Home > Locations > Greymouth

Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region on the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. Its population of 13,221 accounts for 42% of the West Coast's inhabitants.

The town is located at the mouth of the Grey River. It stands on narrow coastal plains close to the foot of the Southern Alps. In clear weather, Aoraki/Mount Cook can be clearly seen to the south from near the town. The mouth of the river divides the town into three areas: Blaketown, close to the river's mouth on the south bank; Karoro, to the southeast, separated from Blaketown by a series of small lakes; and Cobden, formerly a separate town, on the river's north bank.

It is on State Highway 6, which connects it with Hokitika in the south and Westport in the north. It also stands at the terminus of State Highway 7, which runs through Dobson and Reefton, eventually reaching north Canterbury and Christchurch via Lewis Pass.

The town is also the western terminus of the Midland line from Christchurch. Large coal trains often operate from Greymouth on this line to Christchurch. The famous TranzAlpine train also terminates and begins in Greymouth.

The town's major industries include fishing, forestry, and ecotourism, the latter two of these industries holding an uneasy relationship with each other. The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, 45 km to the north are a popular local tourist attraction.

View the Rental Cars in Greymouth, Campervan Rentals in Greymouth, Sleeper Van Rentals in Greymouth - a wide range of vehicles from a variety of car hire companies.