Known as the ‘Gateway to the Coromandel’, Thames is only a ninety minute drive from Auckland. The main shopping location on the peninsula, Thames has a wealth of boutiques, a historic main street and the modern Goldfields Shopping Mall.

In the late 19th century, this town was one of New Zealand’s largest – built on the pioneering industries of gold and Kauri logging. Today, its colourful history is still alive in the many pubs, buildings, museums and activities found in the area.

Attractions:

• Historical Museum featuring excellent displays of the gold rush days onwards as well as mining, forrestry and farming. Group and family concessions available.

• Thames School of Mines Museum – an excellent display of minerals is found in this adjoining facility. See also the Thames Gold Mine and Stamper Battery – historic gold mine tours.

• War Memorial Monument – overlooking the township from a great viewpoint, take the Waiotahi Creek Rd to the top at the north end of Thames.

• Rocky’s Goldmine Trail – this 2.5-3 hour bush walk offers excellent views of the Firth of Thames, regenerating native forest and swimming holes.

• Karaka Bird Hide – take the boardwalk through the mangroves to the Hide, where you can sit and watch birds in the Thames Firth.

• Thames Coast – a scenic drive along the Pohutukawa coast offers beaches, and the Rapaura Water gardens at Tapu. There are also many bush walks in the area. Contact the Information Centre or Dept of Conservation to find out more. Totara Pa – a stronghold site for Ngati Maru tribe, who were defeated by Hongi Hika in 1821. The cemetery features the grave of Hotereni Taipari who opened Thames up for mining.

• Kauaeranga Valley – offers numerous walking/tramping tracks, campgrounds and hut accommodation.

• Thames Market - held every Saturday morning at the Grahamstown end of Pollen St, with an interesting range of stalls including local crafts, produce, plants and collectibles.