The Best Hotels in Greymouth, New Zealand

A full English breakfast delivered to your door is among the homely highlights at this 12-studio motel near the aerodrome. If you are keen to try a local speciality, a whitebait omelette is also on the menu. Hosts Roger and Carol will not only ensure you’re well fed each morning, but they are also on hand to provide free pick-up and drop-offs for arrivals and departures by coach and rail.

The mining heritage of Greymouth is superbly represented at this former gold miners’ hotel and theatre in Kumara town. Owners Kerrie and Mark Fitzgibbon spent two years restoring what was once a derelict building. The result is six themed rooms, bursting with character and history. If visiting Greymouth for the summer horse racing season, check out the race day breakfast package that includes a shuttle bus to the racetrack.

Shantytown Heritage Park is only a seven-minute walk from these countryside suites, surrounded on all sides by lush green forest. The faithfully recreated Shantytown experience harks back to the West Coast’s pioneering role in the late 19th century, with its steam train and sawmill. By contrast, the Goldfield suites hurtles you back to the present day, with leather furnishings, in-room Breville coffee machines and, best of all, outdoor hot tubs.

Hugging the coast midway between Greymouth and Hokitika is this double-storey timber homestead, set among verdant native gardens. Its wood-panelled walls and sun-soaking verandas retain the country colonial style of a previous homestead. Built in 1874, it was lost to a fire but later revived in 1994, using salvaged materials to create the current elegant interiors. The garden includes a walk-through greenhouse where organic food is grown – and served up at dinner.

The salmon gnocchi and New Zealand lamb dishes come recommended at the hotel’s in-house Jacobs Grill, which can also provide takeout hamper lunches and room service. The leather furnishings in the lounge and the rooms’ slate and mahogany colour schemes give this hotel an executive air, plus the sizeable pool and well-stocked gym are a welcome treat if you fancy a morning workout.

Nigel and Karen offer home-cooked food and home-brewed beer at this remote B&B, south of Paparoa National Park. A separate self-contained cabin sleeps five and includes a log fire, covered decking, a hot tub and access to an al fresco gym. A five-minute walk will take you to one of the most remote beaches on the South Island. If you are keen to explore the Barrytown area, take a bike for a spin free of charge.

Keeping it in the family is a mantra that has inspired this cheerful seaside holiday park since 1982, when Doug and Rhonda Levein took charge with their three kids in tow. One of those children, Matt, now runs the site with his wife Steph. Youthful verve remains, with dozens of activities for kids including a games room, jumping pillow, basketball hoop and bike rental. There’s also a private spa and barbecue facilities to keep the parents smiling, too. Camp or rent one of their apartments or cabins.

These centrally located suites on Greymouth High Street provide the perfect launchpad for exploring the town’s top sights. A 12-minute walk along Sawyers Creek will take you to the legendary Monteith Brewery, while the start of the 139km (86mi) West Coast Wilderness Trail can be found a little further north, with secure bike storage included at the accommodation. Car parking is free and even features a Tesla-charging point.