Virtual Mystery Tour West Coast – Grey District, Heart of the West Coast

Well it seems an apt time to showcase our own Grey District – heart of the West Coast.  A great place to base yourself to explore north and south – east and west, no not west, you’ll be in Australia.  Come on!

I can vouch for it being a great place to base yourself for exploring the West Coast – well yes mainly because we live here but we do all our exploring from here so just goes to show how easy it is….. no bias in that statement at all.

The Grey District has everything – it is the gateway to the Great Coast Road, named one of the top ten coastal drives in the world by Lonely Planet and worth a visit on its own.

Numerous beaches – and they are all different.  Thanks to the power of the Tasman sea some are sandy, some are stony, others rocky or with great rocky outcrops making them a haven for starfish and mussel beds, others showcase world class rock stacks.  People come from all over the world to see these and here they are in our backyard.

While not safe for general swimming many of our beaches are great for surfing and you often see some local wildlife – seals and dolphins if you are lucky.

Then there is our native bush – so many great walking trails, for all levels of fitness, something for everyone and most of them are in old forestry, coal or gold mining areas so filled with great West Coast and New Zealand history.  Perfect example too of how Mother Nature always claims back what is rightfully hers – you might start out walking through regenerated forest and come into virgin native forest or visa versa.  The transition is fascinating.

Many of our walking trails are bike friendly and then we have our bike specific beauties West Coast Wilderness Trail and the newly opened Paparoa Track (first purpose built dual purpose trail for biking and hiking in NZ).  Heaven on a mountain bike 🙂

The Grey District also had a multitude of lakes and rivers – again some easily accessible, others not so but there are great boating and fishing opportunities and many are surrounded again by either short or longer walks so something for everyone.

What’s the old adage – don’t leave home till you’ve seen the country.  Now more than ever does that ring true.  Everything you’ve often travelled overseas for is right here – you just need to open your eyes.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised and we look forward to showcasing you the best of the West here in the Grey Valley – Heart of the West Coast.

PS most of the places above have their own dedicated blog so it is worth digging deeper into Coastingnz for some inspiration.

Jan and Stephen run Breakers Boutique Accommodation on the Great Coast Road north of Greymouth.  They love the West Coast and love getting out and exploring and sharing their favourite discoveries with their guests.