Things to Do in Thames

• Rapaura Watergardens
  This extensive watergarden of native and exotic plants is surrounded by a native forest park. Waterlilies can be seen from November to April, and rhododendrons and Azaleas from August to November.
• Butterfly and Orchid Garden
  New Zealand's first tropical butterfly garden showcasing orchids, waterfall, ponds and a café. Opening hours may vary during winter.
• Thames Goldmine And Stamper Battery
  A look at the town's colourful goldmining history, with guided tours through the Stamper Battery, goldplanning and a photo museum.
• Thames School Of Mines And Museum
  This historic school taught mining skills from 1886 until 1954. Today, it displays goldmining artifacts alongside its mineralogical museum.
• Kauaeranga Valley
  Just 14km south-east of Thames, this scenic valley along the Kauaeranga River contains some 50km of walking and hiking tracks. The valley was once an area of extensive kauri logging and reminders of this are still visible in the bush.
• Historic Buildings
  The town's heritage buildings include the Brian Boru Hotel, a popular Thames landmark which has been operating since 1868.
• Thames Market
  Held every Saturday morning, the market features an array of local crafts, produce, plants and collectibles.
• Thames Historical Museum
  Displays about the goldrush days, with mining, timber, kauri and farming exhibits.
• Karaka Bird Hide
  A walk through the mangroves near Goldfields Shopping Mall leads to the hide, where visitors can observe the many bird species that inhabit the Firth of Thames.
• Rocky's Goldmine Trail
  A 3hr bushwalk through regenerating forest with swimming holes with fine views of the Firth of Thames. The track starts at the Dickson Holiday Park.
• Farm Visits
  The Carousel Dairy Farm (open October to June) and the Matatoki Farm Cheese Factory both offer tours of their premises.