Greymouth: A Historic West Coast Town
Greymouth, situated on State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Punakaiki, is a town rich in history. Historically a service hub for coal mining and farming, Greymouth now sees tourism playing an increasingly significant role. One of its highlights is the TranzAlpine Express, a scenic train journey from Christchurch / Ōtautahi that draws many visitors.
Discovering Greymouth's Walks
The heart of Greymouth is its town centre and the scenic walkway along the Grey River / Māwheranui on the high protective embankment. This extends to the river's famously treacherous mouth. Another option is the King Domain Walk on the hill behind town. This walk heads into regenerating bush and leads to four viewpoints, including a grassy hilltop with views over Greymouth, the Grey River and the Tasman Sea.
On a pleasant day, these walks are inviting, though the town's name is apt when the weather turns. Fortunately, Greymouth also has several excellent cafés to enjoy. To the north and south of the river mouth, you'll find the rugged beaches typical of the West Coast.
Pounamu to Coal Mines, and Back
For centuries, the Grey River / Māwheranui was a key source of pounamu (greenstone) for Māori, particularly Ngāi Tahu iwi. According to tradition, the taniwha Poutini carried pounamu down the rivers of the West Coast, making it available while protecting its spiritual essence. Ownership and control of pounamu were lost as Europeans arrived, but Ngai Tahu ownership was restored in 1997. Today, Greymouth (Māwhera) plays a key role in cultural revival through the Pounamu Pathway, a regional initiative celebrating the heritage and stories of pounamu.
Greymouth’s European settlement began in the 1860s with a gold rush, but it was coal that defined the town’s fortunes. Vast coalfields near the Grey River supported major mines such as Brunner and Strongman, which powered national industry but also brought tragedy. The Brunner Mine disaster in 1896 killed 65 men, and another 19 died in the Strongman explosion of 1967. These events are memorialised at the Brunner Mine Historic Walk east of Greymouth and the Strongman Memorial on the Great Coast Road, which illustrate Greymouth’s gritty, resource-driven history.
Getting to Greymouth
To reach Greymouth, travel along State Highway 6, which connects the town with Hokitika to the south and Punakaiki and Westport to the north (the Great Coast Road). Inland routes take you via Lewis Pass to Reefton, then State Highway 7 to Greymouth. Alternatively, from Arthur's Pass to the south, you can take Lake Brunner Road to Moana / Lake Brunner, then Arnold Valley Road to connect with SH7.
Nearby, you can also explore historic Blackball, the gold-mining ghost town of Waiuta, and Reefton.
