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Anzac Park, Greymouth
700 metres
18 minutes
20 metres
If you find yourself in the heart of Greymouth with half an hour to spare and a craving for a bit of "green therapy," you don’t have to drive far into the wilderness to find it. Tucked away right on the edge of town is the Kowhai Bush Walk, a pocket-sized sanctuary that proves you don’t need to hike for hours to experience the wild soul of the West Coast.
This short but sweet trail is a local favourite for a reason. It’s the kind of place where you can escape the hum of the town, breathe in the scent of damp earth and native flora, and be back in time for a flat white at a nearby cafe. Whether you're a tourist stretching your legs after a long drive or a local looking for a peaceful spot for a midday stroll, this loop track offers a surprisingly immersive nature experience.
The Kowhai Bush Walk is a gentle, 0.7km loop that feels much longer than its modest distance suggests. Located within Anzac Park, the trail serves as a green bridge between the urban fringe of Greymouth and the tranquil waters of the Blaketown Lagoon.
As you step onto the well-formed path, the first thing you’ll notice is the immediate change in temperature and atmosphere. The air becomes cooler and heavier with the scent of native forest. The trail winds its way through a narrow but lush ribbon of verdant kōwhai forest. These trees form a protective canopy overhead, allowing dappled sunlight to dance across the forest floor. It’s a sensory experience; the crunch of leaves underfoot is often the only sound competing with the chorus of local birdlife.
The terrain is remarkably easy, with a mere 20-metre elevation gain that is barely noticeable as you meander through the trees. This makes it an absolute winner for families with small children or those who want a nature fix without breaking a sweat. However, don't let the "easy" rating fool you into thinking it's boring. The trail design is clever, utilizing sections of wooden boardwalks to elevate hikers above the sensitive estuarine vegetation.
Walking along these boardwalks is the highlight of the trip. One moment you are enclosed in the dense, leafy embrace of the bush, and the next, the view opens up to reveal the sweeping mudflats and tidal reaches of the Blaketown Lagoon. Depending on the tide, you might see the lagoon as a shimmering mirror reflecting the West Coast sky or as an intricate pattern of silty channels. In the distance, the rugged hills that frame Greymouth provide a dramatic backdrop to this quiet, coastal ecosystem.
Parking is available at Anzac Park, off Turumaha Street, Greymouth, where the trail begins. It is typically free and easily accessible.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Cygnus atratus
An iconic sight on New Zealand's waterways, these large, elegant birds are known for their entirely black plumage and striking red bills.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.5km away
A vibrant cafe, bar, and restaurant located in Greymouth's town square, known for its delicious food, excellent coffee, and relaxed atmosphere. Offers outdoor seating with heaters.
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Loop
While the track is short, it’s best enjoyed at a slow pace. There’s a certain magic in the way the light filters through the kōwhai leaves, especially in the late afternoon. Be mindful that because this is a coastal, low-lying area, the track can get a bit "mushy" after a typical West Coast downpour. A pair of sturdy sneakers or walking shoes is usually fine, but you might want to keep an eye out for the occasional muddy patch if it's been raining.
Despite its short length, the Kowhai Bush Walk packs a punch when it comes to scenic variety. Here are the features you won't want to miss:
Finding the Kowhai Bush Walk is a breeze. It is located at Anzac Park in Greymouth, just off Turumaha Street.
If you are coming from the Greymouth town centre, it’s a very short drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. There is a dedicated parking area at Anzac Park where the trail begins. Parking is typically free and there is usually plenty of space, even on weekends. The trailhead is clearly marked, and since it’s a loop, you’ll end up right back where you started—no need to worry about shuttles or long walks back to the car!
For bird lovers, this walk is a hidden gem. The combination of native bush and proximity to the lagoon means you get a mix of forest birds and coastal waders.
Keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī. These boisterous birds are common year-round and are particularly active when the kōwhai is in bloom. You’ll also likely be greeted by the New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These friendly little birds are known for following hikers along the path, flitting about to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps.
Look closer into the foliage to spot the tiny Silvereye (Tauhou) or listen for the delicate, high-pitched warble of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro).
Out on the lagoon, the wildlife changes. You will almost certainly see Black Swans gliding gracefully across the water. If you are particularly lucky or visiting at the right time of year, you might even spot the rare and elegant Royal Spoonbill (Kōtuku Ngutupapa) wading through the shallows with its distinctive bill. Because of this variety, we highly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars—you’ll find yourself using them more than you expect!
The Kowhai Bush Walk is truly a track for all seasons, but each time of year brings a different flavour to the experience:
The area surrounding the Kowhai Bush Walk and the Blaketown Lagoon holds deep significance for the region. To the local iwi, Ngāi Tahu (specifically the Poutini Ngāi Tahu), the West Coast is a land of immense spiritual and historical value. The nearby Mawhera (Grey River) was a vital artery for transport and a rich source of mahinga kai (food gathering).
The lagoon itself is part of a wider coastal system that has sustained life here for centuries. In more recent colonial history, Greymouth grew as a hub for coal mining and timber, but areas like Kowhai Bush serve as a reminder of what the landscape looked like before industrialisation.
Preserving these small pockets of native bush is a priority for the community. While you may occasionally see bits of litter (a sad reality of being so close to town), the local pride in this spot is evident. It’s a "lung" for the town, a place where the natural heritage of the West Coast is kept alive for future generations to enjoy.
One of the best things about a short hike is that it leaves you with plenty of energy (and an appetite) to explore the local food scene. Greymouth has some fantastic spots to refuel:
The Kowhai Bush Walk might be short, but it’s a beautiful reminder that nature is always within reach on the West Coast. It’s easy, accessible, and full of the unique charm that makes this part of New Zealand so special.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
1.7km away
A charming cafe nestled along Mawhera Quay, known for its exceptional coffee, delicious breakfast and lunch options, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to tourists and locals alike.
1.8km away
Situated in a historic building opposite the railway station, this ale house offers hearty southern pub fare and a range of award-winning traditional beers, perfect for a post-hike meal.