Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast of the South Island a 4 hour drive from Christchurch which takes you through the impressive Lewis Pass. It is situated on the banks of the Grey River and considered the best area in New Zealand for finding New Zealand Jade. There are numerous galleries and shops in town that handcraft jewellery items made from this beautiful stone on site. Take the opportunity to view this native craft at one of the working factories. The region is also well known for its mining heritage which can be experienced at the Greymouth Museum and at Shantytown, a reconstructed town from the pioneering days complete with gold panning, train rides and streets of historical buildings. Visit Monteiths Brewery for a tour and tasting of their famous beer and cider. The area provides a great central base to explore the rest of the West Coast and its Greymouth attractions. Activities include underground cave rafting white water rafting and jet boating. Both sea and fly fishing tours are also available. Nearby Lake Brunner is the place to go for trout fishing and has some magnificent scenery. While you are in the area take a scenic flight over Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier or organise a guided walk. The TranzAlpine rail journey will take you from Christchurch to Greymouth through the Southern Alps on one of the world’s most popular train rides.
If you are driving to Greymouth from the East Coast stop off for a relaxing soak at the Maruia Springs Thermal Resort. The township of Westport an hour ½ away is home to a large colony of seals, a Coal Town Museum and a good selection of art and craft shops and cafes. The beaches on the West Coast are windswept with black sand, smooth rocks and driftwood. Between Greymouth and Westport on the coast you will find Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes. The walk out to these amazing rock formations is well constructed and takes you through native bush, beside the pancake rocks and out to the blowholes which are best viewed on a windy day on a high tide. Accommodation on the West Coast is friendly and comfortable in the nature of the people who live here. There is a good choice of motels, back packers and bed and breakfasts as well as some lovely scenic spots to stop in a motor home. Greymouth is also famous for its whitebait when in season.