Natural Attractions

For those in love with nature walks, the Grey District provides many also those who have a soft spot for waterfalls can have their full.

Lake Brunner and the township of Moana offer the idyllic spot for fishing, boating, canoeing. Greymouth is at the start of the Paparoa range and the Paparoa National Park.

Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks are just 50 minutes drive north of the town, on the Coast Road (SH6). Immediate impressions are of a rugged coastline with a backdrop of dense sub-tropical rainforest, often clinging precariously to high limestone cliffs.

The National Park has a wonderfully diverse landscape with many other interesting places. Paparoa's limestone dominated land-forms are of international importance because the area of National park includes unmodified lowland kaarst, now rare in New Zealand. Kaarst land-forms are dominated by underground stream systems and associated features, such as caves and dolines (large sunken depressions).

The main river systems of the park emerge from spectacular gorges of towering limestone cliffs, and are readily accessible via walking tracks for all ages. All these tracks are part of or link with, the Historic Inland Pack Track. This can be enjoyed as a 2-3 day tramp or as separate half or full day walks via various linking tracks. Bullock Creek Road gives access to the heart of the limestone area, including the remarkable Cave Creek 'stream capture' zone.

The rugged Paparoa Range, with peaks rising 1500m, can provide a wilderness experience equal to any in New Zealand. Wildlife includes the world's only breeding colony for the Westland Petrel, on the forest covered limestone coastal ridges south of Punakaiki. From autumn until spring these sea birds may be seen flying in from the sea to their burrows just after sunset.

The coastal waters off Greymouth are well known for Hector dolphins, seabirds and New Zealand Fur Seals.