Shantytown provides a real sense of what it was like to live in gold rush era New Zealand. Allowing visitors to participate in activities and observe our country as it was during a time of great immigration, exploration and innovation. Shantytown is one of New Zealand’s premier cultural and heritage attractions. A faithfully recreated pioneer town, born out of, and stimulated by, the great West Coast gold rushes of the 1860s. Shantytown, nestled amidst regenerative native rain forest provides a real sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand then, and what it means to be a New Zealander now. Allowing you to be both participant and observer in this most dynamic period of post-Maori colonisation. Shantytown is also one of the West Coast's leading functions, conferences and weddings venues. Shantytown is located approximately 10km south of Greymouth. Business hours: 9.00am - 4.00pm, seven days a week, 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day). Months of operation: All months of the year