The area in and around Shantytown was at the centre of the goldrush and the subsequent sawmilling and bush tramways era.  

Evidence of these times are still clearly viewed from Shantytown's two rainforest, walking tracks: the regenerating bush water races from the goldrush era are still visible and Shantytown's steam trains run along an original bush tramway line.

The Department of Conservation have been engaged to assist with interpreting the botanic and narrative history of Shantytown's surrounds.

LOOK-OUT TRACK

A steady five minute climb takes you to a look-out over Shantytown and a monument which commemorates West Coast surveyors.  From here you can retrace your steps or follow a track that takes you through regenerating native forest and long abandoned mining sites before looping back to Shantytown.

MANUKA TRACK

The Manuka Track is a short track between the edge of town and the gold-claim which follows part of an old gold-miners trail used in the 1860s.