New Zealand’s South Island possesses its own unique spread of tourist hotspots that have benefited with travellers and holidaymakers enjoying what it has to offer. Found on the West Coast region of South Island, Greymouth is a destination that would be hard to leave behind once explored. Comprising of over 30 recreated historic buildings that can be discovered within a 19th century gold mining town, the Shantytown Heritage Park in Greymouth is unquestionably a sight for sore eyes.
Make memories that will last a lifetime at the Shantytown Heritage Park which paves the way for a truly mesmeric family holiday decorated in rich cultural symbolisms that will take you back to the days gone by. Officially unveiled on the 23rd of January 1971 the park is well known for its fun-filled attractions and collection of priceless West Coast relics that have been carefully compiled for the viewing pleasures of not just tourists but locals as well.
The on-site museum will be of particular interest to those who thrive on age-old objects of the locality. Donated by businesses and families alike, the collection is made up of 1000 archives, 10,000 objects and a further 2000 photographs that make for pleasurable viewing. However it is important to keep in mind that a greater proportion of the collection is kept in a temperature controlled environment. The work of James Ring who was a well known photographer of the late 19th century can be examined in one’s own time.
With a host of exciting adventures before you, one would always have plenty of things to do and sights to savour. ‘Explore the Village’ will be the best possible way to kick start your holiday here in Greymouth. Possessing over 30 buildings, this feature is sure to keep you entertained. The railway station or rather a replica of it can be found here. Here one may hop on board a train that will take you through ancient gold workings and a native rainforest. Tinsmiths & Blacksmiths is where you could get a feel of how folk in the olden days went about their daily routines. Encounter a host of plumbing and iron material that were crafted by tinsmiths and blacksmiths.
Catch the latest ‘Gold Rush’ by learning the art of finding your own piece of treasure at ‘Pan for your own gold’ where onsite tutors will take you through the fundamentals of this practice. If lucky you might be able to find your own nugget and may be trade it in at the village. ‘Watch the Holographic Show’ is one riveting experience you must look out for. Offering the very latest in hologram technology, the Victorian Princess Theatre brings to light the tragic tale of George Dobson who was a young surveyor who went missing. Sit back and enjoy this production that highlights historic photos, letters and even court records of this tragic event.
Discover Chinatown will also lead you to a series of mysterious gold mines that were once made use of by migrant Chinese gold miners. Venture deep into the dark, cold mines that stand testament to the livelihoods of the village. Retreat to the comfort of King Dick’s Café which serves an assortment of café style delicacies which would go well with a cup of coffee. Kids would love the range of milkshakes and ice-creams that arrive in various flavours.
Greymouth is truly a destination that must be visited for the treats at Shantytown Heritage Park are too good to be passed by. However it is advisable to select from among the New Zealand hotels in the vicinity so that accommodation can be taken care of. Greymouth hotels such as those offered by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ would complement any traveller’s requirements and mood.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
