New Zealand Tourism Online

Gold Rush History, West Coast, New Zealand

Shantytown Introduction

Shantytown is a leading New Zealand culture and heritage attraction. Our gold rush history is preserved in this faithfully recreated West Coast town, typical of the 19th century.

Made up of over 30 historic buildings, the theme is that of the great gold rush that took place here in the 1860s. At its peak, the area in and around Shantytown was home to some 5,000 prospectors and their families.

Steam power was at the heart of the West Coast's early development and gold mining in New Zealand. Shantytown's three lovingly restored and maintained locomotive engines make this a mecca for train buffs, while new generations of travellers can experience the sights and sounds of the steam era.

The town's peaceful setting amongst regenerating native forest gives visitors the opportunity to step back into an earlier time, experience a range of activities and view fascinating relics from days gone by.

Shantytown's surrounds and gold rush history theme provide a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts to capture those perfect shots.

Shantytown is conveniently located between the West Coast's major towns, Greymouth and Hokitika just three kilometres off the main highway.

Highlights of our Gold Rush History

First conceived of over 30 years ago, the local communities has helped us to grow. Highlights include:

• Riding the steam train
• Panning for gold
• Having an old-time photo taken as a memento of your visit.
• The Beehive Store and it's range of traditional confectionery
• The Curio Shop with quality New Zealand-made products and souvenirs
• 19th Century Marsden Valley School
• Chinatown Miners Village

There are also a number of short tracks and gentle walks through the surrounding regenerating rainforest for those wishing to stretch their legs, and a playground for children.

Refreshments – We have a couple of fully licensed places from which you can obtain refreshments:

• Everybodys Tearooms—provides snacks and meals for visitors
• Golden Nugget Saloon—with a full range of drinks

Weddings, Conferences and Other Events

Our restored 1865 interdenominational church is a popular choice for wedding services, along with other indoor and outdoor venues around the village. Shantytown offers a complete package that includes:

• Great photo opportunities
• 300-seat Miners Hall
• Wonderful range of buffet and set-menu options
• Fully licensed Golden Nugget Salon

Shantytown is also the perfect venue for conferences and other corporate events. The peaceful surrounds allow those attending to focus on the business at hand. Our experienced events team can take care of all your requirements.

For further information about gold mining in New Zealand, please contact us or visit our gold rush history Web site.

Panning and Gold Mining in New Zealand

At the peak of the Gold Rush in the 1860s the area in and around Shantytown was home to some 5,000 prospectors and their families.

The gaunt heaps of stones that the miners called tailings are now kindly masked by the encroaching native bush. At one time, though, the area was alive with Chinese diggers and wild colonial boys tearing into the land, to prize the glittering rewards with their gold dredges and sluicing claims.

Whether you choose to arrive at the claim by steam train or via a short walk up an exquisite bush pathway, this is one experience that you must do.

Our New Zealand and Australasian Gold Panning Champ and his team will guide you through the entire panning process where you'll be assured of winning a small “colour” at our old town for gold mining in New Zealand.

Gold Rush History by Steam Train

Steam power was at the heart of the West Coast's early development. Our gold rush history preserves the experience for new generations of travellers via a short trip by steam train.

All entrances to Shantytown include a ride on one of our three vintage steam trains. Open from 8:30 am, our first train departs at 9:45 am and then at regular intervals right throughout the day until 4:00 pm. On either the 1877 L-Class, improved 1896 F-Class Kaitangata or 1913 Climax, you will take a short trip through lush native rain forest along a line which follows an original sawmill tram track of the 1800s.

On the return trip our train will stop at the Infants Creek Sawmill where you will disembark and take a short walk to our gold claim. When you have panned your gold with a guaranteed a strike, another short bush-clad walk will have you back in the heart of this gold mining in New Zealand.

For further information about gold mining in New Zealand, please contact us or visit our gold rush history Web site.

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