Grey District: Lake Brunner and Coastal Trails

The Grey District invites you to discover nature and local history in different ways: at Lake Brunner, on scenic trails and at Greymouth’s cultural attractions. When planning a holiday home stay, it’s worth first considering the experiences you want to shape your visit—water and landscapes, outdoor activities or an insight into the region’s history.

Lake Brunner: birdlife, water and wide-open views

Lake Brunner and Moana are home to a diverse range of birdlife, as well as wetlands and rainforest ecosystems. This landscape is not just a destination for nature watching: you can set out onto Lake Brunner from the boat ramp in Moana by motorboat, yacht or excursion charter. If you’d rather stay on shore, the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail runs along the lake’s north-western shore. It is open to walkers and cyclists. Check local conditions before setting out.

The forest track from Iveagh Bay offers another perspective. It leads to three viewpoints overlooking Lake Brunner, Moana and the surrounding area. The track then climbs to the open tussock-covered heights of Mt. Te Kinga, at 1,196 metres above sea level. From there, panoramic views extend across the Paparoa Range, the Tasman Sea and the Main Divide. The viewpoints and the climb that follows offer a different way to experience the landscape from a boat trip on the lake or a walk along the shore.

Greymouth: river scenery and local stories

In Greymouth, a walk along Mawhera Quay passes the Greymouth Flood Wall. Along the way, you’ll see the river and commercial area, the fishing port and the tidal estuary. The walk connects a stay in town with views of different aspects of the river landscape. The Greymouth Sunday Market adds its own character, with locally made jewellery, woodwork and other handicrafts on offer. Check the latest market details before your trip.

The History House Pop-Up Museum in Greymouth features exhibitions with stories about the Grey District and its people. If you’re interested in the people and the area’s past, a museum visit adds a historical perspective to your outdoor experiences. Check current opening information before visiting.

Shantytown and trails for different kinds of outings

Shantytown Heritage Park is in Paroa, 10 kilometres south of Greymouth. Admission includes a ride on one of the three historic passenger trains. Visitors are guided by experienced gold miners when gold panning. The combination of a train ride and a guided activity makes Shantytown a practical choice for anyone interested in the history of gold mining. Admission inclusions can change, so check the latest information before visiting.

For a coastal outing, the sealed Point Elizabeth Walkway follows a coastal and bush track to a lookout platform on a cliff. It is considered suitable for families and children. Check the weather and track conditions before setting out. For a longer route, the West Coast Wilderness Trail is 132 kilometres long, runs from Greymouth to Ross and is rated easy. The two trails differ clearly in length and purpose: one offers coastal views, while the other is a longer route between two towns.

The holiday home that best serves as a base for your plans depends on which of these experiences you want to focus on. Lake Brunner and Moana offer birdlife, wetlands, water and trails by the lake; Greymouth has walks by the river mouth, a market and a museum. If you’re mainly looking for several nature and scenic experiences, the trails around the lake and along the coast may guide your choice. For a stay focused on local history and crafts, Greymouth’s attractions offer a different point of reference.

Discover more places

More places in the Grey District: Runanga, Rapahoe, Atarau.

Discover more destinations: Greymouth, Buller District, Westland District.

Back to the main travel overview: West Coast.