Shantytown

Shantytown Heritage Park is a window into New Zealand's pioneering past, nestled on the rugged West Coast of the South Island. This living museum meticulously recreates a 19th-century gold rush town, inviting visitors to step back in time to experience the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the early settlers.

The park, established in the 1970s, spans an area of approximately 500 hectares and is populated with over 30 historic buildings. These include a faithfully restored schoolhouse, church, jail, and a variety of shops that would have been common in a town of that era. Each structure is furnished with authentic period pieces, contributing to the immersive atmosphere.

One of the main attractions at Shantytown is the operational steam train, which offers a nostalgic ride through native rainforest, culminating in a stop at a replica of a gold mining site. Here, visitors can try their luck panning for gold, a nod to the region's rich history of gold mining that once drew prospectors from around the world.

Shantytown also features a working sawmill, demonstrating the timber industry's role in the development of the region. The museum's collection extends to vintage vehicles, horse-drawn carriages, and a photography studio, where guests can dress in period costumes and have their portraits taken as a unique souvenir.

The park's dedication to education is evident through its interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff, who are often dressed in period attire and skilled in the crafts and trades of the time. They provide insights into the daily life of the early settlers, offering demonstrations in blacksmithing, printing, and other historic crafts.