Introduction to Thames
The friendly, helpful locals are just one of the many things that make the Thames region such a great place to visit. Thames is a fantastic holiday destination – less than an hour from
Auckland,
Tauranga or
Hamilton, nestled in the foothills of the lush Coromandel Ranges and gently caressed by the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
Thames is rich in history, and much of its tourism now revolves around gold mining. Visitors can learn much from the Gold Mine and Stamper Battery Tour, the Thames Historical Museum and the School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum. Walking tours of historical sites are also available, taking in old hotels, war memorial monuments, the band rotunda, churches and early businesses. Information about the kauri logging industry is displayed at the DOC visitor centre in the Kauaeranga Valley. Don't miss the enlightening audio-visual story about the last of the kauri loggers. Thames' heritage is fascinating, and worth checking out.
From Thames you can reach numerous safe swimming beaches along the Thames Coast, which is lined with beautiful pohutukawa trees. These areas are ideal for picnics, barbecues, fishing, surfcasting, kayaking, and social gatherings. Just behind Thames in the Kauaeranga Valley is an extensive network of hiking tracks. This area is managed by the Department of Conservation. There are several campsites in the valley and a backcountry hut that can sleep up to 80 people.
Thames has a wealth of arts and crafts available for inspection and purchase from various artist studios, the Thames Society of Arts Gallery in Tararu, and the wonderful Thames Market held in Grahamstown every Saturday morning. There is a selection of gardens to explore, with novelty themes for the young and relaxing sanctuaries for those needing to break from the fast paced world.
Other places of interest include the birdhide, Small Gauge Railway,
Tropical Butterfly and Orchid Garden, Thames Natural Soap Factory, Matatoki Cheese Farm, Miranda Hot Pools and Wilderness Gems. With all there is to see and do in Thames you'll need to rest and refuel, so call in for a drink and bite to eat at one of the many cafés and soak in the wonderful atmosphere in bustling Pollen Street.