Skip the Line: Shantytown Heritage Park Experience Ticket
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Step back in time and discover a replica gold-rush village set in the late 1800’s. . Discover legendary stories through a fascinating mix of experience and display. Ride the Steam Train through native rain forest, experience the sights and sounds of a working sawmill, watch the sluice gun blast gold bearing rock and soil from the earth, then follow the races to the gold claim and pan for your own gold, a strike is guaranteed! There are over 30 shops and buildings to explore!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Shantytown Heritage Park
Shantytown is conveniently located between the West Coast's major towns Greymouth and Hokitika - just 3kms off the main highway (SH6) Open Daily 10am - 3pm (expect Christmas Day) We recommend you allow at least 90 minutes for the full Shantytown experience. On arrival you will be provided with a self-guide visitors map - we offer these in 10 different languages so please ask at the ticketing office if we can provide one in your preferred language. To make the most of your visit please note the heritage train departure times and plan your time at Shantytown around this. Trains leave at 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:00pm. Our highly experience gold claim staff can show you the techniques and tips on how to pan for gold. The gold panning experience is $7.00 per pan and can be purchased at the Shantytown Gold Claim. Onsite facilities include: • Cafe • Public Toilets • Licensed Bar • Post Office Services • Playground • Full conference, Weddings and Event Facilities
What‘s Included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Gold Panning
Old Time Photos
All Food and Beverages
Meeting points
Shantytown Heritage Park
316 Rutherglen Rd, Paroa Greymouth New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Skip the Line: Shantytown Heritage Park Experience Ticket
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
History at its finest.
X2107VYandrewb,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience at shantytown was one of a whole different level no ammount of words can describe how amazing this was, exploring around all the town riding the steam train to the sawmill and learning so much as we were walking around, value for money to gain admission we even did two days in a row also taking part in the photos at the golden nugget, the staff were absolutely helpful in anything asked or needed, A MUST DO!!!
Needs Improving
davideJ7433RR,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This has a lot of interesting things to see but sadly much of the place looks quite run down and needs money spent to make it look better. Also,I was surprised that the train journey was only 5 minutes long,
I was somewhat shocked at the price, however the shared knowledge and friendly banter was worth every penny.
NinnieBee,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Favourite part, was the knowledge, bush walk. Amazingly replicated of bygone Era. Well done to the trust. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience
A must do whatever your age
Fearless13882744237,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thought this was excellent value for money and spent about three hours enjoying the walks and exploring the well-designed displays. There’s so much fascinating information, and the staff were absolutely lovely. The train ride was a highlight, and the whole place is filled with interesting things to see and do. Great for all ages—an absolute must-visit!
Entertaining excursion into history
Martina B,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting open-air museum with various buildings from the time of the Gold Rush, lovingly restored. It was great that you were allowed into the cab of the steam locomotive during the photo break. Lots of interesting panels to live in time. We drove on after three hours for more appointments.
Correction
Solo-oldie,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I mistakenly said in a previous review that they didn't give a discount for Gold Card. I was incorrect, my apologies to Shanty Town.
Not happy about pricing.
Safari29349812041,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Not happy that I've booked the tickets only to realize I've paid USA dollars. I live in New Zealand and paid an extra 30 odd dollars on top of regular price for something I thought was a deal because I was led to believe it was NZ dollars. There is nothing saying it is USA dollars 🤬
Excellent
Ferreira C,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really nice to do Especially the tour with the steam train And the explanations by the staff...
Visit to the past
sharoncA1741KL,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was great to revisit this quant historical place. Last visited when I was 9 or 10. So that’s a good 42 years ago. Charlie at the gold mining was great to chat with and now my daughter and I have our little bit of gold to remember, I still have one from way back. Yes place is dated but that’s the history of it. Make it a point to visit and keep this place going. Absolutely yum feed at the Cafe best tasting burger, nachos and loaded wedges and we’ll priced Lovely chatty staff also
Falsely advertised by Tripadvisor
FrequentFlier495887,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The Tripadvisor tickets indicated that the gold panning was included. It is not! That’s an additional charge. Then the advertised steam train is actually a diesel engine. The train engineers were very friendly and helpful. However the place was more like a ghost town. Absolutely dead. There was no vibe and the girl in the cafe was so unhelpful even though there was no queue. Don’t waste your money.
From NZ$44.74
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