Things to do in

Greymouth

Start your tour in the Beertopia Room which houses our very own Monteith's Museum. Get an introduction to the heritage and rich stories of the origins of Monteith's, starting in 1868 on the West Coast. Move into the brewery to see, touch, taste (if you're up for it) and smell New Zealand grown ingredients used to make craft beer. Take your time to walk through the brewhouse and packaging house as your expert guide talks you through the process involved with crafting the 150-year-old beer recipes. Receive video, visual and verbal prompts throughout the tour to help you to understand the various techniques and technical terms our brewers are so familiar with. End the tour with a lesson on how to achieve the 'perfect pour'. For those over 18, pour yourself your very own tap beer, taste and enjoy.

Start the tour with pickup from your accommodation in Greymouth. Set off along the famous Coast Road, rated one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world. First, stop at the Pancake Rocks, where the sea, winds, and massive geological change have shaped the landscape creating fascinating stacked limestone rocks and blowholes. This area is rated a must-do attraction when visiting the West Coast. Then, continue on to the Tree Top Walkway which offers the experience of walking amongst the treetops. This exhilarating adventure among temperate rain forest giants, high above ancient Rimu's and Kamahi trees offers a 20-meter high platform with a 450-meter-long walkway to explore and enjoy the views. Climb the 47-meter tower for a better view if you dare, and enjoy a refreshment at the local cafe. Admire beautiful views of majestic Lake Mahinapua while listening to the bird song. Finally, explore the famous Hokitika Gorge, a popular tourist spot that is known for its vibrant blue water and tranquil rain forest setting. This natural attractions is another must-do on the West Coast and is a great place to have a picnic or a swim to cool off in summer. At the end of your tour, return to Greymouth where your trip ends.

Travel the Coast Road, a scenic drive passing beaches and bays with native West Coast bush background. Stop for photos along the way before reaching Punakaiki where you will be guided through the pancake rocks and blowholes. Enjoy a nature walk with access to interpretation panels to learn about your surroundings.  After spending time at the blow holes you have time to grab a refreshment at the local cafe before travelling on to the Truman Track. Take a short walk to an ocean viewing platform and sandy bay. At low tide you can access the bay and walk along to the rock pools.  Head back via the famous Coast Road and if time allows the tour guide can stop off at some bays along the way and allow time for more photos. Your tour ends back in Greymouth at your accommodation or at the visitor centre.

Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Hokitika Gorge and follow the coastline before heading inland through farmland and native bush.  Walk across the swing bridge and spend time enjoying this magical place. Take in its vivid turquoise waters surrounded by lush native bush and see for yourself why it is a key photo stop on the West Coast must-do list.  Explore Tree Top Walkway and experience life with the birds high up in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Gain easy access to the steel platform, which is 20 meters high and over 450 meters long.  Gently sway in harmony with the forest on the Mahinapua Springboard. View the exquisite Lake Mahinapua through the richly diverse forest foliage.  If you’re a thrill-seeker, feel your heart pump as you climb to the top of Hokitika Tower, which is about 40 meters above the forest floor. Be inspired by a sensational vista of the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps, Lake Mahinapua, and the Tasman Sea.  If time allows, make a short stop in the township of Hokitika for a visit to the Greenstone (Jade) Gallery before departing back to your starting point.

Departing from Greymouth, you will enjoy a scenic drive South, following the coastline with ocean views before heading inland to reach your destination of Franz Josef. The township of Franz Josef is a popular tourist hot spot with thousands visiting the town to view the famous Franz Josef Glacier. Walk up to the glacier along a marked track called the Valley Walk, following the river bed. The trek will take approximately 1.5 hours. On your return to Franz Josef, you will visit the Wildlife Centre. Home to two of New Zealand’s native birds, the Rowi Kiwi and the Tuatara, the centre also hosts an interactive exhibit on the glacier. There is also a souvenir gift shop and cafe onsite. In Franz Josef there will be free time to buy lunch and look around the town, before returning back to Greymouth.

Set off on a 1-hour Enchanted Forest tour and be taken across the farmlands before entering the breathtakingly beautiful natural rainforest. As your professional guide navigates winding trails to the heart of the forest, become immersed in tranquility as rays of light penetrate through the trees and expose vibrant colors. On your off-road adventure, admire the native greenery in an area that captures and showcases the essence of what makes the West Coast region so unique to New Zealand. These tours have been in operation since 1998 and are situated on 250 acres of land that's been family-owned since 1917. The legendary lead guide Mike is the 3rd generation on the land and has extensive knowledge of the rich cultural history that still remains. Enjoy a flexible adventure catering for any level of experience so that everyone from ages 3 to 103 can have an amazing time.