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.

Well worth the time and money - The lady that greeted us had high spirits and uplifted my day. In fact all staff interactions were awesome until I entered the cafe, they just wanted to go home

Good kiwi experience - Train ride n gold panning n great food n cafe excellent staff great location .kids thoroughly enjoyed it

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

Overpriced for what it is - Shantytown is a heritage park and possibly worth a visit to fill a couple of hours but it is so overpriced for what it is. We paid for gold panning and there was no one there to run it. Cardboard cutouts are used instead of models. Staff were friendly but had very little knowledge.

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.