Ride the Heritage Train at Shantytown: Journey Through West Coast History & Nature!

Ready for a historic adventure? Step aboard one of Shantytown Heritage Park’s authentic heritage trains and embark on a captivating journey through lush native rainforest. Our heritage train ride offers a unique blend of history, nature, and the thrill of the West Coast’s gold mining past.

What is the Shantytown Heritage Train Ride?

The Shantytown Heritage Train ride is an immersive, short journey on an original 19th-century sawmill tram track. You’ll travel through stunning native rainforest, experiencing the beauty and tranquility that surrounds our historic town. It’s a treat for history buffs, nature lovers, and family of all ages.

Which Heritage Trains Can I Ride?

Your journey back in time will be powered by one of our remarkable historic locomotives, each with its own story:

1877 L-Class ‘Gertie’: A true classic, representing the early days of New Zealand rail.
1896 improved F-Class ‘Kaitangata’: An iconic steam engine with a rich history in coal.
1957 TR 107 Shunting Diesel: Experience the power of a working New Zealand built diesel locomotive.

Each train offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of rail transport in New Zealand. More details on our trains…

What Will I See & Do During the Train Journey?

Your scenic train ride through the Infants Creek Tram line is packed with sights and discoveries:

Lush Native Rainforest: Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the West Coast as you wind through dense, ancient bush.
Original Sawmill Track: Travel on the very tracks that once transported timber during the late 19th-century saw-milling boom.
Photo Stop: Take advantage of a dedicated photo stop at the end of the line. Capture images of the rainforest and your historic train.
Native Wildlife: Keep an eye out for the elusive native New Zealand flightless bird, the Weka, foraging in its natural habitat.
Saw-milling History: Learn fascinating facts and insights about the sawmilling industry that shaped this region.

Does the Train Ride Include Gold Panning?

No, on the return journey the heritage train ride will drop you at our Sawmill, which is near the Gold Panning area, but Gold Panning is a separate cost of $10 for anyone who wishes to have a go. You can purchase Gold Panning tickets at the Gold Claim or from the Shantytown Office.

From the Sawmill, you’ll disembark and take a short, scenic walk to our gold claim and sluice area. This seamless connection allows you to:

Witness the Sluice Gun: See the mighty sluice gun being fired up at set times during the day. Learn about its awe-inspiring power, once used extensively on the West Coast for blasting gold-bearing gravel from hillsides during the gold rush era. Our sluice gun is one of few now legally allowed to operate.
Learn Gold Panning: Follow the water races from the sluice to the gold claim, where our expert gold mining team will teach you how to find your own gold. This exciting and educational experience guarantees you’ll strike gold, leaving you with a bottled keepsake and a memory that will last forever!

For more details on what to expect and how to prepare for your gold panning adventure, please visit our Gold Panning page.

Plan Your Heritage Train Adventure

The heritage train ride is included with your general admission to Shantytown Heritage Park, providing exceptional value and a full day of exploration. Trains run regularly throughout the day.

Duration: The full train and gold panning experience typically takes 20 minutes.
Accessibility: Our trains are designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors. Please contact us if you have specific accessibility needs.

To ensure you make the most of your visit, check our About Page for current operating schedules, admission prices, and other essential information.

Explore More at Shantytown Heritage Park

The Heritage Train is just one of the many unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Shantytown. After your ride and gold panning adventure, be sure to explore our other attractions:

Wander through our dozens of period specific buildings, each telling a unique story.
Step back in time with an Old-Time Photo session for a fun, themed souvenir.
Indulge in delicious treats and hearty meals at our onsite King Dick’s Cafe.

There’s a whole town to explore – make a full day of it!