smack in the middle of town, the brewery offers tours plus lots of free samples. Then there’s Shantytown, a recreation of life during the gold rush in the 1860s. Afterwards head to Punakaiki Beach where you can start your exploration of more beaches, limestone gorges, and bushwalks.