Step into a treasure trove of West Coast history! Shantytown Heritage Park is home to an extensive museum and collection, featuring over 10,000 objects, 2,000 photographs, and 1,000 archives. Our collection offers a fascinating glimpse into life on the West Coast from 1850 to 1940, ranging from everyday household items to impressive large-scale machinery like vintage steam engines.
Our collection boasts an authentic West Coast provenance, with most items kindly donated by local families and businesses. We proudly safeguard rare and historically significant objects that tell the unique story of the region’s past. Key highlights of our collection include:
Although Shantytown Heritage Park officially opened its doors in January 1971, the West Coast Historical Society began diligently collecting historical relics as early as 1968. This foresight ensured that a significant portion of the region’s heritage was preserved for future generations.
While you’ll discover many fascinating objects displayed throughout Shantytown, the majority of our vast collection is carefully preserved in a temperature-controlled environment. Due to the West Coast’s high humidity and damp conditions, some items can only be displayed for brief periods, and others not at all, to ensure their long-term conservation.
For researchers or those with a specific interest, items held in storage are available for viewing by appointment only. Please contact our Collections Department to arrange a visit.
Shantytown is dedicated to conserving West Coast history, and we still accept donations that align with our collection policy. We primarily collect items from the Victorian era (1850 to 1910) that have a strong West Coast connection. If you have an item you believe would enrich our collection, please contact our Collections Department.
Our wonderful photographic collection is a highlight, featuring the works of well-known local photographers, notably James Ring from the 1880s, whose captivating images are significant snapshots of the time period. Many of the photographs seen around the township are sourced directly from our collection or credited to other esteemed museums across New Zealand.
You can purchase high-resolution digital copies of Shantytown’s photographs. These can be emailed to you or provided on a disc for a fee of $20 NZD per image. For inquiries or to arrange a purchase, please contact our Collections Department.
We take immense pride in the care and preservation of our entire collection. An in-house Collection Manager meticulously looks after all objects, photographs, textiles, and archives. Their crucial work involves:
Our core philosophy is to conserve these precious artifacts so that our future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from the rich history of the West Coast.
Shantytown currently uses PastPerfect museum software to catalogue our extensive collection. We are actively working towards providing a comprehensive online collections database in the future, which will allow for greater public access and research opportunities.
Tips on caring for your photographs, textiles and vintage clothing and wooden furniture.
Open Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Closed: Christmas Day
Morning Train Times: 11am
Afternoon Train Times: 12.30 pm & 2.00pm
