Shantytown Heritage Park

Shantytown Heritage Park recreates a gold rush mining town from New Zealand's West Coast, as it existed in the late 19th century. Located about twenty kilometres south of Greymouth, the park brings together over 30 heritage buildings—both authentic and faithfully reconstructed—on a forested site. It's one of the rare places in New Zealand where you can pan for gold, ride a steam train and walk down a wooden street all in a single visit.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Entry: paid admission (adults, children, families — check official website for current rates)
• Access: car recommended from Greymouth (SH6 heading south); no regular public transport to the site
• Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours to explore the village and take a train ride
• Accessibility: part of the site is accessible, though gravel paths may be challenging
• Attire: closed-toe shoes recommended for the paths and panning site

What to See

The park features buildings typical of a mining settlement: hotel, printing press, school, church, post office, sawmill and pharmacy. Each building is furnished with period-appropriate objects. A steam train travels around the site on a short forest railway line. The highlight remains the gold panning site, where visitors can sift river sand and try their hand at finding alluvial gold.

History and Context

The West Coast gold rush begins in the 1860s, drawing thousands of gold seekers—European, Chinese and Australian. Dozens of boomtowns spring up across the kahikatea and rimu forest. Shantytown was established in the 1970s to preserve the memory of this era, bringing together buildings salvaged from demolition across the entire Westland region.

Highlights of Your Visit

The Steam Train

A steam locomotive pulls open wagons through native forest. The journey is short but gives a tangible sense of mining-era transport. Departures run several times daily depending on the season.

Gold Panning

At the site set up beside a waterway, each visitor receives a pan. The sand is enriched with real gold flakes: most participants leave with a few golden specks in their souvenir vial.

The Reconstructed Main Street

The row of painted wooden façades—hotel, general store, sheriff's office—creates an authentic outback western atmosphere. The interiors are accessible and furnished with period artefacts collected throughout the region.

Photography Tips

Light filtered through the rimu forest creates beautiful mood lighting mid-morning. The steam locomotive provides striking images at departure—position yourself to the side of the tracks. The dark interiors of buildings require high ISO settings or a tripod. No known photography restrictions at the site.

Location and Access

Shantytown is located at Rutherglen, approximately 12 km south of Greymouth on State Highway 6. Greymouth is accessible from Christchurch by the TranzAlpine train (crossing the Southern Alps) or by car via Arthur's Pass. From Hokitika, allow about twenty minutes heading north. On-site parking is free. Public transport access is limited; a rental vehicle remains the most practical solution on the West Coast.

In the Surrounding Area

• Hokitika Gorge — striking turquoise waters in the forest, approximately 30 km to the south.
• Greymouth — main West Coast town, departure point for the TranzAlpine and logistical hub.
• Paparoa National Park — Pancake Rocks cliffs and Punakaiki geysers, north of Greymouth.
• Hokitika — town known for its jade (pounamu) workshops and summer night market.