West Coast Long Weekend: Reefton to Greymouth
Spend a long-weekend on the West Coast from Christchurch, starting in the gold-rush town of Reefton and ending in the "big smoke" of Greymouth.
Christchurch to Reefton
3h 10min, 252km
Arrive via Lewis Pass and stay the first night at the historic town of Reefton. Before you get there, consider stopping by Maruia Hot Springs for some relaxation and peace—it's a great spot to unwind, and you can even stay the night.
Once in Reefton, take some time to explore the town, one of our Tohu Whenua sites. With a rich gold mining history, Reefton was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights! The area is also fantastic for fishing and mountain biking, with a river right next to the town and trails nearby.
Gin lovers won’t want to miss the Reefton Distilling Co. This local gin distillery has a tasting room conveniently located right in town. And for a small town, Reefton offers plenty of cozy eateries. If you're craving pizza, be sure to stop by Bassano Pizza Parlour for dinner
Local Attractions
$359
Maruia Hot Springs
Immerse yourself in the ultimate outdoor experience at Maruia Hot Springs.
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Bassano Pizza Parlour
Offering contemporary Italian wood-fired pizza in the heart of Reefton, Bassano Pizza Parlour provides a delightful dining experience enriched with a rich family history.
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35
Reefton Distilling Co.
Reefton Distilling Co. is a modern distillery at the forefront of spirit production in New Zealand. We produce a range of award-winning, small batch distilled premium spirits with a distinct West Coast flavour.
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Dawson's Hotel at Reefton
Explore the wonders of Reefton’s surrounds while you stay at Dawson's, the locals’ preferred accommodation.
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Reefton walks
Learn moreReefton to Karamea
2 hrs 30 min, 175 km
Starting through the wild Buller Gorge, the drive from Reefton to Karamea takes you through alongside roaring rivers, beside mountains and through lush temperate rainforest.
Stop for lunch in Westport at the West Coast Pie Company, premium wild meat pies made from local ingredients. Visit the Museum of Kawatiri, one of the Pounamu Pathway experience centres, to learn about the area's coal, gold, and pounamu history. Then, on your way to Karamea, pair it with a visit to Denniston, where you can see the actual site of the coal mining and the families who once lived high above the Tasman Sea on a misty plateau.
Stay the night in Karamea, then spend the next day exploring the ancient limestone arches of the Ōpārara Basin, home to huge limestone caves, whiskey-coloured rivers, and the remains of giant moa who once roamed the surrounding Kahurangi National Park.
Local Attractions
Free
Oparara Arches
Tucked away in a corner of Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara has a magic all of its own, born of millions years of undisturbed isolation.
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Cape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children.
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Moira Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop
A gentle walk that takes you from the main Oparara Valley car park to the picturesque Moira Gate Arch, located in Kahurangi National Park.
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Pounamu Pathway - The Museum of Kawatiri
Step into the immersive experience that celebrates the heritage and endeavour of the people of the Buller District. Explore themes of Triumph and Treasure - the taonga (treasures) of the earth (pounamu, coal, gold) and the bravery and innovation of human endeavour they inspired from the earliest Polynesian settlers to today.
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Kohaihai / Karamea Walks
Walks in the Karamea and Kohaihai area in northern West Coast New Zealand.
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$125 for adults. $75 for children 5 to 14 years old.
Buller Canyon Jet
Join us for an exclusive award-winning jet boat adventure in the stunning Buller Canyon.
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Free
Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony
A short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
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$130 - $1500
Ultimate Descents New Zealand
Good spirited kiwis, giving the opportunity for travelers to explore our wild and scenic rivers.
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Chasm Creek Track
Chasm Creek Track is a short walk along an old section of railway, a sculptured creek, and views of the Mokihinui River. 45 mins return via the same track.
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The Old Ghost Road
The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys, providing days of adventure and spectacular huts for mountain bikers and trampers.
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Denniston
Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on a steep incline railway once described as the eight wonder of the world. Spectacular scenery, incredible history, a West Coast must see.
Learn moreKaramea to Greymouth
2 hrs 57 min, 196 km
The section of SH6 from Westport to Greymouth is known as the Great Coast Road, and has a reputation for being one of the world’s most scenic drives. Aside from the sea-swept vistas out your car window, there’s plenty of places worth slowing down for.
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are the West Coast’s most visited natural attraction, and it’s easy to see why. At high tide, the pounding waves blast and explode through the giant rocky sea stacks. There’s also plenty of quieter walks through the surrounding Paparoa National Park, and boutique accommodation if you choose to stay the night.
Once you reach Greymouth, take some time to explore the Coast’s 'big smoke.' Visit the Pounamu Pathway Māwhera, the largest and most impressive experience centre on the Pounamu Pathway, and finish up with a tour, tasting, and a hearty meal at Monteith’s Brewery.
Local Attractions
$45
Pounamu Pathway - Māwhera/Greymouth
Your visit to the West Coast wouldn't be complete without experiencing the Pounamu Pathway in Māwhera/Greymouth. This engaging experience showcases the region's rich Māori culture, history, and West Coast heritage through digital and immersive technology that is surprising, creative, and utterly unique to the West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini.
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Free
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The pancake rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes!
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$30 to $120
Waka Puna Paddle and Pedal Co
At Waka Puna Paddle & Pedal Company we offer a very unique chance to experience NZ's very own Jurassic Park adventure. Operating kayak rentals on the edge of the stunning Pororari River for over 25 years we also now offer Stand-Up Paddleboards and exciting E-bike cruiser experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we cater to all experience levels!
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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.
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Cape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children.
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Punakaiki Walks
A selection of scenic walks in the Punakaiki area of the West Coast of New Zealand.
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$185
Underworld Adventures
Underworld Rafting: Is a “Cave Rafting Adventure” in the Paparoa National Park. Located in Charleston.
Learn moreGreymouth to Christchurch
3 hrs 10 min, 245 km
On your way back to Christchurch, stop by Shantytown, just 15 minutes from Greymouth, to try gold panning. You'll also pass through the historic town of Kumara, an old gold mining settlement. Continuing on, you’ll travel through Arthur's Pass National Park, known for its stunning scenery. You'll see waterfalls cascading down cliffs and rivers flowing through the landscape. There are several walking trails and photo stops available to take in the area’s natural beauty.
Local Attractions
Otira Stagecoach Hotel - Bar & Cafe
Otira Stagecoach hotel was voted the most interesting cafe in New Zealand!
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FREE
Arthur's Pass National Park
The West Coast borders Arthur's Pass National Park at the main divide and there is a striking difference between the landscapes on either side.
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$95
Shantytown Heritage Park
Shantytown provides a real sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand by allowing visitors to participate in and observe our country as it was.
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Otira Stagecoach Hotel - Bar & Cafe
Otira Stagecoach hotel was voted the most interesting cafe in New Zealand!
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FREE
Arthur's Pass National Park
The West Coast borders Arthur's Pass National Park at the main divide and there is a striking difference between the landscapes on either side.
Learn more
$95
Shantytown Heritage Park
Shantytown provides a real sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand by allowing visitors to participate in and observe our country as it was.
Learn more