Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast, and the commercial centre of the region. As such, it offers a range of retail, banking, medical, dental and other services.
The Greymouth/Blackball area offers visitors a wide range of outdoor experiences, including:
- quad biking and 4X4 off-road
- mountain biking/ cycling
- river and cave rafting/caving
- White water rafting, kayaking and canoeing
- climbing, hiking and guided walks
- scenic flights, helicopter flights and glacier landings
- Jade carving, several art galleries and museums
- History and heritage attractions
- a wide variety of café, dining and accommodation services.
The TranzAlpine train arrives from and departs to Christchurch daily, and there are air services to/from Greymouth airport. Daily transport services to and from other South Island and West Coast centres are provided by a number of coach and shuttle companies.
Nestled into the eastern side of the Paparoa Ranges, Blackball is situated 25 minutes inland from Greymouth. A variety of rainforest and heritage walks are available. Blackball is a small village, with general store, a hotel/backpacker and famous salami company. Despite its small size, Blackball is famous in New Zealand for its rustic charm, and militant union past from its “glory days” as a coal mining settlement.
Greymouth/Blackball Must Sees
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Known as the one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, the ‘TranzAlpine’ train route takes passengers from Christchurch to Greymouth through some of the planet’s most gorgeous natural landscapes. Enjoy exquisite surroundings from the comfort of a warm train carriage. The TranzAlpine train arrives in to Greymouth, daily from Christchurch, at 12.45pm and departs at 1.45pm.
Monteiths Brewery
Since 1868 Monteiths has been creating distinctive beer with a unique West Coast flavour. Now internationally renowned, the brewery is an interesting introduction to specialty beer making and a fine Greymouth tradition. Take the tour and you’ll probably get to try a few samples!
Shantytown
A faithfully recreated pioneer gold rush town of the 1860s, Shantytown is a heritage attraction taking visitors back in time to a very different slice of New Zealand life. Shantytown offers steam train rides, gold panning and replica buildings and is located 11 km south of Greymouth. The local museum in Greymouth also displays a wealth of historic information on the region.
|
GREYMOUTH TO |
HRS |
KMS |
|
Blackball |
0:25 |
28 |
|
Moana / Lake Brunner |
0:25 |
29 |
|
Hokitika |
0:40 |
40 |
|
Karamea |
2:55 |
185 |
|
Westport |
1:25 |
97 |
|
Punakaiki |
0:40 |
43 |
|
Franz Josef |
2:30 |
179 |
|
Haast |
4:25 |
322 |
|
Picton (Via Westport) |
5:50 |
391 |
|
Nelson (Via Westport) |
4:55 |
327 |
|
Christchurch |
2:53 |
330 |
|
Queenstown |
8:10 |
561 |
