Greymouth. Where to stay (or not) and what to do?

[Oakie]

Mrs Oakie and I are going to grab a few days R&R on the South Island's West Coast between the 21 / 26 April. We're going to base ourselves in Greymouth and do day trips to other locations on the coast. Can't decide which of Greymouth's numerous motels to stay in though. Can anyone offer any advice either affirmative or negative (happy to spend $80 / $90 a night). Also any suggestions as to 'must see' stuff while we're over there.

And "yes", we both have good wet weather gear.

[Buddha#81:Me]

The Bella Vista Greymouth is newish, tidy, close to town (walking distance) and on budget. Mike and Karen are good sticks, if your on the bike they will probally let ya throw it in their shed. Do the coast road both north and south they are the most scenic roads in the world!!!
Ask the locals for ideas when ya get there, more fun that way. Have a good trip let us know how you do.

[parsley]

Best thing I did in Greymouth was the Monteith's brewery tour. Very interesting and free tasting at the end!
http://www.monteiths.co.nz/brewhouse/tour.html

[Big Dave]

Clean and neat, we found the 'Alpine Rose' had some somewhat disconcerting rules. Big signs: 'No Fish to be cooked in these units'.
What the?

Hokitika is a nicer place to stay for mine.

[TygerTung]

Greymouth is a great place, everyone there is really friendly and helpful, had some problems with my honda CG when I went through, but random people gave me parts! Was well wicked!

[Lou Girardin]

The Recreation Hotel does huge West Coast meals at little prices. They also have both types of wine - red and white.

[Big Dave]

Greymouth is a great place, everyone there is really friendly and helpful, had some problems with my honda CG when I went through, but random people gave me parts! Was well wicked!

You would know better than I, all both times i rode through I had slightly unfavourable experiences, an angry waitress and a lot of full house signs.
And of course it was pissing down.

And then the Gold Mine at Hokitika was one of the best afternoons ever - great folks too.

[Finn]

The Recreation Hotel does huge West Coast meals at little prices. They also have both types of wine - red and white.

And their reds are chilled to perfection.

[Lou Girardin]

And their reds are chilled to perfection.

Yeah, the label says serve at room temp. It doesn't say which room, so they store it in the freezer.

[Oakie]

Yeah, the label says serve at room temp. It doesn't say which room, so they store it in the freezer.

We did a wine trail at Queenstown about 5 years ago. Thought we'd come back from it and be able to order 'the right' wine at the restaurant, taste it before accepting and seem very sophisticated. After trying about a dozen wines through the day though we were sick of it and just couldn't face any more so we had a common old beer with our evening meal. Nice too.

The Monteiths Tour sounds good. Might save that for a 'no riding' day.

[quickbuck]

Last time I stayed there I stayed in the pub oppisite the Jade shop I think. Great hospitality, and very nice meals. Great price too. Have a good time on the coast, hope it doesn't rain all the time.

[NC]

You'll need REALLY warm gear, I found out the hard way about that time last year. Hence why I'm down abit earlier this year. BEAUTIFUL weather in Hokitika at the moment.

Try booking a room at the Blackball Hilton, 30 mins north of Greymouth.

[terbang]

If you don't mind old pubs revingtons is a good nite out..

[buellbabe]

2nd Revingtons! Its the classic Pub/Hotel and bike friendly. Have stayed there a few times and we have always put the bikes in the owners Shed/Garage and then he has parked his car in front to make doubly sure they are secure while we havebeen out on the piss!!!
Things to do? Can't miss the big Greenstone outfit on the corner opp the pub. And I'm sure there are plenty of other things to do however I have only ever stayed 1 nite in Greymouth.

[buellbabe]

Footnote to earlier post: re-read the original thread and realised you are just using GM as a base. In that case you need to check out the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. An absolute must! Blackball is also worth a visit, its inland not far from GM. Cool old pub and interesting locals...