Greymouth lies beside the Tasman Sea and the Grey River, on a narrow coastal plain at the foot of the magnificent Southern Alps. The isolated, rugged beauty of the beaches, the towering mountains and the dense sub-tropical rainforests, inspire the many creative people who flock to the area to photograph and paint some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, or craft and sculpt a wide range of local material including Pounamu (NZ jade), gold and glass.
Noah's Ark Backpackers have mountain bikes and fishing rods available free of charge and your host Matt is a keen outdoor enthusiast and mountain biker. He will happily offer advice on what to see and do, as well as arrange and book activities.
The West Coast is a natural adventure playground where you can experience world class extreme activities or just kick back and relax and enjoy more leisurely pastimes.
- White water rafting & cave tubing - the West Coast is blessed with a variety of spectacular rafting rivers, from adrenaline pumping Grade 5 rapids to more relaxing Grade 2 rapids ideal for families. Or try cave tubing through subterranean lakes and underground waterfalls for something a bit different.
- Quad biking & off-road carting - NZ's muddiest adventure. With 4x4 quad bikes, 2-seater off road go-carts, 8WD amphibious Argo, a Hagglund & mini-bikes there is something for everyone on this off-road adventure of mud, water and narrow winding trails.
- Mountain biking trails
- Hiking & walking tracks
- Surfing (boards for hire in town)
- Monteiths Brewery tours - the famous West Coast Monteiths Brewhouse, made popular for its strong tasting full bodied ale, has been brewing fine beer for nearly 150yrs. Take a guided tour through the Brewery and experience first hand the foundation of Monteiths Family of Fine Beers.
- Shantytown - an historic gold mining town, recreated to reflect the great West Coast gold rushes of the 1860's. Ride a steam train, pan for gold or just explore the replica town buildings at your leisure.
- The coastal waters off Greymouth offer excellent inshore and deep sea fishing. Catch Groper, Bonito, Snapper, Kawahai, School Shark, Albacore and Skipjack Tuna in summer, and Blue Fin Tuna in winter surrounded by the NZ Hector dolphins and fur seals.
- Trout fishing - only a 30min drive from Greymouth is Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner - a trout fishers paradise! Try your fishing skills and catch your own dinner.
- Scenic flights
- Transalpine train to Christchurch - is rated as one of the world's greatest train journeys and travels through the magnificent Southern Alps from one coast of New Zealand to the other.
The West Coast is also home to a variety of annual events including the famous Hokitika Wild Food Festival, the Kumara horse races, motorcycle street racing, stock car racing, the Coast to Coast multisport race and cycle races. Click here for details.
