Introducing Greymouth (New Zealand)
Greymouth in New Zealand is my home town. I am a 4th generation West Coaster if you count my great grand parents who came to the part of the world from Scotland.
Greymouth (pop 10,000+) is the largest town on the South Island’s West Coast. It is the heart of the West Coast’s commercial centre. Greymouth sits at the mouth of the Grey River. State Highway 6 runs through Greymouth and is connected to Hokitika, 26 miles south and Westport, 60 miles north. All three main West Coast towns are on state Highway 6.
The earliest inhabitants to Greymouth were Maoris. It was not until 1846 when the first European, Thomas Brunner came in Greymouth in 1800s. He named Greymouth after politician Sir George Grey in 1861. Greymouth is at the mouth of the Grey River.
Greymouth was built on the back of the 1860s Westland gold rush. Later it was coal mining, now it is tourism and dairy farming which provide employment for the residents.
Greymouth’s central location makes it an ideal base for traveling around the West Coast. The Tranz Alpine train arrives at Greymouth from Christchurch at around 12.30 p.m and leaves Greymouth at 2 p.m. Buses come and go from the Greymouth train station which is also the local isite office where you are able to make bookings for further travel, accommodation, or any of the many tourist activities on offer. There is also free wifi at the isite. You are also able to hire a car from one of the car hire firms situated at the train station.
As with many towns of similar size, Greymouth has a lot of amenities to offer such as the Public Library on Albert Mall which runs off Mackay Street. Here you are able to access free internet usage. If you fancy going to the movies, then the Regent Theatre at the bottom end of Mackay Street is the place to go. Then there are occasionally sporting events of note in town such as the horse race meeting at Omoto every January or provincial rugby or league.
There are several churches to choose from if you are looking for one to visit on a Sunday morning. You can choose from any of the following; Anglican (Tainui Street), Elim (Boundary Street), Catholic (High Street), Baptist (High Street), and New Life (Shakespeare Street)
Greymouth has the widest range of retail outlets on the West Coast and it is all within walking distance of the town centre. The main street is Mackay Street where you will find a good range of cafes to choose from. Sitting down for a coffee to browse through your brochures is a great way to start the Greymouth leg of your journey.
The flood wall that runs alongside the Grey River is a nice walk. The wall was built after the 1988 flood which caused a great deal of damage throughout the town. It is certainly a nice walk and an ideal spot to take photos.
