Shantytown Heritage Park | Pioneer Experience

Think you understand our stunning West Coast at a glance?

Then your eyes are probably deceiving you.

Shatter your belief of The West Coast’s untamed, natural, wilderness through the astonishing story of 19th-century settlement and a quest for riches.

Current Operational Train:

1877 built L508 “Gertie”
Avonside Engine Company, Bristol.

Train Timetable: 11.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm

Gates Open: 9am-4pm

Cafe, Photos, & Gold Panning open from 10 am.

In just 92 minutes, we aim to turn your pristine idea of our wild region upside down—revealing the real story of environmental destruction, adaptation, and regeneration that has defined life here.

You’ll cotton on quick enough why the folks around these parts are a different breed – true “Pioneers by Nature.” They had to be bloody clever and a little mad to scratch a living out of this skinny stretch of nowhere.

Your first 2 minutes have already begun…

What Our Visitors Say!

Absolutely loved this place, amazing history, wonderfully restored buildings full of artifacts. Hubby loved the train ride. Nice little cafe, great tea & orange muffin. Staff were professional, knowledgeable & enthusiastic about the place. Highly recommend

I thought this little town was so magical. If you are interested in the Gold Rush theme in general, you should definitely stop here. Also for children a great excursion destination. I was here alone and saw and read so much, it wasn't crowded and you could really make time for everything. All the staff are very friendly and I really enjoyed the afternoon here.

The visit surpassed my expectations. I’ve visited many historic artefacts displays but this was one of the best. Real quality stuff to see. Priceless steam trains, printing presses, medical equipment all sorts. Great to wander through the timber mill with lots of video displays. A working classic steam train. Probably a visit loved more by the guys than guyesses.

We really enjoyed our day at Shantytown, especially the restored rail line and the panning for gold (kids are guaranteed to find a few specks since the pans are seeded). The main villager is fascinating with old storefronts and some of the buildings can be visited. There are also vintage fire trucks and other vehicles as well as a number of easy walking tracks to different parts of the park. This is a great place to visit with children.

What is Shantytown Heritage Park?

Shantytown Heritage Park is New Zealand’s only fully recreated 19th-century gold mining town, located amidst the lush native rainforest of the West Coast. Since its official opening in 1971, it has offered visitors an immersive and authentic glimpse into the vibrant history and pioneering spirit of the region’s gold rush era.

Why Visit Shantytown Heritage Park? Top Experiences Await!

Shantytown offers an unforgettable day out for everyone and a deeper understanding of the West Coast experience beyond our fantastic scenery. Here’s why you should make us part of your next West Coast adventure:

Ride a Historic Heritage Train: Climb aboard our authentic heritage train for a scenic journey through native bush, following timber history and old gold workings.

Pan for Real Gold: Learn the techniques of early prospectors at our Gold Claim, and we guarantee you’ll come away with real West Coast gold flakes as a souvenir.

Explore a 19th-Century Village: Wander through over thirty historic shops and buildings, immersing yourself in the sights and stories of a bustling 1880s gold mining town.

Discover Chinese Gold Miner History: Learn about the significant, yet often challenging, contributions of Chinese miners at our poignant Chinatown exhibit.

Experience Industrial Heritage: Witness the power of steam at our historic sawmill and delve into the crucial role of foundries that shaped the West Coast.

Family Fun for All Ages: Enjoy a flying fox, treasure hunts, old-fashioned lollies, and unique photo opportunities, ensuring hours of fun for the whole family.

Planning Your Visit: Essential Information

Opening Hours: We are open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed only on Christmas Day.

Location: Find us easily at 316 Rutherglen Road, Paroa, Greymouth, West Coast, New Zealand.

Ticket Prices: General admission includes access to most attractions. Gold panning is an additional $10 per pan. Visit our About Page for full pricing details.

Dining: Enjoy delicious cafe-style food, excellent coffee, and treats at King Dick’s Cafe.

Come and Get the Authentic West Coast Story!

Since opening back in 1971, Shantytown has been keeping many of the true stories and artifacts from the 1800s alive. Showing off how man and land shaped this coast – for better or worse – and what this meant for the whole darn country as it developed into a nation.

We’re a must-see Greymouth attraction, West Coast attraction, and while we’re boasting, New Zealand attraction too for that matter!

“We have helped millions of visitors experience the West Coast in a more deeply connected and truthful way, with a few tall stories thrown in for their enjoyment!”

Gold Rush Realities: Step in the muddy footsteps of 19th-century prospectors. Hear the tales of fortunes made and lost, and witness how the feverish hunt for gold reshaped entire valleys, diverted rivers, and left lasting marks on the land. Try your hand at gold panning and feel the thrill.

Timber & Sawmilling: Experience the innerworkings of a traditional West Coast sawmill and the community life that sprung up around these enterprises. Learn how vast forests were felled to build towns, support mineral extraction, and supply timber to a growing nation—leaving behind both cleared land and the seeds of a regenerative mindset.

Life on the Frontier: Immerse yourself in the daily lives of West Coast pioneers. From bustling main streets and rustic cottages to the challenges of isolation and wild weather, discover how resilience, resourcefulness, and community spirit defined life on the edge of the world

Get Your Hands Dirty with History! A unique West Coast Experience.

Explore inside the period style buildings of our open air museum, a fantastic family activity and bound to cause a twang of nostalgia.
Get hands on with a gold pan and learn ‘The Knack’ of separating wealth from sand.
Watch one of the few legally operated sluice guns still blasting away.
Dress up in some of our old-timey duds, and throw your best emotionless pose for an Old Time Photo. A good laugh and a tangible 6×8 keepsake of your visit.
Ride one of three heritage trains up historic logging track into regenerating rainforest.

Perfect activities for everyone, whatever the weather… especially as we only take a break on Christmas Day!

Local Tip: Want the real West Coast pioneer experience? Come on a wet and wild winter’s day. That’s when you can almost feel the grit and ghosts of the old timers!

And there’s plenty more to discover, if you’re keen to dig a bit deeper into the history of the West Coast. We’ve got some pearler stories that’ll curl your toes, and a few that’ll make you question what you’ve done with your life!

We’re a significant site to fully explore. So book your visit in, set aside that other 90 minutes and come truly understand what the West Coast is about!

Some people say we’re old fashioned, and to tell the truth, we are! As a customary “Welcome to the West Coast” gift, grab your complimentary Souvenir Guide below.

Our Souvenir Guide Is Available Free Right Now!

(R.R.P. $15.00 NZD)

Save $15 by securing your free digital copy. Our Souvenir Guide covers everything that Shantytown offers onsite in a little more detail.

Attractions

We recommend you allow at least 90 minutes to experience our award-winning attractions. Click image to view details.

Ride the heritage train

Pan for your own gold

Visit the museum

Experience the sawmill

Discover chinatown

Enjoy Princess Theatre

Get an old time photo

Serious fun for kids

Short rainforest walks

Explore the village

King Dick’s cafe

Foundry experience

Events And Weddings

Shantytown Heritage Park is home to the West Coast Events Centre – ideal for hosting small, intimate meetings up to large corporate events of up to 600 delegates. Read more…

A wedding at Shantytown is like no other. Private bush clad location, authentic historic church, full on-site catering and support, while stunning photo opportunities abound. Read more…

Education

We provide hands on and active learning programmes for students aged 5-18. Our Centre offers a broad range of programmes covering all areas of the curriculum, suitable for most topic areas. If we don’t have anything you are looking for we will endeavour to create a programme which suits your learning intentions. Read more…

Shantytown is conveniently located between the West Coast’s major towns, Greymouth and Hokitika – just 3kms off the main highway (SH6).