Shantytown, West Coast

We are one of New Zealand's premier heritage attractions. A faithfully restored 1900's pioneer town, born out of, and stimulated by, the West Coast gold rushes of the 1860s. A living monument to the hardy pioneers who forded the wildly exotic rivers and streams, and scrambled through the rugged subtropical rainforest in search of their fortunes. Shantytown has grown to comprise over 30 historic buildings, gold panning, working steam trains, a multi-denominational church, 300-seat conference and events centre, licensed bar and tearooms, confectionery store, curio and collectables shop, 19th century Marsden Valley School and children's playground, and Chinatown Miners Village. Open daily 8:30am - 5pm (closed Xmas Day).