Shantytown a must do on the West Coast - What an incredible experience made all the better by the friendly staff. The train trip and gold panning were incredible but Chinatown is my stand out memory. How those miners managed to live in such primitive conditions is beyond me.

Interactive, immersive experience of a bygone era - From moment I entered Heritage Park I was immersed into a bygone era. The old tearooms provided an excellent cooked breakfast ($18) whilst listening to 1920s music on original radio. Steam train journey was a joy travelling through the rain forest with engaging Driver / Conductor both most informative. The old saw mill with visuals, walking through bush to appreciate how the old gold miners lived and worked with excellent interactive models. Shown the old sluicing ways then able to sluice gold myself. The history at this place is staggering. Visiting the old foundry, seeing old boilers and train engines with total immersion experience. A destination to revisit.

Shantytown something for everyone - It was easy to find. We enjoyed the train ride and watching the Weka and chicks. The exhibits were interesting and varied. The the staff and guided were friendly and knowledgeable. We all enjoyed our time there.

FUN, FUN, FUN - Amazing people, Such a lot of fun, loved it and highly recommend it to all. BUT BEWARE, you may get GOLD FEVER, LOL. My husband has it and sees every stream as a possibility to go panning in.

Welcome reminder - Yet another reminder from history that the deeds of our forebears took some doing and shouldn’t be forgotten. Well done to the conservation group for their restoration work

An older couples experience on the West Coast of New Zealand - I am sorry to have to write such a negative review but unfortunately this experience was not worthwhile. The videos of the place featured an active vibrant place. The staff did their best and were very engaged but the whole experience was very disappointing. It was very lifeless despite lots of featured stories of dead ones along the walks.

Tired old town - Whilst mildly interesting and quirky, the place just feels tired. The movie theatre was out of order, the old time photos were not operating, a number of the displays in the mining village were not working. The gold panning was a bit of fun, even for the older kids. Maybe come here for a bit of nostalgia if that's your thing, just keep your expectations low. Certainly don't come for lunch! The icecreams are yummy though.

Very tired - Very tired. Stayed for 20mins, then left. Would struggle to think of a redeeming quality. Shame, kids were looking fwd to it.

Not good sadly 😢 - Was a bit disappointed with the lack of atmosphere, the train could of gone more frequent with the amount of people wishing to board, there were no slots for photos as told they were all booked, in 2 hours never seen any photos been taken, the bar had no staff, we were completely confused with China town!! No movie was on, will not come back sadly

Financially ripped off - On arrival we were greeted with someone who was not sure of pricing had to ask someone else to help. We walked around and went on the train first. It was ok overloaded with people so you could not see much. Again nothing to winge about. Paid $90.00 for two of us. This got you entrance, two coffees, gold panning. The gold panning was just a joke pre made pans you were handed to wash and find gold….oh dear. The sluice was not working, the photograph dress ups not working, the holographic show not working, did not see one person dressed authentic as in brochures, museum type layout that has done it’s time. I feel so ripped off financially today as we heard many other families complaining. Easter weekend to boot. Sign in saloon said no alcohol served Good Friday or Easter Sunday it was Saturday and no one in there. Last resort to end our terrible visit to a tourist attraction was the cafe. Sign on Piano please don’t play piano today. Dear god…what next…snappy girl behind counter. Not good enough Shanty Town…I feel everyone who was so looking forward to this like us will never com3 back and certainly embarrassed t9 be a kiwi today taking good peoples money. This place really needs a quick overhaul. Transport museum in Auckland and Sovereign Hill a prime examples of value for money.