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Tourist information - Greymouth
Forged by the early Maori in search of precious greenstone, by the spirit of the 1860's gold rush and by the development of road and rail links, the central region is rich in history.
Greymouth is the major town on the West Coast, boasting a range of quality hotels, motels, backpacker hostels and holiday parks with shops from small specialty and tourist shops to national chain stores. Restaurants, cafes and bars provide a hub for entertainment. It is also the terminus for the famous Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch and a busy centre for coaches and shuttles taking visitors on tours to other destinations on the West Coast.
Greymouth hosts an enticing range of activities only minutes from the town centre, including the Art Gallery, History House and the walk on the flood wall which protects the town from the mighty Grey River.
Float through underground streams on a cave rafting adventure. View Hector dolphins, cormorant nesting sites and fur seals on an Ocean Boat Tour or take a horse trek amongst the hauntingly beautiful rain forest. Check out the craft people in their own environment or catch the wonderful sunsets from the beach or the tip-head.
For an experience of early West Coast life, visit Shantytown, a replica pioneering town with its historical train rides, a working gold claim where you can successfully pan for gold, as well as 30 historic buildings including the local saloon, jail, church, hospital and school.
Many heritage gold diggings and tracks give you the chance to fossick for gold, or you can take a 4-wheeler bike to experience farm life, take an action-packed trail ride, or just explore the scenic or guided routes.
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