Although considered the commercial heart of the South Island's West Coast region, Greymouth is an attractively affordable holiday destination.

With activities primed for families and the adventure-seeking backpackers alike, Greymouth's entertainment options for under $20 NZD are inspiring. Throw in inexpensive holiday park and backpacker accommodation options and a raft of local meals for under $15 and you've got yourself a low-cost, high-flying holiday!

The Jade Trail
Free of charge
This beautiful presentation housed inside the Jade Country complex outlines the history and magic of pounamu, or jade. Covering the Maori history of this precious resource as well as the Chinese and Meso-American use, The Jade Trail is an educational and enthralling museum-style walk-through attraction. Children will enjoy walking under the waterfall and touching the enormous jade boulder on display.
Open: Daily, 8.30am - 7pm in summer; 8.30am - 5pm in winter.
Located: At 1 Guinness Street, Greymouth.

Local Walks
Free of charge
The Greymouth area offers plentiful walks that allow visitors to experience the coast's abundant flora and fauna, as well as local relics from gold and coal mining days.
The walks around Greymouth range from serious multi-day tramping tracks, to easy 20 minute, child-friendly strolls. A number of walks begin at Nelson Creek, 25km north of Greymouth. Nelson Creek has a gold mining history, as displayed in the numerous tailraces that can be viewed. It also offers a good picnic spot and camping area, a suspension bridge and gold-fossicking. A good option for family adventures, Nelson Creek walks range from 20 minutes to one hour. The Colls Dam Walkway at Nelson Creek has wheelchair access. Another exciting on-foot experience near Greymouth is the Brunner Mine Site. Located 11km east of Greymouth via Taylorville this river-side attraction is home to many coal-mining relics from the 1800s (coal was discovered here in 1848). Allow at least an hour to explore the site including a walk across the river on the Brunner Bridge.
Located: The turnoff for Nelson Creek is at Ngahere, 25kms north of Greymouth on SH7. Turn right at the Ngahere-Kopara Road to reach the Nelson Creek settlement.
Brunner Mine is 11kms east of Greymouth, reached via Taylorville. The site is evident from the road.

Left Bank Art Gallery
Gold coin koha (donation).
Housed in the former Bank of New Zealand, the Left Bank Art Gallery is a community project that Greymouth is rightfully proud of. Local West Coast art work - including paintings, photography, sculpture and crafts - are exhibited in the small but spacious main gallery and the nifty vault (as in, the original bank vault!). The collection of pounamu (jade) carvings is magnificent, as is the carved entranceway into this part of the gallery. Don't miss the gallery shop on your way out.
Open: Summer: 10am - 5pm weekdays; 10am - 3pm weekends. Winter: 10am - 4pm Tuesday - Friday; 10am - 3pm Saturday.
Located: At 1 Tainui Street, Greymouth.

History House Museum
$3 per adult; $1 per child.
This reasonably new and well cared for community project neatly outlines Greymouth's history. With myriad photographs, relics and models displayed throughout the various themed rooms, History House will have history buffs engrossed for hours.
Open: From 10am - 4pm weekdays and some weekends during summer or holiday periods. Check with the Greymouth i-Site (cnr Herbert St and Mackay St or phone +64 3 768 5101).
Located: On Gresson St, Greymouth

Greymouth Golf Range, Mini Putt Golf and Driving Range
18-hole mini putt = $7.00 per adult; $5.00 under 15; $3.00 under 8; $20.00 per family.
10-bay all weather driving range = $6.00 for 50 balls; $4.00 extra buckets; $2.00 club hire.
A guaranteed way of entertaining the kids for an hour or more. This quiet mini golf course and driving range is an ideal family activity, boasting 'the chance to go around The Coast in 18 holes!'. BBQ facilities are also available on site for those wishing to make an afternoon or evening of it.
Open: Summer: 10.30am - 8pm, daily. Winter: 10.30am - 6pm, daily.
Located: Leonard Street, Victoria Park Raceway, Greymouth.

Little Earth Miniature Model Village
$12 per adult; $6 per child (5-15yrs); $9 seniors & students; $28 family pass.
A miniature version of the 1930s gold-mining town of Waiuta has been recreated (to scale) on an acre of land just outside of Greymouth. New Zealand's first major model village, Little Earth was created over 13 years by local man Alan Hunt who constructed miniature models from black and white photos of Waiuta. This carefully crafted and unique attraction features over 150 buildings! Well worth a visit for families and history lovers alike.
Open: Daily, 8.30am - 5.30pm (extended hours in summer).
Located: State Highway 6, Coal Creek, 6.5kms north of Greymouth (at the On Yer Bike! complex)

Monteith's Brewery Tour
$15.00 (or an additional option for the 4pm and 6pm tour: pay $25 and receive the tour, tastings, and a bus to the Railway Hotel where you will enjoy a beer and a classic Kiwi BBQ. Bookings essential). Visitors must be aged over 18 and ID may be required.
This excellent and iconic Kiwi attraction takes you through the Monteith's Brewery following the intriguing beer making process. Entry fee includes access to the Monteith's mini-museum, an enlightening guided tour of the brewery, an informative tasting of each of Monteith's classic beers, plus a glass of your favourite brew. The on-site Monteith's gift shop sells Monteith's merchandise and, of course, beer.
Tour times: Daily at 11.30am, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Tour duration: Approximately 1hr 15mins.
Located: On the corner of Turumaha St and Herbert St, Greymouth.

Shantytown
$20.00 per adult at the gate or $16.00 pre-purchased from Greymouth i-Site; $17.00 per adult student/senior; $12.00 per student (13-17yrs); $10.00 per child (5-12yrs). All prices include gold panning and a steam train ride. Prices excluding gold panning are available for adults/seniors. Various family passes are also available.
Shantytown is a great West Coast family activity, with the potential to fill a number of hours. Entry fee includes all-day admission to the 1860s replica gold mining town, a steam train ride, the Chinese miners' village, a playground, and access to over 30 historic buildings. Pan for gold and keep your find! The town also features a bar and tearoom, nature walks, events centre, period costume photos, school and gift shop.
Open: From 8.30am - 5pm daily (except Christmas Day).
Located: 10km south of Greymouth town centre, on SH6.

Amelia is Content Editor for the New Zealand travel and tourism website www.fourcorners.co.nz