Greymouth: Explore New Zealand’s Wild West

Make the most of this sensational small town by using Greymouth as a home base to all the action-packed activities and adventures awaiting you around the west coast. From beaches to mountains, surfing to hiking, there’s plenty to discover in your Dollar rental car in this stunning region of New Zealand. 

Discover the Wild Side to Greymouth

Before you venture out into the wild west of the South Island, make sure to spend some time exploring the immediate area around the town of Greymouth. While this historical area has become known for its relics of a gold mining past with the Shantytown Heritage Park—a replica of a gold mining town from yesteryear—as well as plenty of galleries that display pounamu (New Zealand jade), there are also a range of adventurous activities to explore around the town that combine the epic scenery with a bit of fun. Before heading out of Greymouth and into the unruly beauty of the wild that lies beyond, first try to conquer the popular Point Elizabeth Walk. This scenic stroll is up to 2 hours long and will lead you through gold mining sites and natural playgrounds of the region, with the end of the walk finishing at the beloved Rapahoe Beach. A favorite swimming spot for both locals and visitors alike, this is where you can begin to get a taste of that sensational west coast ocean breeze.  

Journey to the Cool Little Town

Now that you’ve had a little taste of the wild west coast, it’s time to dive in head first. There’s no better place to immerse yourself in west coast culture than in the charming town of Hokitika, affectionately known as the ‘Cool Little Town’. Only a half an hour drive south along the coast from Greymouth, Hoktika makes for a great day trip—although once you experience the laidback Kiwi surf atmosphere here, you might just want to settle down forever. Known for its thrilling waves along its coast, so make sure to bring your board if you’re a surfer. There are also plenty of walks to venture out on if you’re wanting to really get amongst the thriving wild greenery of the bush, from coastal walks to forest walks to lake walks. However, if you’re looking for an activity that will stay with you long after your travels around New Zealand are over, there’s no going past a visit to Hokitika Gorge. This slice of paradise is the kind you’ll have to see to believe. The turquoise water clashing with the bright greenery of the bush can be enjoyed as you wander along the gorge—or, better yet, climb over it on the scenic bridge.   

Marvel at Awe at Arthur’s Pass

While it’s a little further away at an hour and twenty minute drive from Greymouth, Arthur’s Pass National Park/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana is a hidden gem in the crown jewels of the South Island’s wild west. A bit further inland from the coast, you won’t find any turquoise beaches or rolling waves here. Instead, you’ll discover sweeping hills, soaring mountains, majestic gorges and postcard-perfect backdrops. Nestled into the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is famously the highest pass over this region. There are plenty of bushwalks to explore around this sensational area. However, for a serving of the wild west, make sure to check out the epic waterfalls that cascade down rocks and mountains throughout the national park. Follow the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track for an easy 2.5 hour hike through this natural wonderland to discover the majestic beauty of some of the park’s most amazing waterfalls. 

Venture Further to Paparoa National Park

Back on the west coast and forty minutes from Greymouth, Paparoa National Park is an underrated beauty when it comes to exploring the South Island’s wild west. This expanse of wild bushland includes the curious pancake rocks. Stacked like pancakes one on top of each other, these interesting rocks may be the reason you visit Paparoa, but the sweeping ocean views combined with the lush forest and limestone cliffs will be why you choose to stay. Nothing says the wild west of New Zealand quite like dramatic coastal cliffs falling into the sparkling ocean! 

From the ocean to the forest, the alps to the arts, the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island is brimming with adventure. From a homebase of Greymouth, the world of the wild west is your oyster to explore with your Dollar rental car.