Located on the doorstep of The Coromandel, Thames is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Enjoy a great coffee and soak up the gold mining heritage.
A 1.5 hour drive from Auckland, Thames is the rural centre of The Coromandel. The town was formed in 1870 from two smaller settlements - Shortland and Grahamstown - founded to support gold mining in the early 1860s.
The northern end of Thames, known still as Grahamstown, offers cafés and boutique shops in a charming colonial setting. Be sure to visit the museum, which covers early Maori times, the arrival of the first pioneers and the development of mining, logging, railways and shipping. You can also visit the historic School of Mines, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday year-round.
Behind the town, the ancient volcanic Coromandel Ranges rise steeply. The magnificent Kauaeranga Valley hiking and camping area is just to the south, and the road to the north follows the coast past scores of sandy beaches and fishing hot spots. If you're planning to head into the wilderness, Thames is the perfect place to stock up on supplies.
If you're not into walking, why not take a scenic flight to enjoy The Coromandel's big blue skies and see the Kauaeranga Valley from above.
Thames is the northern gateway to the Hauraki Rail Trail, an undulating Grade One cycling track that follows an old rail trail while showcasing the region's pioneering history and lush farmland. From Thames, cycle the trail south to Paeroa and then choose to either venture east through the Karangahake Gorge to Waihī, or west to Te Aroha.
As a sizeable town, Thames offers a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops. The Saturday morning market is a great place to find an arty souvenir.
