Shantytown Heritage Park
Step back into the 1860s gold rush era at Shantytown Heritage Park, with gold panning, steam trains, and historic village exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Shantytown Heritage Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into the 1860s gold rush era at Shantytown Heritage Park, with gold panning, steam trains, and historic village exploration.
"Awesome place to come with kids, a great family day out!"
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours minimum, especially for gold panning. :stopwatch:
Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids of all ages (12-16 included!) are entertained. A great family day out. :familywomanwoman_boy:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gold Panning Adventure
Gold Panning Area
Try your luck striking gold! Pans are seeded, guaranteeing a few specks for a fun, interactive experience.
Historic Steam Train Ride
Park Grounds
Journey back in time on a working classic steam train, with knowledgeable guides sharing local history.
Step Back in Time
Main Village
Explore 19th-century buildings, old storefronts, and vintage vehicles, immersing yourself in the gold rush era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gold Panning Prep
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours minimum, especially for gold panning. :stopwatch:
Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids of all ages (12-16 included!) are entertained. A great family day out. :familywomanwoman_boy:
Postmark Your Memories
Get your mail postmarked from Shantytown for a unique souvenir. :love_letter:
Dress Up Fun
Enjoy trying on historical costumes for memorable photos. :dress:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours minimum, especially for gold panning. :stopwatch:
Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids of all ages (12-16 included!) are entertained. A great family day out. :familywomanwoman_boy:
Postmark Your Memories
Get your mail postmarked from Shantytown for a unique souvenir. :love_letter:
Dress Up Fun
Enjoy trying on historical costumes for memorable photos. :dress:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shantytown Heritage Park for its immersive historical experience and engaging activities, especially gold panning and the steam train ride. It's highly recommended for families, offering a fun and educational day out. While some find the entry price a bit steep, most agree the experience is well worth it.
"You can’t miss this place when visiting the West Coast! You can ride the steam train, revisit the past at the museum, have some coffee and food, try to get lucky and pan for gold, or hang out at the playground. Locals can get a great deal with an annual ticket ☺️👌🏽 Awesome place to come with kids."
Jennifer Warkentin
"Having lived in greymouth for the first 30 years of my life. I have visited many times.
It has changed a lot. Definitely worth visiting at least once. Train rides three times a day. Open 7 days. There is a café also. Gold panning is available for $10 per person. Panning is part of the train ride. Getting gold from panning is garunteed. At the time of typing this review, gold is $7000 for a teaspoon( one ounce) of gold. So, the $10 fee for panning is well worth it."
Reuben Mossley
"We came on a busy day as they had a tourism convention going on, so parking was hard to find (this is not normal). We had a great time stepping back in time and walking around the town. There is a cafeteria for lunch or a snack /coffee etc and if you have a letter to post, if you take it with you, you can have it postmarked from Shantytown. There is a train ride you can take and the guide is very knowledgeable about the history. He operated an old sluice to demonstrate how they used to fire water at the rock they wanted to mine for. After that, the optional $10 per person will give you an opportunity to pan for Gold and you are given excellent instructions on how to do this. A great place to take the whole family! If you're going to do panning, allocate 2-3 hours minimum for this visit."
Raewyn Vincent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shantytown Heritage Park is located about 30 minutes south of Greymouth. You can drive your own vehicle and parking is generally available, though it can be busy during conventions. Public transport options might be limited, so driving or arranging a taxi is recommended.
While direct public transport might be infrequent, check local bus schedules for routes that pass near Shantytown. It's often easier to access by car or as part of a guided tour from Greymouth.
Hokitika is north of Shantytown. Driving is the most convenient option, taking approximately 45 minutes. Consider it as a stop on a West Coast road trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary, with a family pass costing around $145 for five people. Gold panning may incur an additional fee of approximately $10 per person.
Yes, locals can often get great deals with annual tickets for repeat visits.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Shantytown Heritage Park website for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to save time and potentially secure your entry.
General admission typically includes access to the historic village, the museum, the steam train ride, and demonstrations. Gold panning is often an optional extra.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can pan for gold, ride a historic steam train, explore 19th-century buildings, visit the museum, and enjoy the playground. +1
The park provides excellent instructions, and the pans are seeded, making it accessible for beginners and kids to find specks of gold. +1
Yes, a working classic steam train operates within the park, offering a scenic journey and historical insights. +1
Absolutely! The historic village, vintage vehicles, and dress-up opportunities provide plenty of picturesque moments.
Yes, there is a playground available, making it a great spot for families with younger children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafeteria offering lunch, snacks, and coffee. +1 Some visitors have also enjoyed the food at Shantytown Grill, known for wings and burgers.
The cafe typically offers standard fare like sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient spot for a break during your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and water, especially for families. However, supporting the onsite cafe is encouraged.
Greymouth, being a larger town, offers more dining choices. If you're looking for variety, consider eating before or after your visit to Shantytown.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire historic village is a photographer's dream, with old storefronts, vintage vehicles, and the steam train providing excellent backdrops.
Yes, you can take photos during the steam train ride, capturing the scenic views and the historic locomotive.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing details in the village and the steam train. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the street scenes.
The dress-up opportunities in the old salon offer a unique vintage photo experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond these highlights, the playground provides a space for younger children to burn off energy.
It's a place where learning about history feels like an adventure, making it a highly recommended family day out on the West Coast. History Buffs
The park's commitment to historical accuracy extends to its exhibits and demonstrations, offering deep insights into the lives of pioneers and the economic drivers of the region.
It’s an opportunity to understand the challenges and triumphs of the gold rush firsthand, making it a rewarding visit for anyone interested in social and industrial history. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gold Rush Experience
Beyond panning, the park showcases the infrastructure of a gold mining town. You can explore the timber mill, witness demonstrations of historical mining techniques, and wander through the main village with its authentically recreated storefronts and buildings.
This immersive experience is designed to be educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era of New Zealand's history. It’s a place where you can not only learn about the gold rush but also actively participate in its legacy.
A Journey Through Time
The park also boasts an impressive collection of vintage machinery and vehicles. From the classic steam train to old fire trucks, these artifacts highlight the technological advancements and industrial spirit of the time.
For those interested in a more hands-on historical experience, the park offers opportunities like trying on vintage clothing in the old salon, adding a fun and memorable element to your visit.
It’s a place where history comes alive, offering a unique educational and recreational outing. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit