Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast
Greymouth and the surrounding Grey Valley offer adventure activities, heritage attractions and tours.
Location
Greymouth, New ZealandGreymouth
Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and has the turnaround of the TranzAlpine train journey, recognised as one of the top train trips in the world and one form of public transport that you'll actually wish took a little bit longer.
BLACKBALL
For a good half day trip from Greymouth head to the iconic West Coast town of Blackball.
This small town was the birth place of the New Zealand Labour party. Back in 1908 miners went on strike for three months to win a 30-minute lunch break. They won!
Nowadays it is more famous for The Blackball Salami Company, where they serve up "West Coast perfection".
Colin at Kereru Crafts makes his own woodwork creations and another good stop is Formerly the Blackball Hilton Hotel, named after an infamous dispute with a certain international hotel chain.
The Croesus Track follows an historic miners pack track and is open to trampers and mountain bikers. You can either do the 45 minute walk to Garden Gully past an old miners hut or an 8 hour return walk to Croesus Knob. For the more adventurous, make this a two-day walk and stay overnight in a Department of Conservation hut.
There are several historical places of interest in Blackball to visit here including an old mine site and the Blackball-Roa Railway Line.
NELSON CREEK
North of Greymouth, Nelson Creek, has a great community run campground complete with:
- A playground,
- jump off point into a deep swimming hole,
- and historic walks through a landscape of tunnels and tailraces created by the gold miners.
Children love exploring the tunnels – just don’t forget to take a torch.
STILLWATER
Stillwater township is a small town with a sad reminder of the area’s tragic history.
A total of 67 men were entombed in the Brunner Coalmine collapse in 1896 and you can still see the Brunner Mine remains just 2km out of Stillwater heading towards Greymouth.
SEE, DO & STAY
Paparoa Track and Pike29 Memorial Track
The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and luxuriant forests of Paparoa National Park, custom-built for both mountain biking and hiking.
Learn moreFormerly The Blackball Hilton Hotel
This 100 year old hotel offers an abundance of historical information. The walls are filled to the brim with stories about the old coal mining days.
Learn moreBlackball Salami Company Limited
Our salami is made from a variation of beef, pork and venison.
Learn moreKereru Crafts
Put together by owner/operator Colin Luff, this gallery features some of the West Coast's best local artists.
Learn moreGarth Wilson Jade
If you want a special piece of authentic Māori pounamu (jade, greenstone) then come and visit Garth in his studio/gallery.
Learn moreShades of Jade
Here at Shades of Jade we are proud to showcase Pounamu that is 100% genuine West Coast Pounamu.
Learn moreBrunner Mine Memorial Site
New Zealands' worst mining distaster happened on 26 March 1896 at Brunner on the West Coast, killing 65 men.
Learn morePlan your trip
Discover and plan your West Coast trip, accommodation and activities, tours, breweries and dining
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