Shantytown: West Coast Gold Rush History Gold Mining in ...
Shantytown Heritage Park. While the South Island''s West Coast is well known for its magnificent scenery and glaciers, no visit to the area is complete without experiencing Shantytown a bustling heritage park showcasing the gold rush history of the West Coast of New Zealand.. The discovery of gold in 1864 led to a population "explosion" – from around 300 to almost 30,000 residents.