After spending a night at Christchurch on Day 1, it’s time to head towards Greymouth using State Highway 73 (SH73). Weather forecast says that it’s fine on west coast for the rest of the week. Christchurch and the east will have rain instead.


I made many stops along SH73 to take some scenic photos.

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This is somewhere along SH73. Weather is not that good for photography.

Still at SH73. Very misty

More from SH73

Getting closer to Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass. Photo taken while crossing a bridge at Waimakariri River. The bridge is one lane and narrow with no space to stop aside.

Otira viaduct

Right after Jacksons town at SH73, I turn into Lake Brunner Road. I could have continued on SH73 all the way to Greymouth by connecting with SH6 but Lake Brunner caught my eye on the map.

It’s 2PM by the time I reach Moana, so it’s time for lunch! Stationhouse Cafe & Bar seems to be the only restuarant available here.

Restaurant outdoor seating

Soup of the day - $11

Blue cod, served with salad and chips - $14

Thai chicken and shrimp - $16

View of Moana Railway Station and Lake Brunner from the restaurant

TranzAlpine train (Christchurch to Greymouth) passes by. It claims to be one of the most scenic train ride in the world

Railway track at Moana

Lake Brunner

Lake Brunner.

After Moana, the journey continues with Arnold Valley Rd up to Stillwater town and connects back to State Highway 7 (SH7).

Historic site - The Brunner Mine (coal mine) along SH7

The Brunner Mine

Brunner Mine bridge

View of Grey River from the bridge

Brunner Mine bridge

Yay, I finally arrive at Greymouth and the first place I look for is ‘accommodation’! From the BBH booklet, I just pick the nearest and it’s Duke Backpackers.

It is $24 a night in a dorm with free 1/2 hour internet. Colourful wall and doors

View of the entire Greymouth town from a lookout point in King Domain, Mount St. It’s a bit bright as the sun is setting directly in front

View of sunset in Greymouth from Duke Backpackers balcony. Very quiet with only one car parked outside.