Location: Greymouth
Top Things to do in Greymouth
The 9 Best Free Things to do in Greymouth, South Island
Greymouth (/ˈɡreɪmaʊθ/) (Māori: Māwhera) is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. The population of the whole Grey District is 13,500, which accounts for 42% of the West Coast's inhabitants. The Greymouth urban area had an estimated population of 9,690 (June 2017). The District Council expects growth of 1.5% per year between 2006 and 2016.
Restaurants in Greymouth
1. Garth Wilson Jade
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
On the road to Shantytown, just 600 metres from the main road, you will find Garth Wilson's Jade studio and gallery. With a large parking and turning area you can come in and see Garth carving New Zealand pounamu (jade). Garth is a descendant of the Ngati Mahaki and Ngati Waewae tribes who were the original pounamu traders in New Zealand. This allows Garth and his family customary rights to go onto West Coast mountain sides and rivers to collect the pounamu (jade) themselves. Garth hand draws the designs and carves all sculptures, pendants and jewellery from New Zealand stone. Come in and handle some of the best New Zealand pounamu, find out about Garth's family history with the Pounamu, see some of our artefacts and discover the meanings and stories behind the Maori designs. Garth Wilson Jade - for that special piece!
Reviewed By faerygirl101 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting Garth and Jo at the studio is a wonderful experience - you hear about the journey of the pieces, from how Garth and his family search the rivers for the raw stone, how he carries them back and works on them for months, first crudely then intricately to make the most beautiful pounamu we have ever seen. We commissioned a piece for a very special occasion and the result was so much better than we had hoped for, and learning how to wear it before gifting it so your mana is gifted too just made it so very personal. Thank you Garth and Jo, Arohanui (much love)
2. Shades Of Jade
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Here at Shades Of Jade we are proud to showcase Pounamu that is 100% genuine West Coast Jade. Located in the center of Mawhera/Greymouth, established in 2000 we stock a beautiful range of locally sourced Pounamu that has been expertly carved into pendants, earrings, rings or unique sculptures. Our specialty is the unique Flower Jade a rich green Pounamu with yellow or white accentuated markings that is found 15kms from Greymouth. We love helping you find that extra special piece of Pounamu.
Reviewed By feipo - Tauranga, New Zealand
It was a pleasure to meet Warren and Catherine. They were so knowledgeable and friendly. Warren spent a long time to help us to choose the right pieces. We left the shop happy with 3 lovely pieces. We were so glad that we found this shop by chance as it was off the main street. It's a nice shop to visit if you are in Greymouth.
3. The Great Coast Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By TheBandasaks - Christchurch, New Zealand
Beautiful drive, lots of places to stop and take photos. Long beaches, lovely views, little waterfalls. A very enjoyable drive.
4. Brunner Mine Site Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 202neilb - Auckland, New Zealand
Well preserved remnants of important New Zealand history. Not far out of Greymouth and well worth a visit. Put aside an hour to wander around this well-signed heritage area. Easy walk, lots of information about a once thriving mining settlement. Plenty to see. Sad that a monument to NZ’s worst mining disaster in 1896 has to reference other losses of miners lives, as recent as Pike River in 2010.
5. Woods Creek Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Mcmooo - Napier, New Zealand
Great walk through an old mining site set deep in native bush. Walk past old water races and dig sites and even walk deep into (safe) old tunnels.
6. Nimmo Gallery + Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Landscape Photography Gallery showcasing incredible scenes from New Zealand, but mainly focusing on the amazing West Coast. All taken by local Master Photographer - Stewart Nimmo. Daughter Lydia has also taken up Photography, specialising in incredibly Portraiture. Our Contemporary Gallery+Store includes locally made, high quality giftware; including glass sculptural pieces, ceramic works, NZ artesian locally derived honey. Plus we have the incredibly popular Evolve Jewellery, which features many of New Zealand's icons. Our Possum Merino is the most modern fibre to be developed, and is extremely light, soft and luxurious. The gloves, hats and scarves and pullovers will keep you incredibly warm! The Gallery space resides in an historic refurbished building of 1938 Art Deco Design, formally the National Bank. The interior lent itself to a drastic upgrade into a funky Industrial Design including a chandelier made of washing machine drums!
Reviewed By getdihere - Kerikeri, New Zealand
Good tourist shop featuring local art, pottery and photography. Beautifully displayed. Nice selection of greenstone. Roar stones some partly polished. Great photos for sale captured the atmosphere and spirit of the area.
7. Point Elizabeth Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GreeceHelena - Whanganui, New Zealand
I began at the northern Rapahoe end, walking to the Lookout and return... according to the notice board, 3.4km one way. I only passed one other walker... a lovely man from Auckland and we stopped and had a chat. I made a video of an unidentified medium sized bird which decided to become a third party in our conversation... delightful! An easy walk and well worth the journey... the Lookout affords fantastic views up and down the coastline.
8. Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
The team at Greymouth i-SITE can help with all your visitor information like accommodation, activity and travel advice and offer a FREE booking service, maps and tourist information for your holiday on the West Coast, South Island and New Zealand. We can also assist you with baggage storage, freight service, internet access, refreshments and we stock a great range of West Coast and New Zealand souvenirs and gifts in our Station Gift Shop. Why Book With Us? •We offer FREE visitor information & reservation services •Our friendly and helpful team are genuine 'Coasters' with local 'insider knowledge' •We can take care of ALL your West Coast activities, tours, accommodation & transport requirements. •We are the leading Information Centre on the West Coast operating for over 30 years •Authorized Tranz Scenic / Kiwi Rail booking agents selling tickets for the Tranz Alpine Train, Coastal Pacific Train and the Overlander Train •Booking agents for Intercity Coaches, Atomic Shuttles, West Coast Shuttles, Naked Bus, InterIslander and Bluebridge Ferry •Centrally located in the historic Greymouth Railway Station, home of the famous Tranz Alpine Train and all leading car rental companies •We are the local DOC agent and can help with information on walks, overnight tramps and bookings huts throughout the South Island •We can help with travel planning and bookings throughout New Zealand Contact the local experts today to help with your holiday plans.
Reviewed By fieryred33 - Taupo, New Zealand
Kelly is wonderful! After purchasing a Grab One deal I worked with Kelly to.book our trip to Lake Brunner . All was well until the train got cancelled due to Covid and the fun began! Kelly was very accommodating and ensured that we had shuttles to get us to and from the lake, along with sorting out the tours for us, one of which we had to cancel due to returning earlier that expected. She arranged a credit at the hotel for us to spend on dinner which was great. We can't thank you enough for making our 37th wedding anniversary special.
9. Greymouth Breakwater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By SunainaA19 - New Delhi, India
One can endlessly watch as the waves break on the huge black rocks underneath and around the lookout point. Even though the viewing platform is quite high above the sea the roar of the sea is deafening and in between you even get the spray from the waves as they crash endlessly against the breakwater.The glorious sunset over the Tasman Sea was a sight to see from here.
