13D12N South NZ - Greymouth

Day 2 - Arthur's Pass & Greymouth

The next morning, we took about 3 hours to explore Arthur's Pass before we continue our journey to Greymouth. We checked out from the hostel and walked around the area.




The Visitor Information Center which is a short stroll away from Mountain House. It is towards the right as you exit the hostel.




Towards the left of the hostel, there are some short trails to explore as well.






After about 3 hours, we decided to move on as we have sightseeing plans at Greymouth too. Greymouth is only an hour drive from Arthur's Pass. The road leading to Greymouth is a coastal road.





Just before reaching Greymouth, we stopped by Shantytown. We bought a discounted voucher from Grabone and decided to stop by for a look since it is on the way. This place is really deserted. I mean really deserted!





We had our lunch there at one of the restaurants and were the only customers there. We took the fish and chips for only NZ$8. And yes, it's kid's meal but the portion is enough for us.





This is the fish and chips. The size of the portion is really generous. I don't think the kids in my home country can finish that on their own. Even I can't finish it.





Incidentally they have a band that came over to play at Shantytown on that day of our visit.





Our tickets were inclusive of the steam train. They also explained to us how the steam train works. Again, we were the only two customers onboard the train.





We paid an additional NZ$5 for the gold digging. In case you are now asking, yes, we were the only two customers again. I am sure the guy must be very grateful with our visit, at least we kept him occupied and busy for 10 minutes or so.





The gold that we found and was given to us to bring home :-). Can you see the few tiny dots of gold? How much is this worth?





After that we walked around the area. There isn't much to see or explore. Maybe it was also because we seemed to be the only customers there so the mood to explore the place was not really there.





After we had enough of Shantytown, we continued to Greymouth and checked in at Duke Backpackers Hostel. When we left for Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, it was already towards the late evening. The visitors were already leaving the place when we reached there and it was very quiet. Well, it doesn't really matter. At least we get to take some sunset shots with no obstructions. Oh did I mention that the weather today was fantastic? It was sunny and cold with clear blue skies. This was the second day of spring.





The path leading to the pancake rocks.





More pictures of the area.







Greymouth is really a small township. If you are stopping by just for the rocks, I don't think it is worth the time but then don't forget that this is also the place to take the scenic TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. If you are lack of time, then skip Greymouth otherwise take your time to explore other parts of Greymouth that I did not managed to.