Gold panning, musuem, heritage trains and cafe! From nothing, Shantytown Heritage Park now flourishes amongst the vibrant rainforest. Where gold hatters and saw-millers formerly toiled …
Gold panning, musuem, heritage trains and cafe! From nothing, Shantytown Heritage Park now flourishes amongst the vibrant rainforest. Where gold hatters and saw-millers formerly toiled for a living. An entire township built on persevering at preserving the 19th Century West Coast experience. Native birds flourish to the point of nuisance (or eating), the sulfur scent of ancient marine life billows forth from hissing steam locomotives, alluvial flakes shimmer in the bottom of every gold pan.
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4.0/5 · 708 reviews
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Feb 22, 2025
A great step back into the past. I hope this part of NZ's way of life and stories are preserved for all of our children to observe and experience.Full review by 789desi
Jan 24, 2025
Excellent way to explain / demonstrate history whilst having fun! Whole town was well presented and with good information provided. Gold panning was a sensibly priced extra.Full review by BoardingPass600943
Oct 13, 2024
We had a lovely morning exploring Shantytown with our granddaughter, aged 6. We enjoyed the train ride and wandering around the buildings.Full review by Ann F
How much time would you allow to visit this place?
A:
How long is a piece of string The train ride is worthwhile and runs on a timetable. There is also a cafe with basic Kiwi fare. You can also do gold panning. I think we spent 3 hours all …
How long is a piece of string The train ride is worthwhile and runs on a timetable. There is also a cafe with basic Kiwi fare. You can also do gold panning. I think we spent 3 hours all up (had coffee and sandwich there). Enjoy, Cheers Rob
As a elderly couple comming just our selves Is this attraction meant for adults and Seniors with enough detailed information for adults to find interesting or is it just a funday out aimed at children?
A:
Hi Guys.. We enjoyed our visit there, and the short train trip, and the history was interesting. Unfortunately there was a large conference on the day we went, and quite a few of the …
Hi Guys.. We enjoyed our visit there, and the short train trip, and the history was interesting. Unfortunately there was a large conference on the day we went, and quite a few of the attractions were closed. If we had known what it was like we probably wouldn't have bothered.
Is this attraction suitable for those with reduced mobility. Are powered mobility scooters available for those who need one. What distances need to be walked between the various attractive NSN on the site? Thanks?
A:
Good question, best get in touch with the Shanty town office. Contact information is available from their website. From memory most of the display shops etc have steps. The …
Good question, best get in touch with the Shanty town office. Contact information is available from their website. From memory most of the display shops etc have steps. The steam train requires climbing steps. Just imagine yourself walking through a country town in the late 1800s. Hope this helps.
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