Shantytown Heritage Park
West Coast
Shantytown Heritage Park is a meticulously recreated 19th-century gold-mining town located 10 kilometres south of Greymouth on New Zealand's South Island West Coast. Established in 1971 by local enthusiasts aiming to preserve the region's gold-mining heritage, the park features 30 historic buildings including a church, coronation hall, bank, hotel, butcher, and blacksmith, many of which are original structures relocated to the site. The park is surrounded by native forest, enhancing the authentic pioneer atmosphere. Visitors can explore a replica narrow-gauge bush tram line with vintage steam locomotives, including the 1877 L-class "Gertie" and the 1896 F-class Kaitangata engine, which transport guests to a historic sawmill and gold panning area. The Chinatown precinct illustrates the life of Chinese immigrant miners from the 1860s. Interactive exhibits such as a foundry display traditional ironwork techniques, while a holographic theatre and old-time photo studio add to the immersive experience. The park also offers walking tracks to lookout points and a surveyors monument. Open year-round except Christmas Day, Shantytown provides educational programs for schools and facilities for events like weddings in its 1866 inter-denominational church. The collection includes thousands of artifacts ranging from mining equipment to period furniture, preserved with community involvement and volunteer support.
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Tipp: Plan to spend at least 90 minutes to fully experience Shantytown's attractions including the heritage train ride, gold panning, and museum exhibits. The park is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm year-round except Christmas Day. Tickets include train rides; purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Visiting on a wet, wild day offers an atmospheric pioneer experience, as attractions operate rain or shine. Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and groups. The onsite café and souvenir shop provide refreshments and mementos.
Interessante Fakten
- •Shantytown features a narrow-gauge bush tram line with steam locomotives dating back to 1877 and 1896.
- •The park includes a recreated Chinatown area reflecting the lives of Chinese gold miners from the 1860s.
- •A sluice gun demonstration and tutored gold panning occur multiple times daily at the Infants Creek Sawmill stop.
- •Many of the buildings in Shantytown are original structures relocated to the site to preserve authenticity.
- •The inter-denominational church on site was originally built in 1866 and is still used for weddings and events.
Geschichte
Shantytown Heritage Park was founded in 1968 by the West Coast Historical and Mechanical Society to preserve the gold-mining history of the region.
It officially opened to the public on 23 January 1971 after extensive volunteer efforts and donations of artifacts.
The collection focuses on the Victorian era through to the 1940s, showcasing life during the gold rush period.
Over the decades, the park has expanded to include 30 historic buildings, a heritage railway, and educational facilities, maintaining strong community involvement and stewardship.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Main Street Historic Buildings
Explore the two main streets lined with 30 historic buildings including shops like the bank, hotel, butcher, shoe shop, barber, carpenter, and blacksmith, all restored or relocated to recreate a 19th-century gold-mining town atmosphere.
Heritage Steam Train Ride1877 and 1896
Ride vintage steam trains "Gertie" (1877 L-class) and the 1896 F-class Kaitangata along a 1.5 km narrow-gauge tram line to the Infants Creek Sawmill, with photo stops and gold panning opportunities.
Chinatown Precinct1860s
A recreated area depicting the living conditions and culture of Chinese immigrant gold miners who arrived in the 1860s, highlighting their contribution to the West Coast gold rush.
Foundry and Ironwork Displays
Interactive exhibits showcasing traditional blacksmithing craftsmanship, tools, and techniques, with preserved historic equipment demonstrating pioneer industry skills.
Inter-denominational Church1866
An 1866-built church used historically by the community, now available for weddings and events, representing the religious heritage of the town.
Infants Creek Sawmill and Sluice Gun
A historic sawmill terminus where visitors can watch the sluice gun fired up to four times per day and participate in guided gold panning sessions.
Walking Tracks and Lookout
Short bush walks lead visitors to a surveyors monument and scenic lookout points offering views of the surrounding native forest and heritage park.
Kontakt
Telefon: 03 762 6634