What to Do in Greytown After You’ve Hit the Bookshop

Discover the charming side of small town New Zealand

Greytown is one of those country towns that you read about in books. From the tree-lined streets and Victorian architecture to the variety of boutique shops and eateries, Greytown is like a modern-day fairytale.

Folks from all over the country flock here to get a taste of small town life, with many remarking that it looks straight out of a movie. Despite being miniature in size and population, Greytown is a close-knit community with a lot to offer.

Mrs Blackwell’s picks

Greytown is home to many beautiful and interesting stores, eateries, and walking trails. Here are some of my personal favourites:

Greytown Woodside Rail Trail

You can now cycle (or walk) all the way from Greytown to Featherston, via the adjoining Woodside and Tauwharenikau Trails.

The Woodside Trail is a gentle 5km each way. It starts in Greytown and ends at the Woodside Railway Station - where Mr Blackwell's Great-Grandfather was once the Station Master!

The Tauwharenikau Trail adds another 11.1km to your journey and will take you all the way to Featherston. You'll cross the Tauwharenikau River via a new suspension bridge which is a great part of the trail and suitable for all ages.

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Blackwell and Sons

Name sound familiar? This is Mr Blackwell’s store right across Main Street from the bookshop. They’re New Zealand’s exclusive merchants of Pashley Cycles, England’s longest established bicycle manufacturer.

Blackwell & Sons is also home to the Greytown Distilling Company Tasting Shed. Offering free gin tastings Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Greytown Gin

Greytown Distilling Company, based right here in Greytown crafts premium, award-winning boutique gins. Offering gin tastings every weekend, 10am - 4pm and Mr Blackwell may even be in the Tasting Shed to serve you. Find the Greytown Distilling Company Tasting Room inside Blackwell & Sons.

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Drink & Eat

The Offering is a great place to while away the day-time hours with your new book and a great cup of coffee. In the evenings, I recommend The White Swan (pictured) or Cuckoo Pizza. And during a summer weekend visit, a stop at Alexia Urban Winery is a must!

Take a Seat

We’re lucky to have a lot of public green space that can be enjoyed for no cost at all. Conveniently, there are public benches and seats available all over, beckoning traveler’s to pause a moment, enjoy the view, and fill in a few pages of their notebook.

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My Favourite Shops

Greytown is already well known for its collection of quality stores. Mrs Blackwell’s favourites include:

Taking a trip to Greytown?

Be sure to drop into the bookshop!