Greymouth

Greymouth is on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island at the west end of the road through Arthur's Pass. Understand Greymouth is at the western terminus of the TranzAlpine line. Although it is located on the South Island's west coast, The town sits along the bank of the Grey River (named in honour of sir george Grey), about half a mile inland. The town has suffered many floods from the river untill a floodwall was built in 1992 which has since saved the town from further floods. The town has several scenic walkways along the river and parks. Great accomodation and ideal base when checking out Punakaiki (pan cakke rocks), white water rafting, kayaking, visit Shanty Townor tours to franz Joseph Glacier. Shanty Town is a replica gold mining town complete with sawmill, gold sluice and gold panning. A steam train runs several trips each day. Shanty town also operates New Zealands only Steam School in association with Tai poutini Polytech Get in By Car Approximately 2.5 hours drive north of Fox Glacier. From Christchuch 250 Kilometers 3.5 hours Punakaiki 45min, Westport 1.5 hours, Reefton 1.0 hour By Train See also Train travel in New Zealand Greymouth Train Station, the western terminus of the TranzAlpine line from Christchurch. The world famous TranzAlpine, operated by Tranz Scenic departs from Christchurch station at 8.15 and arrives at Greymouth at 12.45pm daily. Trains depart Greymouth at 2:00pm for Arthur's Pass National Park and Christchurch. By Bus Naked Bus [1] operate daily services to and from Nelson, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Queenstown with fares starting at $1. West Coast Shuttle offers a daily return service to Christchurch.Deprts Greymouth at 8 am and travels via Arthur's pass (9.30) and Christchurch airport (11.30) and the Christchurch Square midday. leaves Christchurch at 3.pm, via airport then Arthur's pass arriving back in Greymouth at 7Pm. By Air Greymouth does have an airport (code GMN), at the present time no regularly scheduled flights arrive or depart here, although charter flights can be arranged. Get around Greymouth is a small town and you can easily walk to inns and restaurants within the town. If you want to go further afield, your choices are: Taxi - Greymouth Taxis, 138 Mackay Street, phone (3) 768-7078. A block or two from the train station, Greymouth Taxis can arrange trips to nearby destinations. Rental Car - The Greymouth train station has rental car counters from Hertz, Budget and a variety of discount agencies. Advance reservations are recommended. Organized Tours - Several tour companies will pick you up at your inn, take you to nearby destinations, then return you to your hotel (or to the train station in time for your departing train). Check brochures in the train station or at your hotel. See The Greymouth Webcam - Greymouth webcam Do Monteith's Brewery. Tours. Go cave rafting. Shantytown Buy A large supermarket, as well as "The Warehouse", a large general goods type store, are located next to the train station, making Greymouth a good place to stock up on essentials for your trip. (Note you must walk around the station to enter their parking lot; do not cross the railroad tracks at the station and try to climb over the fence). Eat Bonzai Pizza, 31 Mackay Street, phone (03) 768-4170. Good pizza in a friendly casual atmosphere. Order at the counter then sit down at a table or booth. Drink Sleep Backpackers Global Village Backpackers, 42-54 Cowper Street, Greymouth, [2]. $NZ 17 - 44. Lowest prices offered to BBH members. Very clean, friendly backpackers. Bed & Breakfast Golden Coast B&B [3] 10 Smith Street, Greymouth, phone (03) 768-7839 The first B&B to open in Graymouth, in 1967. Three clean rooms and with shared bathrooms, plus ensuite unit. Friendly owner. NZ$75 - $130 per night, depending on room and number of guests. Breakfast included. Located 200 meters above the train station (from train station, take sidewalk up to bridge, do not cross river, instead turn right and walk up to Smith Street.) Communicate Wireless Internet is available for free at the public library (18 Albert Street, just off Mackay Street) as well as at certain hostels and hotels. Get out A nice hike, the Point Elizabeth Trail, connects Rapahoe, just north of Greymouth, to a northerly "suburb" of Greymouth, on the north side of the river. This is probably most practical if you can be dropped off at one end and picked up at the other end. Visit the biggest and less crowded glacier - the Fox Glacier located 2.5 hours drive south of Greymouth. This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!