Greymouth, New Zealand

Capital City

Greymouth is a town of 8,170 people on the wet and windswept West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. While the surrounding natural landscapes are undeniably beautiful, residents must contend with a relentless "Barber" wind and a river prone to devastating floods - the latter of which has led to the construction of a costly 2-meter flood wall. With 65% of the district under conservation management, the town's economy has shifted from coal mining and forestry to increasingly depend on ecotourism. For the hardy and adventurous, Greymouth offers a rugged gateway to the region's trails and natural wonders, but the bureaucracy and unpredictable climate make it a hard sell for the faint of heart.