Stretching from the south banks of the Punakaiki River in the north to the Taramakau River in the south and out to Moana and the Little Grey River at Ikamatua in the Grey Valley. A small district with a vast diversity, rich in history and an abundance of character.

Greymouth the main centre of the Grey District lies beside the Tasman Sea and the Grey River. It is the geographic and commercial heart of the West Coast, with the largest population. Today it is seen as an ideal base to explore the beautiful region of the West Coast.

No wider than seventy kilometres at any point, the mountains look closer, the lakes clearer, the rivers larger and faster, the forests more lush than anywhere else in the country. The region displays a great variety of mountains to the sea eco systems, unique alpine flora, vast forests, temperate coastal forests featuring flowering rata, kowhai and palms, diverse wetlands and much more.

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 plenty of entertainment. It is also the terminus for the famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch and a busy centre for coaches and shuttles taking visitors on tours to other destinations on the West Coast.

Early Maori Forged the central region in search of precious greenstone, also by the 1860s gold rush and by the development of road and rail links, the central region is rich in history.

Greymouth has many exciting 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 thirty historic buildings including the local saloon, jail, church, hospital and school.

Many heritage gold diggings and tracks give you the chance to go for gold, or you can take a four wheel bike to experience farm life, take an action packed trail ride, or just explore the scenic or guided routes.