Numerous Tracks and Trails
With 84% of the West Coast Conservation land there are numerous tracks and trails to explore. Whether you have 1/2 an hour or 3 days there are some great walking and hiking options in the Grey District.
Take your time… breathe in the deep, earthy scents of a West Coast rainforest, listen to the calls of native birds, feast on the sights of nature in all its abundance, and get some exercise at the same time!
West Coast History
Experience all the beauty and history of the West Coast on the many guided or unguided walks and hiking trails. Following are just a few examples of what the coast has to offer – if you are looking for just a short walk, a meander on the beach or in the bush or something more adventurous we have it all. For more tracks and trails check out Tourism West Coast website www.west-coast.co.nz and for details and information about track conditions before embarking on your hike, please refer to the Department of Conservation (www.doc.govt.nz) or a local Visitor Information Centre.
A Selection to Choose From.....
9 Mile Beach
For guests staying at Breakers only, we have our own private track to access 9 mile beach. A waterfall runs down the side of the property and can be viewed from the beach. Easy walk and gorgeous beach and rock pools. Due to the location and the nature of the wild waters, the track can be prone to erosion and caution on West Coast beaches is always advised.
10 Mile Valley
Walk up the valley to an old coal mining area. Follows the creek until you get to the coal mining relics. Options of crossing the bridge and walking up hill (and I mean up hill!!) for about ½ hour or carry on up the valley, over the slip to the end of the track.
Point Elizabeth Track
Starting at Rapahoe, this walk takes you through the rain forest to a lookout point (half-way) – fantastic examples of NZ exotic and native flora and fauna. Carry on to the end to Point Elizabeth beach. at the Cobden end. One of the West Coast’s richest gold rushes occurred in this area in 1865.
Rapahoe Beach
At low tide Rapahoe beach (also known as 7-mile) is a great walk. Starts the same as Point Elizabeth Track above. Walk along the bank of the river to the beach, then continue along the lovely sandy beach to the rocky outcrop at the point. Often there are seals baking on the rocks as there is a seal colony just a bit further around the point.
Rewanui
Heading up Mt Davey road at Dunnolie – this is Rewanui Incline walk. Gravel road that from 1889 to 1985 was a railroad that would bring coal down from the Paparoa Ranges. Historic area and beautiful valley walk. Allow 2 hours return.
Coal Creek Falls Walk
Based in Runanga just north of Greymouth this is a beautiful forest walk with an amazing waterfall at the end. This is the original track that led to the first commercial coal mine on the Coast. Easy 1 hour return forest walk.
Brunner Mine Site
On the road between Greymouth and Stillwater. Large statue of Thomas Brunner who first discovered coal in this area in 1848 and site of NZ’s worst mining disaster in 1896 where 65 men perished. An old coal mining area with coke ovens and coal mining relics. Lovely walk into the bush and along the river including historic 1876 suspension bridge. Many information boards and interpretation panels explaining the ruins and remains.
Blackball
Inland from Greymouth under the Paparoa mountain range. Birthplace of NZ Labour party and Trade Union movement in NZ. Several walks in and around Blackball exploring gold mining tunnels, tail-races, water races and relics.
Croesus Track 1km past Blackball, turn right and follow road to top of Paparoa Ranges. Trek across Range, following gold trails passing old hotel sites, batteries and other relics. Gold founded in the area in 1864.
Woods Creek
17kms from Shantytown on outskirts of Greymouth. A fantastic short walk through a former goldfield featuring tunnels dug by miners and passing through tail-races, tunnels and dams. Information panels along the way. Take a flashlight and dare yourself to walk in some of the tunnels like the old gold miners at the turn of the century!!
Punakaiki
Numerous walks to do in this area. Pancake Rocks, Truman Track, Pororari River walk, drive up Bullock Creek road for Cave Creekwalk. Walks take from 15minutes to 5 hours, so plenty of options to choose from. Check out the information center – especially if looking at doing any of the walks involving river crossings.
Fox River
Walk to Fox River caves – need flashlight to explore the caves, otherwise a lovely bush walk – listen for the bird-life! If not into caves, take the walk to Ballroom overhang – does involve a few river crossings so be sure to check with information center in Punakaiki for river conditions.
Short version – park just over bridge, walk across historic bride and through the cave on other side of the river (flashlight not required) – approximately 5minutes – this was once upon a time the main road! Lovely beach walk also at Fox River.
Waiuta
Old historic gold mining area inland towards Reefton. Head up the valley to Blacks Water to visit the historic school house and then 7kms through beech forest to top of mountains (Southern Alps!) and little historic settlement of Waiuta. Settled in 1905 through to 1951, gold mining relics, points of history – deepest mine shaft in NZ at 879 metres, walk around the old township, walk to Snowy River battery – beautiful loop track, easy walk down through beech forest and then battery relics and information boards, to hillside walk back to top. Take a picnic lunch and a book and sit back, relax and read for a while in total peace and tranquillity. Beautiful area. Great place to spend the day or half a day. Use the information boards to get a feel of what was and let your imagination do the rest.
Goldsborough
Inland between Hokitika and Greymouth. This is one of the oldest goldmining areas on the West Coast and includes old miner’s tunnels and other relics. Explore the cemetery – Stafford cemetery, the oldest cemetery on the Coast.
There are numerous other trails in and around the area, and Jan and Stephen are happy to help their guests out with information and driving instructions on places to go.
Photos of Hikes & Short Walks
