New Zealand · City Guide
Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest town on New Zealand's remote and dramatically beautiful West Coast, a rugged coal mining and jade heritage destination on the Tasman Sea providing essential access to the extraordinary Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, the beautiful Hokitika Gorge and the famous TranzAlpine scenic railway journey connecting the West Coast with Christchurch through the Southern Alps. More of a gateway than a destination in itself, Greymouth provides an important access point to one of New Zealand's most spectacular and least visited regions.
Elect's take
"The West Coast of New Zealand is extraordinary in its wildness and natural beauty. Greymouth provides the access point to glacier experiences, gorge scenery and the TranzAlpine railway that make this remote region one of the most rewarding in the country for those who venture here."
The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, approximately 90 and 120 minutes south of Greymouth respectively, descend from the Southern Alps to near sea level through temperate rainforest in a geological phenomenon unique in the world outside the polar regions. Helicopter glacier walks and scenic flights over the icefield provide extraordinary experiences. The Hokitika Gorge approximately 30 minutes south provides stunning turquoise river scenery. The TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch, crossing Arthur's Pass and the Southern Alps through spectacular mountain scenery, is one of the world's great scenic railway journeys. Hokitika is the centre of West Coast jade (pounamu) culture.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
Extraordinary glaciers descending from the Southern Alps through temperate rainforest.
TranzAlpine Railway
One of the world's great scenic railway journeys through the Southern Alps.
Hokitika Gorge
Stunning turquoise river scenery in a beautiful gorge 30 minutes south.
West Coast Jade
The pounamu (jade) cultural tradition of New Zealand's Maori people centred on Hokitika.
Glacier Heli-Hikes
Extraordinary helicopter glacier walking and scenic flight experiences.
West Coast Wilderness
One of New Zealand's most remote and dramatically beautiful natural environments.
