Gold Panning at Shantytown: Strike Gold on the West Coast!

Ever dreamed of striking gold? At Shantytown Heritage Park, you can! Our authentic gold panning experience offers an unforgettable journey back to the exciting era of New Zealand’s West Coast gold rush. Step up with your gold pan and feel the thrill of the 1860s, guided by our expert gold miners who’ll help you discover real gold.

What is Gold Panning at Shantytown?

Gold panning at Shantytown is an immersive, hands-on activity where you learn the historic techniques used by early prospectors to find gold. It’s a key part of understanding the West Coast’s rich gold mining heritage and offers a genuine chance to find your own precious flakes.

How Do I Learn to Gold Pan? Expert Guidance & Techniques

At Shantytown, you’re in good hands! Our friendly and experienced gold miners are here to share their secrets. They’ll teach you everything you need to know, ensuring you have the best chance of finding gold in your pan. You’ll learn about:

The properties of gold and where to look for it.
Proper panning techniques to separate gold from gravel.
Fascinating stories about the history of gold mining on the West Coast.

Our goal is to make your experience both educational and incredibly enjoyable!

Ready for a Challenge? Try Wild Panning!

For the more adventurous or experienced prospectors, we offer a “Wild Panning” option. This extra challenge allows you to truly embrace the prospector spirit! Grab your pan and head to our designated sluice area, where you can shovel your own “shingle” (gravel) directly from the stream bed. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a hidden nugget!

Why Choose Shantytown for Your Gold Panning Adventure?

Shantytown Heritage Park provides the perfect setting for your gold panning experience:

Expert Guidance: Learn directly from seasoned gold panners who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have a successful find.
Family-Friendly Fun: Gold panning is an engaging and educational activity for all ages. It’s the perfect outing for families and groups, creating lasting memories.
Authentic Historic Setting: Immerse yourself in the rich history of West Coast gold mining. Appreciate the challenges and triumphs faced by old-time prospectors in their hunt for fortune, all within a genuine recreated 19th-century gold town.

Planning Your Gold Panning Visit: Tickets & What to Bring

Ready to try your luck? Here’s what you need to know:

Cost: Gold panning tickets are an additional $10 per pan on top of your general admission to Shantytown Heritage Park.

Hot Tip: We recommend purchasing your panning tickets in advance at our reception desk upon arrival, especially during peak season to secure your spot.

What to Wear: There’s no special attire needed – just dress comfortably for the weather!

Sheltered & Open Areas: Our dedicated gold panning areas are designed for all conditions. We have a sheltered section for rainy days and an open area perfect for sunny West Coast weather.

For full admission prices and other visitor information, please see our About Page.

Beyond Gold Panning: Explore More of Shantytown Heritage Park!

While striking gold is definitely a highlight, Shantytown offers a wealth of other interactive attractions to make your day truly unforgettable. Don’t miss these other treasures:

Take a ride on our historic Heritage Train, chugging through native bush.
Step back in time with an Old-Time Photo session – perfect for fun souvenirs!
Wander through our dozens of period style buildings and discover stories from the past.
Indulge in delicious treats and hearty meals at our onsite King Dick’s Cafe.

Make a full day of it and experience all that Shantytown Heritage Park has to offer!