Hokitika to Greymouth
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide.

  Travel Facts
Distance: 40km (25 miles)
Approximately: 40 minutes
Road Conditions: State Highway 6

This guide sponsored by: Chapel Hill B & B, Greymouth

Hokitika - Kumara Junction - Greymouth

at Kumara Junction ... follow SH6 north to Greymouth

From Hokitika to Kumara Junction (20kms) the road is interesting and easy traveling passing through coastal farmlands and historical places.

At Kumara Junction we follow SH6 north to Greymouth as we cross the Greymouth, Hokitika rail line. This is well sign posted.

An interesting stop is the HoneyPot Cafe at Kumara Junction, here you can Taste the Honey or purchase a memento from a range of local artisians.

 

Hokitika - Kumara Junction - Greymouth

Taramakau single lane bridge.

From the Junction the road winds easily through the coastal bush and farmland to the Taramakau River crossing.

Here we cross on one of those unique features of New Zeland roads the single lane bridge.

This bridge is even more unique in that it also provides the rail crossing for the Greymouth Hokitika Rail line. Remember the Train always has the right of way.

The drive north is approximately 20 minutes to Paroa and the turn into Rutherglen Road, that will take you to Chapel Hill B&B, (follow the signs for Shantytown).

Look for the Chapell Hill Sign

For precise directions from Paroa to Chapel Hill please see the information on www.chapelhill.co.nz

From Paroa it is just 8 minutes drive to Chapel Hill where Joy, John and Crash are looking forward to welcoming you to their little piece of paradise.

Look for the Chapel Hill sign (photo right), on Rutherglen Road, approximately five minutes after you pass Shantytown which is perfectly located for the start of tomorrows adventures on the West Coast.

 

Hokitika - Kumara Junction - Greymouth

Greymouth Clock Tower.

Originally a Maori settlement of cave dwellers, and known as Mawhera, the settlement (Greymouth town today), was a major place for Maori from the North and South who came here to trade for jade (pounamu) which they used for jewellery, weapons and tools instead of steel. It was harder, in fact, than most metals.

Modern Greymouth is the largest town and central hub of the West Coast, named for it's locality beside the Grey River the town has a population of around 13,000.

Originally established as a town to supply prospectors and surveyors in the early 1860's Greymouth has a long history of mining and natural resources, surviving on coal, timber and more recently tourism.

The town is surrounded by rainforest, wild beaches and glorious lakes, all back dropped by the majestic Southern Alps, New Zealand's highest mountains.

Here you will find, Shantytown, Garth Wilson Jade, On Yer Bike and many other attractions and adventures to occupy your time for as long as you desire.

 

Welcome to Greymouth ... enjoy your stay

This guide last Updated: February 2011.