Forged by the early Maori in search of precious greenstone, by the spirit of the 1860's gold rush and by the development of road and rail links, the central region is rich in history.

Greymouth is the major town on the West Coast, boasting a range of quality hotels, motels, backpacker hostels and holiday parks with shops from small specialty and tourist shops to national chain stores. Restaurants, cafes and bars provide a hub for entertainment.

Greymouth hosts an enticing range of activities only minutes from the town centre, including the Art Gallery, History House and the walk on the flood wall which protects the town from the mighty Grey River.

It is also the terminus for the famous Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch and a busy centre for coaches and shuttles taking visitors on tours to other destinations on the West Coast and onto Nelson.