Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Grey District Council. The total population of the Grey District is 13,850, which is 42% of the West Coast region's population.
The town lies at the mouth of the Grey River, on a narrow coastal plain at the foot of the Southern Alps. On clear days, Mount Cook is visible from the southern part of the town, which is divided by the Grey River into three areas: Blaketown, near the river mouth on the south bank; Karoro, to the southwest and separated from the town by a series of lakes; and Cobden, formerly a separate village on the north bank of the river.
Greymouth is served by State Highway 6, connecting the town with Hokitika to the south and Westport to the north. State Highway 7 ends in Greymouth, which is also the terminus of the popular and picturesque TranzAlpine train.
Greymouth is one of the most important Maori settlements, nestled between leafy hills and the Tasman Sea, it is the perfect destination to start exploring the west coast of the South Island.