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Shantytown Heritage Park, located just outside Greymouth on the West Coast, is a unique camp destination that combines outdoor learning with New Zealand history. Schools can immerse students in the sights and stories of the 1860s gold rush while enjoying the convenience of on-site accommodation and activity options designed for group learning.
The park offers a dedicated school camp programme with facilities to host groups overnight. Accommodation includes bunk-style dormitories and leaders’ rooms, supported by a kitchen and dining area for shared meals. This setup allows schools to combine daytime activities in the heritage park with evening programmes and overnight stays, creating a complete camp experience.
Shantytown’s educational programmes are directly linked to the New Zealand curriculum and are designed to be hands-on and engaging. Students can pan for real gold, explore historic buildings, ride a heritage steam train and take part in role-play activities that bring history to life. The interactive approach makes learning about early settlement, migration and community building memorable and fun.
Beyond the heritage experiences, the West Coast setting offers opportunities for outdoor exploration. Schools can combine their stay with visits to local bush walks, rivers and natural attractions, making it easy to build a balanced programme of history, culture and adventure.
The park’s staff are experienced in working with school groups and provide structured activities, risk management guidance and resources to support teachers. By blending authentic history with outdoor learning, Shantytown offers an environment where students can step back in time while developing teamwork, curiosity and problem-solving skills.
For schools seeking a camp with a difference, Shantytown Heritage Park provides a safe, educational and highly engaging option. It’s a venue that combines the fun of a camp with the excitement of living history.
