GREYMOUTH
NEW ZEALAND
Greymouth is located
on the wild West Coast of New Zealand. Like many New Zealand towns settlers
were attracted to the area over 100 years ago following the discovery of
gold. Today many reap the rewards of the districts sensational natural resources
and thrill seeking activities. Greymouth offers the largest shopping centre
on the West Coast, many wine bars, cafes, galleries and a fascinating museum,
all encompassed by a rugged coastline and native forestry.
Greymouth New Zealand: Gold Center of the Wild Coast.
Greymouth
is the largest town on the West Coast. It is built on an old gold mining
site at the mouth of the Grey River. A notable manmade feature is the
"great wall of Greymouth" which is both a good walkway and
flood protection for the town.
To
behold artistic mastery one need only visit Greymouth's Jade Boulder
Gallery, a showcase for greenstone, which plays a significant role in
the history of the West Coast.
Grab
a piece of gold in Shantytown, a replica of an 1860's gold rush town,
that was a finalist in the 1996 New Zealand Tourism Awards and is perhaps
the Greymouth main tourists' attraction, a working sawmill and a gold
claim where you can pan for gold (guaranteed to strike gold) along with
a complex of 30 authentic structures.
The
King Domain is one of the key reserves in Greymouth that is worth a
visit. Take a bush walk up the hill (near The Gap) through King Domain
for panoramic views, or Greymouth Flood Wall; for views of the river,
Fisherman's Wharf, and tidal estuary. Also, the Point Elizabeth Walk
from Rapahoe around the headland to the Cobden Beach road end for more
spectacular views.
After experiencing all the history and scenery of this nationally historic area, relax in style when the day is done in on of Greymouths 's many lodging facilities.