Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s west coast lies a place loved for its dramatic history and natural beauty.
Built on the back of a mining rush in the mid-1800s, Greymouth has transformed from a lesser-known town to a 'must-visit' destination. It has a fascinating past and booming cultural scene - including a recreated pioneer town and local breweries. Learn about the region’s pounamu history (jade hunting) on our Greymouth tours and holidays, or wander the various nature trails beside the aptly named Grey River. A day or two spent in this charming small town makes you think you’ve struck gold.
It’s easy to step back in time when Greymouth has preserved pieces of its history for you to learn about, walk through, and enjoy all in one place – the Shantytown Heritage Park. Built on a once prosperous gold mining site, this replica town promises plenty of educational fun with a heritage train, gold panning activities, and a historical museum. You can even take one of those old-timey family photos.
You can’t stay in Greymouth and not wonder about the shiny, richly green stone known as Pounamu or New Zealand Jade that this once bustling mining town has hunted for centuries. So, with your fellow travelers, visit a local boutique studio to learn more about the stone’s unique properties, its cultural significance for the Maori People, and its special connection to the natural world.
When heading to Greymouth, there are a few things on the ‘absolutely must-do' list and one of them is stopping to taste some of New Zealand’s most popular brews - at the best place in town. Considered to be the original home of this country’s craft brewing, Monteith’s Brewery offers tours so you can go behind the scenes (and learn all the secrets) before enjoying a private tasting with your group.
While Greymouth doesn’t have that ‘big city’ feel, it’s still worth leaving the concrete buildings and somewhat busy streets behind in favor of the great outdoors – especially if you’re on two wheels. Departing from the center of town, embark on a cycling adventure on the 2–4-day West Coast Wilderness Trail, where you’ll pass by glacial rivers, endless rainforests, and pristine lakes—enough said.
Gear up for one of New Zealand's most beautiful bike rides, AKA the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Starting from Greymouth’s historic port and ending at the old gold town of Ross, you'll peddle through a pristine environment, discover ancient Māori history and uncover fascinating stories from the region's famous gold rush era.
Greymouth isn’t short on naturally beautiful spots – the Grey River, Cobden Cave, and Paparoa National Park just to name a few – so it only seems right to take a walk in the wilderness. Whether Coal Creek Falls is calling your name, or your feet are itching to take on the Point Elizabeth Track, there are plenty of gentle walks or more challenging hiking trails to keep the active adventurer in you happy.
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New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound)
Janine · Traveled March 2024
This trip was amazing. Such a beautiful country with plenty to see and do. Highlights for me were Milford Sound and the Franz Josef helicopter. Great group and an excellent guide who went the extra mile for us providing options to do during our free time if wanted. Highly recommend doing this trip North to South as the islands are vastly different to each other and finishing with the South was a perfect ending.
Review submitted 31 Mar 2024
New Zealand Amplified (Northbound)
Carla · Traveled March 2024
This was such an incredible trip, I only wish I had booked on to a longer tour! The range of activities was excellent, so you could be as extremely adventurous or as slightly adventurous as you wanted. From day one our guide Connor was friendly, organised and knowledgeable. To be shown such an amazing country by someone who is clearly passionate about his home and engaged with more responsible tourism made for a trip I will never forget!
Review submitted 26 Mar 2024
New Zealand Southern Pioneer
Rosemary · Traveled February 2024
Robbie John the driver was an exceptional leader.... a safe driver and always keen to relate information as we travelled . At the accommodation he was also extremely helpful w rooms ...carrying luggage etc local knowledge too was very good, .He was the outstanding feature of the trip and deserves high praise.
Review submitted 20 Feb 2024
Premium New Zealand Encompassed
Jonathan · Traveled February 2024
New Zealand - 5 Stars. Wayne (our tour leader) - 5 stars. Intrepid - 2 stars.
Coming on this tour you know you are going to be impressed with the scenery, the friendliness of the people and the focus on environmental conservation. You will not be disappointed. The itinerary is good - if a little breathless at times - and if you have the same guide we did you will be guaranteed a wonderful time.
The only shadow cast over our trip was due to the lack of care provided by Intrepid. Watch out for “feature stays” being replaced by much lower class accommodation with no notice or compensation. And don’t expect a response if you need to contact them.
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024
Premium New Zealand Encompassed
Liliana · Traveled February 2024
As expected, NZ is a beautiful country with breathtaking sceneries and waterfalls. You see unique birds like the mountain parrot ( they are a treat) and of course the kiwi ( seen in enclosures). The trip feels rushed in some areas where it was really scenic and you just have to pass without even taking a photo. Milford Sound is a highlight. Hotels are a mixed bag, best was in Franz Josef. Overall, an unforgettable trip, but it could be a lot better.
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024
Greymouth travel FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Getting to Greymouth is relatively easy as it's conveniently located along State Highway 6, meaning you can easily drive there from neighboring cities such as Christchurch and even Wellington on the North Island.
This means you can also take public transport in the form of bus services with routes connecting you from Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin to Greymouth.
This is definitely the cheapest option, but it will take you longer than driving. You can also fly into Greymouth from surrounding New Zealand cities, with Air New Zealand offering daily flights.
The west coast of New Zealand (where Greymouth is located) is known to be the wettest coast on the South Island, so you can expect plenty of rainfall throughout the year with an approximate average of 101 inches. But that doesn't mean it doesn't experience its fair share of sunshine too, especially in summer.
The average daily temperature is a chilly 52°F. The temperatures in summer can reach a warm 64°F with around 6.5 hours of sunlight expected.
Because of its low-lying, coastal location, Greymouth hardly ever sees snow.
There isn't a 'best time' to visit Greymouth. Each month of the year promises an incredible adventure.
If you are seeking warmer weather, December, January, and February are the ones to go in as they see the least rainfall and the most uninterrupted sunlight hours.
With optimal weather, expect larger crowds and higher prices.
If you want to avoid paying a premium for accommodation and activities, try visiting Greymouth in March and April before the weather gets colder.
Apart from the obvious clothing items you'll need depending on what time of the year you're visiting Greymouth, you should also pack the following:
comfortable walking shoes (preferably ones that you've already worn in)
a day bag or backpack
a reusable drink bottle for the days when you are spending long periods outside
a camera
other sun-smart items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Greymouth is known for having some of the best natural landscapes on New Zealand's west coast. While it'd be pretty hard to try to see them all, these are some of our favorite walking/hiking trails so you can see as much natural beauty during your stay:
Point Elizabeth Track (1 hour, 45 minutes one way)
Greymouth Floodwall to Blaketown Tiphead (30-45 minutes one way)
The Woods Creek Track (30-45 minutes one way)
Carew Falls (20 minutes one way)
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.