The West Coast of the Southern Alps extends more than 500 kilometers along the western side of the South Island, and is the longest region in New Zealand (from latitude 40°50’ to 44°15’ south). Its length is almost the same as the distance between Auckland and Wellington. Hemmed between mountains and the sea, only a narrow strip of land is habitable.
Renowned for periods of high rainfall combined with a mild climate, this means the West Coast has a great extent of Native Forest. The Grey District has approximately 65% of its land base in Department of Conservation (DOC) conservancy, giving us access to some of the best parks and reserves in New Zealand. You will find some excellent information on the West Coast Region on the DOC website - please click here>>.
The 'Barber' is a notorious, chilly wind that can stream down the Grey Valley in the morning if the conditions are right, funnelled through the Grey River/Māwheranui gap, and marked by a trail of white mist. It is locally known as 'the barber', reputedly because it cuts you to the bone. The 'Barber', according to the 1959 NZ National resources survey, describes the phenomenon as a mountain wind reinforced by easterly winds following a cold front, but an older explanation (1906) says the warmer temperatures of the ocean attracts the cold air of the Grey Valley to the narrow opening of the river gorge – it draws seaward with such force to create the cutting and piercing wind. However it only affects the river confines and from a lookout in Arnott Heights you can really appreciate the wonder of the 'Barber' as it is clearly visible. It is a good omen, giving a chilly start to a day that is usually fine and clear.
Photo of the Greymouth Barber courtesy of Stewart Nimmo
Population
Although the West Coast region covers 8.7% of the land area of New Zealand, it has only 0.8% of the people, Most of the small population lives in towns near the mouths of major rivers and the rest of the region is sparsely settled.
The West Coast is one of the few parts of New Zealand where the population has been declining since last century - from a high of 40,136 in 1936 down to 30,300 in 2001. However, the 2006 census showed a slight increase to 31,326 and estimates from this time show further increases. The population of the Grey District as at the 2006 census was 13,221.
Further statistics for the Grey District can be found on the Statistics New Zealand website - please click here>>.