Grey District

Grey District is known as the Heart of the West Coast, the heart of West Coast's untamed natural wilderness.Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and centrally located to explore the region with The Great Coast Road, Punakaiki to Westport and up to Karamea in the north and Glacier Highway, Hokitika, Franz and Fox Glaciers to Haast in the south. Inland is easy access to Reefton and Moana and all the wonderful little unique country villages in between.

There are numerous lakes and rivers for great trout and salmon fishing and fantastic kayaking opportunities.  The Tasman Sea runs the full length of the West Coast and offers great surf breaks up and down the coast, for the most experienced of surfer to the absolute beginner - something for everyone.

Surrounded by rain forest and ancient Podocarp forest the native bush offers some great bush walks, backcountry hiking and exploration, gold and coal mining history and some excellent mountain bike opportunities with The West Coast Wilderness Trail,  The Paparoa Track, Heaphy Track and Old Ghost Road just to name a few.

Grey District is in close proximity to three national parks - Paparoa, Arthur's Pass and Westland Tai Poutini.

There are wonderful opportunities to get up close and personal and immerse yourself in some West Coast natural wilderness and with some of New Zealand's wildlife - predominately a good selection of our native birds - the Kiwi, Weka, Kereru (NZ wood pigeon), Tui, Bellbird and the ever friendly fantail and bush robins.  Take a walk in the bush and you will be amazed at the chorus of birdsong.

Mawhera was the original name given to the Grey River and nearby Pa (Greymouth) by the first inhabitants.  Meaning "wide spread river mouth" and "bright running water", it was renamed to Grey and Greymouth (mouth of the Grey River) after Sir George Grey, the then Governer of New Zealand.

Sir George Grey was a soldier, explorer, politician, writer and philanthropist. Twice Governor of New Zealand. He took an active interest in Māori language and culture and gives the Grey District and town of Greymouth some proud history behind its name.

The Grey District has an abundance of history - both Maori and Industrial.  There are numerous gold and coal mining sites to explore.  Breakers Boutique Accommoation is a great place to base yourself to explore the Grey District so step inside our natural wilderness and come exploring with us.