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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Tripadvisor
4.0/5 · 707 reviews
5-star
39%
4-star
30%
3-star
16%
2-star
10%
1-star
5%
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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:
I would say a minimum of 2 hours, depending on the weather and if you intend to go on the train (highly recommended, go onto the footplate and chat with the driver) allow much …
I would say a minimum of 2 hours, depending on the weather and if you intend to go on the train (highly recommended, go onto the footplate and chat with the driver) allow much more, say 4 hours.
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:
We are both in our 60’s and throughly enjoyed the experience. There are walks you can do or just meander around Shantytown. Nice little train ride and the restaurant has …
We are both in our 60’s and throughly enjoyed the experience. There are walks you can do or just meander around Shantytown. Nice little train ride and the restaurant has delicious meals, desserts and drinks. It’s what you make of your visit. Have fun.
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:
I didn't see any powered scooters there but the distance between exhibits is not too far. However, there are a number of steps, especially with the need to clamber on the train.
Want to try gold panning, is it worthwhile here, where do you go to pan? Any other recommendations for panning, two adults not kids. Thanks.
A:
The gold panning is mapped on site, easy to find when you walk down from the train ride up... and someone turns up there when you arrive. It is fun but you 'pan' a preprepared scoop of …
The gold panning is mapped on site, easy to find when you walk down from the train ride up... and someone turns up there when you arrive. It is fun but you 'pan' a preprepared scoop of gravel that is already loaded onto your pan. Its all over in 10-15 minutes and you come away with a wee phial holding some gold grains.
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