West Coast police area commander Inspector Jacqui Corner, said in a statement that armed police were called to two hotels, following reports of armed robberies.
Police were alerted to an attempted aggravated robbery at the Railway Hotel on Mawhera Quay, Greymouth shortly before 11am.
Ms Corner said the offender was unable to enter the business but was reportedly armed with a firearm.
No shots were fired and no one was injured.
A short time later, police were alerted to an aggravated robbery at the Runanga Workingmen's Club.
"The offender reportedly entered the premises and demanded money from staff. The offender was also reportedly armed with a firearm."
Again, Ms Corner said there were no shots fired and no one was injured in the second incident.
Armed police were responding as a precaution.
"At this early stage we are unable to confirm if these two incidents are connected, however,we are keeping an open mind."
Witnesses to the Railway Hotel incident on Mawhera Quay called police when they saw a man standing outside the establishment with a shot gun.
Another witness said that they could see orange smoke billowing from the canisters from the Greymouth side of the Cobden bridge.
The canisters were left lying on the footpath alongside the pub.
Two police officers arrived at the Railway Hotel just before 11am both armed -- one with a Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle.
There was also a police presence at the Runanga Workingmen's Club in Pitt Street and a police car was parked at the Ward Street, Runanga intersection about 11.30am.
The Police Big Day Out at the Grey District Aquatic Centre this morning was also interrupted as police were called to the incident.
The Greymouth Star understands the man was driving a stolen vehicle.
Witnesses from outside the Railway Hotel, who were visiting Greymouth, said they were pretty "shaken up" by what they had seen.
They saw a person with a firearm outside the hotel and telephoned the police immediately. They were not staying at the Railway Hotel.
By Viv Logie
