Rapahoe between coastal forest and cliff

Rapahoe reveals its coastal landscape in several ways: in Rapahoe Scenic Reserve, mixed coastal forest stretches from the limestone range to the cliff edge. The beach extends for more than two kilometres and is bounded by Point Elizabeth Cape. The Point Elizabeth Walkway adds a track through varied forest to a panoramic lookout platform on a cliff. Forest, coast and views give you different ways to choose the focus of your stay.

Coastal forest, beach and views

The mixed coastal forest in Rapahoe Scenic Reserve stretches from the limestone range to the cliff edge. This expanse brings together three distinctive landscape features: limestone, forested coastline and cliff edge. If you want to experience Rapahoe for its nature, you’ll find a different perspective here than at the long beach: the forest defines the reserve, while the coastline is characterised by its length and Point Elizabeth Cape.

The Point Elizabeth Walkway passes through varied forest to a panoramic lookout platform on a cliff. From an exposed rocky lookout, the view extends towards Mt Cook. The walkway is suitable for families and children, making it a practical way to combine a walk through the forest with views. The beach landscape and lookout offer different highlights, so you don’t have to limit your trip to just one kind of coastal experience.

Mountain biking on the Point Elizabeth Track is subject to a special seasonal rule: from 1 April to 30 September, it is permitted only during hours of darkness. Check this rule locally before riding if you’re planning a trip during this period.

Getting there and finding your way around the region

You can reach the northern end of the Point Elizabeth Walkway from Greymouth via State Highway 6 to Rapahoe. The Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth also runs through Rapahoe. Allow about 90 minutes for the entire route at usual speed limits. Stops, weather and road conditions affect the actual journey time. This means you can see Rapahoe both as a destination with its own coastal and forest highlights and as a stop along this regional road link.

The wider Grey District offers further natural highlights. Lake Brunner and Moana have abundant birdlife, wetlands and rainforest ecosystems. The Lake Brunner Scenic Trail runs along the north-western shore of Lake Brunner and is open to walkers and cyclists. From the boat ramp in Moana, you can head out onto the lake by motorboat, yacht or sightseeing charter. Rapahoe’s coastal forest and cliffs offer a contrast to the other landscapes and activities found in the Grey District.

The Grey District also offers a destination focused on cultural history: Shantytown Heritage Park is in Paroa, 10 kilometres south of Greymouth. Experienced gold miners guide visitors as they try their hand at gold panning. Admission includes a ride on one of the three historic passenger trains; as admission inclusions can change, it’s a good idea to confirm this before your visit. Another regional option is the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a 132-kilometre route rated easy, from Greymouth to Ross.

Choose the right search location

When searching for a holiday rental, first consider whether you want Rapahoe’s coastal forest, beach and Point Elizabeth Walkway to be the focus of your stay, or whether you’d like to visit several places in the Grey District. This helps you choose a search location based on the landscapes and activities that matter to your trip, rather than grouping different destinations together as a single place to stay.

Discover more destinations: Atarau, Runanga, Moana.

Return to the main travel overview: Grey District.