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Greymouth
(Pop: 9,970) is the largest town in the West Coast region on the South
Island of New Zealand.
Located at the mouth of the Grey River, on a narrow coastal plain close to
the foot of the Southern Alps. In clear weather, Mt Aoraki/Mount Cook can be
clearly seen to the south from near the town.
Greymouth is the major town on the West Coast, boasting a range of quality
hotels, motels, backpacker hostels and holiday parks with shops from small
specialty and tourist shops to national chain stores. Restaurants, cafes and
bars provide a hub for entertainment.
Greymouth hosts an enticing range of activities only minutes from the town
centre, including the Art Gallery, History House and the walk on the flood
wall which protects the town from the mighty Grey River.
The town's major industries include fishing, mining, forestry, and
ecotourism, the latter two of these industries holding an uneasy
relationship with each other.
Located
10kms south of Greymouth is Shantytown, widely recognised as one of New
Zealand's leading culture and heritage attractions. With its fully
operational steam bush railway and over 30 historic buildings makes up a
recreated 19th Century pioneer town, inspired by the West Coast gold rushes
of the 1860s. Its peaceful setting amongst regenerating native forest gives
visitors the opportunity to step back in time, experience a range of
activities and view fascinating relics from days gone by.
The Pancake Rocks at
Punakaiki, 45 km to the north are a popular
local tourist attraction, while many also pass through on the route to or
from the glaciers to the south.
Greymouth is also known for
its Pounamu ("Greenstone", a form of Jade) carving industry which goes back
to Māori origins. The town also has a local brewery - Monteith's who has
been
producing beer since 1868 and is now available countrywide.
Greymouth is a busy hub for
bus and coaches services taking visitors on tours
to other destinations on the West Coast - south to
Hokitika,
Fox Glacier,
Franz Josef,
Wanaka or
Queenstown or north to
Punakaiki,
Westport and
Nelson.
There is no regular or schedule passenger air service to and from Greymouth
except for small aircraft charter flights. The nearest regional airport to
Greymouth is
Hokitika. |