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New Zealand
> Nelson - Westland > Greymouth
 Greymouth is a
West Coast town of about 12,000 that derives its name
from the fact that it is located at the mouth of the
Grey River. It began as a gold mining town in the
1800's. The atmosphere is casual and the people are
very friendly. Whatever Greymouth lacks in big city
excitement, it makes up for in small-town charm and
convenience of location.
Main Attractions:
Visit Shanty Town, a replica pioneering /
gold mining town, with its historical train rides, a
working gold claim where you can successfully pan for
gold, with it's historic buildings including; saloon,
jail, church, hospital and school. There are also
Many heritage gold diggings and tracks. You can
experience farm life, or just explore the scenic and
guided routes.
You can see Hector
dolphins, cormorant nesting sites and fur seals.
Go hiking and horse riding in the rain forest. Check out
the craft people in their own environment or catch
the wonderful sunrises and sunsets from the beach or
the tip-head
 Just a short
drive is the village of Blackball which was founded
in 1864 as a base for
transient gold seekers and developed into a coal
mining settlement. You can explore the quaint
streets, walk to the first mine ventilation chimneys,
go gold panning or join a night time possum hunt. From Blackball you
can walk the Croesus Track over the Paparoa Range to
Barrytown on the coast, an all day trip and local tour operators
will help with transport.
In Greymouth, you'll
find a range of accommodation from the well appointed
Kingsgate or
Ashley Hotels
or the
Charles Court self contained motel, to backpackers, hostels
and camping grounds.
Industries: sheep and
cattle farming - dairying - sawmills - timber and
coal.
Nearby towns:
Christchurch (about 350 km).
Hokitika (39 km south);
Westport (90 km north)
Getting There:
From
Christchurch, try the TranzAlpine coach service.
Coast to Coast Bus Service. Rail or
Air Charter. The best way to see the most is to self
drive and explore the out of the way places.
More Information at:
The Greymouth Information Centre
Corner Mackay and Herbert Streets, Greymouth
PO Box 95, Greymouth
Ph +64 3 768 5101
Fax +64 3 768 0317
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