Spend the day in Greymouth

MORNING

Get your coffeefix at The Lifeboat, a lifeboat-turned-café perched at the end of the pier and specialising in Dutch coffee and stroopwaffels. Sit with your drink and watch the sea for a while.

MID-MORNING

Greymouth made a name for itself during the coal-mining and gold-rush eras. The History House is a museum packed with relics from this time. Afterward, explore the town’s various pounamu (jade stone) galleries and art studios.

AFTERNOON

Walk to Cobden Cave. It’s not advised to go beyond the first chamber but a quick peek and a picnic en route certainly is. Don’t forget to take a selfie with Greymouth’s five-metre-tall cabbage sculpture in Stella Bull Park.

EVENING

Stroll along the floodwall and enjoy gorgeous sunset views from Blaketown tiphead. Greymouth locals have the national record for consuming more beer per head than any other town, so head to a good pub. The historic West Coast Pub is a belter.

Pounamu/greenstone © Mountain Jade

TOP PICKS IN GREYMOUTH

1. Shantytown

Shantytown is a faithful replica of an 1860s gold-mining town where you can explore historical buildings, pan for gold, dress in period costumes and ride the enchanting steam train.

2. Brunner Mine

Brunner Mine is one of Greymouth’s most historically significant sites. Located just outside of town, a 2km walk weaves its way around a brick factory, coke ovens and long-forgotten tunnel entrances.

3. Go for a drive

The stretch of highway between Greymouth and Westport, known as The Great Coast Road, is rated one of the top 10 scenic drives in the world and will mesmerise you at every turn.

4. Monteith's Brewery

Monteith’s Brewery is a Greymouth icon. Head here to enjoy a refreshing locally brewed beer and take the excellent guided tour.

5. Barrytown Knifemaking

Just 30 minutes from Greymouth, make your own knife and blade at this full-day knife making experience.

Walking along the beach, Greymouth © Julian Apse