Step back in time. See a fascinating mix of exhibits & interactive activities in a recreated 1900's gold-rush village. A perfect "must do " family attraction.
Step back in time and discover legendary stories of pioneer West Coasters through a fascinating mix of exhibits & interactive activities in a recreated 1900's gold-rush village.
Ride the steam train through native rainforest, experience the sights and sounds of a working sawmill, watch the sluice gun blast gold bearing rock and soil from the earth, then follow the races to the gold claim and pan for your own gold, a strike is guaranteed! Old time photographs and a holographic theatre show are just some of the other activities available.
With over 30 shops and buildings to explore whatever the weather you're guaranteed a great time at Shantytown Heritage Park.
Licensed onsite café and bar.
Only 10 kms south of Greymouth - well sign posted off SH6
A true New Zealand "must do" attraction!
Spent 3 hours walking around all the little shops and reading history and stories, if you like old days I would say go have a look. It was a wet day when we went but that didn’t really damper the mood. Good for family. Would definitely go again.
Do visit Shantytown. A wonderful collection feature bygone times. Like many tourism businesses on the Coast, Shantytown is struggling through covid restrictions affecting their income, and it does have an effect on how they operate. A skeleton crew of staff, and I guess a number of volunteers, keep this ticking along in difficult times. There is a vintage train ride through the bush to the sawmill, and you can have a crack at panning for gold (guaranteed that there is some to find in your pan!). Behind the stables is a walk through the bush up the hill, it takes a little longer due to track wash-outs (so there is an alternative track). Well worth the effort, the bush walk is beautiful and great for some time out. Try out the longdrop and the stocks! A look through the hospital gives a wonderful appreciation of modern medicine! Accessible steam engines for the enthusiasts - currently not running because of the high cost of coal combined with lack of income (covid again), but a diesel engine is still operating. An enjoyable few hours spent here.
Friendly hosts and great attraction
Fun for the kids
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Ruth Blackett from New Zealand wrote on 02 June 2021
Shantytown
We had a wonderful time at Shantytown. The whole complex was amazing, so well presented. The staff for us were the highlight, friendly informative and full of laughter and fun. We spent the whole day there and recommend it to any age.