Explore Thames NZ

Home
New Zealand
Thames
Explore Thames NZ

Explore interesting shops, history and adventure in Te Kauaeranga Thames, Coromandel Peninsula

04/01/2025

This summer as we play in the Firth of Thames and the Hauraki Gulf, it's important to understand the significance of its Māori name - Tīkapa Moana.

Tīkapa Moana is an allusion to ceremonies designed to protect the Tainui and Te Arawa wakas as they first explored the area. These ceremonies took place at a small island northwest of Waiheke Island known as Takapū, which means gannet.

Tīkapa means ‘sound of mournful sobbing’ referring to the ebb and flow of the tide around this rock.

Tīkapa Moana was once protected by the great taniwha Ureia, who in the form of a dolphin, guided the Tainui Waka into Tararu, where they lashed their waka to Te Anaputa-o-Tainui, which means "The perforated rock of the Tainui canoe". The adventurers sought shelter from the storm in a nearby cave, before continuing their journey up into the Waitematā.

It's said Ureia, as an omen to the local Ngāti Maru tribe, would leave its den at the mouth of the Kirikiri and Waihou rivers, where it would splash about in the waters of Tīkapa Moana.

In 1769 Captain Cook parked The Endeavour off Waimou in Tīkapa Moana, before rowing up the Waihou (newly formed river) river. He pronounced the river reminded him of The Thames in England, which is how the name of both the river, firth and town stuck.

02/01/2025

🧈💰 Stake your claim! 💰🧈Be into win a $1867 real gold nugget simply by spending $20 or more in Thames and uploading your receipt to https://explorethames.nz/goldrush/

31/12/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉 We've been reflecting on a pretty special year. What was your favourite moment? We can't go past the Aurora on the 11th May 2024. So crazy to think we saw that in Thames. Will we see another in our lifetime?

28/12/2024

THE COROMANDEL LOOP

The ‘Coromandel Loop’ is one of New Zealand’s best road trips. Only 90mins from Auckland or Hamilton, people often start in Thames. Head up the Thames Coast on the west of the Coromandel Peninsula, which has rustic baches, small bays, great sunsets and a pōhutukawa lined coastal highway. From Coromandel head over the range and head down the east coast, stopping at the many beach towns along the way. Then either come over the Kopu/Hikuaia Road, looping back around to Thames, or head further down and come through the Karangahake Gorge. 187km in all can be done in a day, although many take a few days to a week to take it all in. Here are some highlights.

THAMES TO COROMANDEL

KAUAERANGA VALLEY - Only 90 minutes from Auckland, the Kauaeranga Valley offers tramping, swimming and camping in the Department of Conservation run Coromandel Forest Park. The Pinnacles hike is on many adventurer's bucket lists.

GRAHAMSTOWN - Step into the attractions, galleries, boutique shops, cafes and parks that emerged in the 1870s to supply the demands of the goldfields. There are plenty of historic places of interest including The School of Mines, The Goldmine Experience, The Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga and more.

THORNTON BAY - Only 15 mins north of Thames, you'll find this pōhutukawa lined sandy beach for a picnic or swim. Fossick along the shoreline and you could just find a quartz rock with that golden sparkle.

WAIOMU - With a large reserve by the water, Waiomu is a great place to stop for a rest, catch the sunset, spark up the BBQ, visit the nearby cafe, or park up at a freedom camp. If time allows it's recommended you head up the Waiomu Kauri Grove to visit the largest remaining stand of kauri on the Coromandel Peninsula.

TAPU - An easy diversion up Tapu/Coroglen Rd is Rapaura Gardens, set in 64 acres of lush bush. Only a few kilometres on you can visit the unique square Kauri.

WAIKAWAU - A picturesque coastal village with a safe boat ramp, amazing fishing off the coast at the mussel farms and a stunning freedom camping area.

COROMANDEL TO COROGLEN

KAPANGA COROMANDEL - Coromandel is another town that struck gold in the late 1800s. Situated around a large harbour, you can find quintessential Kiwi camping at Long Bay. Driving Creek Railway and Pottery is a must and takes you up the hill in a train to a vast vista of the area. The Waterworks is a theme park with a difference with water powered inventions, quirky contraptions and fun to discover at every turn.

WHANGAPOUA - Head over the ranges to the east and the first beach you can detour to is Whangapoua, which features an island a stones throw from the white sandy beach.

MATARANGI - A beach resort located on a sand spit. The location of a stunning 18 hole Bob Charles designed golf course.

KŪAOTUNU - A sweeping north facing beach with headlands and offshore reefs. There is a great cafe to stop, grab lunch and even catch a DJ or two.

WHITIANGA - One of the fastest growing areas on the Coromandel Peninsula. A sheltered beach suited for long walks. Big game fishing charters head off from here.

COROGLEN - A small rural town famous for its pub and quality music bookings. Catch the farmers market every Sunday 9am - 1pm Labour weekend until Easter.

HAHEI TO HIKUAI

HAHEI - A beachside summer holiday town that provides access to Cathedral Cove.

HOT WATER BEACH - Dig into the sand at low tide to enjoy a hot water spa. Spades are available from the nearby shops and cafes. There is a Top 10 campsite located at the southern end.

SAILORS GRAVE - A beautiful, sheltered bay with great history and a short bush walk over to nearby Otara Bay.

TAIRUA - A surfing and fishing town with beachfront and estuary views. With some of the best surf in the area, the crowd swells when the surf is on.

PAUANUI - With its distinctive red paved roads, Pauanui was the original Coromandel resort town. A summer playground with golf courses, tennis courts, ski lanes and more. Head back to Thames from here.

OPOUTERE TO THAMES

OPOUTERE - A remote beach accessed only by walking through a coastal pine forest. Keep clear of the endangered native birds at the southern end.

ONEMANA - A beautiful small beach with family baches and laid back feel. Head up the hill at the southern end to find a seat with stunning views. There are sheltered bays to the north and south accessible through forestry roads.

WHANGAMATA - A classic Coromandel surf town, Whangamata is a mecca that grows in population over summer. Head inland to the Wentworth Valley for a great bushwalk to a waterfall.

WHIRITOA - A sleepy beach town with a steep, dangerous swimming beach and striking southern headland and offshore islands.

WAIHI - A gold mining town, the site of the massive Martha mine.

KARANGAHAKE - Located in the steep sided Karangahake Gorge, this old gold mining town is situated alongside the Ohinemuri River which holds good trout. Popular walks and cycle routes head off from here.

PAEROA - Known for its antique shops and settler history, Paeroa is near the fork of the Waihou and Ohinemuri rivers.

HIKUTAIA - Head east up the Maratoto Valley to find swimming holes and a striking rock that looks like a shark's tooth. Noted for its gold and silver mining history. A walk here links up to Wentworth Valley, near Whangamata.

MATATOKI - Along the Hauraki Rail Trail, it's a must stop into the Cheese Barn with its farm petting zoo, cafe and award-winning cheese.

KŌPŪ - Stop by to check out the historic Kōpū bridge or start the Hauraki Rail Trail here to Thames, Paeroa or Kaiaua.

Please be a safe and courteous driver as many roads are small and windy. Always keep to the left hand side of the road. If traffic backs up behind you, pull over at a suitable and safe location to let traffic through. Please follow all freedom camping rules and please take all rubbish with you to be disposed of correctly.

Enjoy the journey!

The Coromandel

27/12/2024

BEST SHORT BUSH WALKS IN THAMES

Te Kauaeranga Thames has some big hikes, but also dozens of great short bush walks. Here are some of our favourites:

WAIOMU KAURI GROVE
Waiomu Kauri Grove is a beautiful walk up the Waiomu stream and valley before ascending up a few steps to the largest remaining Kauri grove on the peninsula. After 15mins a short detour across the stream to visit the old Zeehan gold mining battery site. 6km return.

MOANATAIARI LOOKOUT TRACK
Head up the historic packhorse track that runs by the creek, past some old mining sheds being slowly reclaimed by the bush. Take a right to the ridge where you can grab views looking south down to the Waihou River west over Thames and the Firth. Return the way you came, or at the junction link down into the neighbouring Waiotahi Valley, continue down the road, past, or into the Goldmine Experience and back up to your car. 1.5km return. 3.2km loop.

JOHN WILLIAM HALL ARBORETUM
This short loop track plunges you into a mix of native and exotic specimens. The arboretum (botanical garden devoted to trees) is New Zealand’s oldest, established in 1872 by Thames chemist John William Hall and gifted to the community. 650m loop.

KAHIKATEA WALK TO KAURI DAM
A family-friendly walk starting at the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre. Walk on boardwalks over wetlands, through a grove of Kahikatea to a scale model kauri dam. Loop around past a DOC camp to get back to the car. Kids can discover interesting facts in the treasure chests. 66 of these dams where built to help flush the kauri logs down into the river. 450m loop.

NATURE WALK TO HOFFMAN'S POOL
A beautiful stroll along the Waiwhakaurunga River through changing native forest. Views across the valley and onto the river before finding your way to Hoffman's Pool, a popular summer swimming hole. The location of the intake for the watercourse that ran to Thames can be found here. 600m return.

EDWARDS LOOKOUT
A great short walk that leads up to a rocky outcrop with extensive views east over the Booms campsite and the Coromandel Ranges. 1.4km return.

COOKSON KAURI
Starting from Wainora Campground, the site of an old 1920s bush camp, you follow the stream up under a dense native forest cover. Unique rock overhangs tell of the area's pre-historic past. After a few bridge crossings, you start to ascend the few steps up to the ridge line to the huge Cookson Kauri. 6km return.

THE SQUARE KAURI
North of Thames up the Tapu-Coroglen Road is the Square Kauri. As the name suggests the kauri is a unique square shape, naturally occurring as the branches grew over the years. It’s a short, but steep walk up to the viewing platform. Park at the first or second carparks, the track starts on the right hand side as you go up. 500m return.

EXPLORE TARARU VALLEY
For the more intrepid, explore the Tararu Creek to find the old Sylvia mine with its terraced foundations. Continue up the creek to find a swimming hole and stunning waterfall.

25/12/2024

BEST BEACHES TO EXPLORE UP THE THAMES COAST

SH25 along the Thames Coast is in our opinion, one of Aotearoa's great coastal highways. It hugs the coastline of Tīkapa Moana / Firth of Thames for most of the way up to the Coromandel. Stop in and explore all the beaches, jump in for a swim, pull out the surf-caster, park up and catch an amazing sunset, or venture up the coastal valleys to find walks or swimming holes. Stay in one of the freedom camping areas, campsites, baches or lodges along the coast. Here are a few of our favourite beaches:

KURANUI BAY
The first bay as you head north from Thames is a great beach to run the dog on the reserve, catch a sunset or find potentially gold-bearing quartz on the beach. There are toilets and a large rotunda with a BBQ for family gatherings. It's also the northern point of the Coastal Pathway which heads 6km south around Moanataiari to Shortland Wharf.

TARARU
Tararu was built up from the tailings of the gold mines in the valley. Once the goldfield's northern settlement, the road and tram didn't go any further. As a result it was a popular tourist destination with the beaches and sunsets a draw card as well as Mr Graham's strawberries and cream from his extensive gardens at the foot of the valley. Launch kayaks or a small boat from the Tararu Sailing Club ramp and explore the bays, or head to the fishing rocks and cast off the point to bring home dinner. Sunset Point is a popular freedom camping area and the Thames Art Gallery is located in the old Thames North School. The Tararu Valley is lush yet rustic with waterholes and waterfalls to be discovered. Dickson Holiday Park is located 200m up the Tararu Valley.

NGARIMU BAY
Ngarimu Bay is a small sandy beach 8km north of Thames. Park your car and throw a blanket down on the beach for a picnic. Cast your line into the Firth of Thames and try your luck for a snapper. At low tide you can walk up the beach and to the north end of Thornton Bay and beyond.

THORNTON BAY
One of the most popular bays on the coast, Thornton Bay is fringed in Pōhutukawa which comes alive in a red bloom in summer. The beach is mostly sheltered from the wind and drops off into clean water deep enough for a swim. Thornton Bay was once a popular kainga (village) with pā atop the hills overlooking the coast and fishing traps made of rocks, that can be seen at low-tide.

TE PURU
Te Puru is a quaint seaside village populated with families who go to the seaside primary school. There is a great boat ramp to launch medium to large boats. Head up the valley to find swimming holes and a great walk that heads up the Te Puru Valley, eventually connecting with the DOC hut at Crosbies. Find accommodation at the campground or lodge on the hill above.

WAIOMU
A popular destination for visitors heading up the coast. Many stay over at the freedom camping area on the beachfront reserve where Captain Cook anchored out from in 1769. The Waiomu Kauri Grove walk is a stunning stroll up to one of the largest remaining kauri groves on the Coromandel Peninsula.

TAPU & TE MATA
Waipatukahu was declared Tapu (sacred) after an incident in 1839 where local iwi Ngāti Tamaterā's Te Aorangi Pā got attacked by warring Tauranga tribes. Ngāti Tamaterā are leading a shellfish restoration programme in the area and ask you to please respect the rahui and refrain from collecting shellfish in this area.

WAIKAWAU
Waikawau is a popular fishing village with some of the best boating access to the Firth of Thames. The mussel farms are only 7mins boat ride away. There is a freedom camping site nearby with great swimming.

24/12/2024

Meri Kirihimete everyone, thanks for following us this year!

There is a wonderful Māori whakatauki / proverb that is very apt for this time of year - "When the pōhutukawa is the colour of crimson, the kina are sweet and ready to eat"

We sure hope you are eating well today with friends and family, and are having a very merry Coromandel Christmas!

For those who are alone or in need, there is a Christmas Lunch at St James Union Parish Hall from 12 noon - 1:30pm. Hosted by "A Place at the Table Trust" and supported by local businesses and individuals in the Thames community.

23/12/2024

BEST HIKES AROUND THAMES

With the holidays upon us, we find ourselves with a bit more time on our hands to get into the outdoors! Te Kauaeranga Thames is a must-do Coromandel hiking destination, with two excellent DOC huts, backcountry campsites and plenty of hikes to challenge yourself. Here are a few of our favourites.

THE PINNACLES
The Pinnacles is one of the premier hiking experiences in the Coromandel Peninsula and takes about three hours one way. Head to the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road to the trailhead and head up the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail. You soon head up Webb Creek Track on stone steps carved into the rock by 1900s bushmen to Hydrocamp, a good lunch spot. Continue up the track towards the Pinnacles over old log skids used by the loggers to extract the valley's kauri.
Arrive at the Pinnacles hut, where you can stay the night, which is one of the best ways to experience the amazing sunrises and sunsets a further 30mins up to the Pinnacles peak. Expect 360 degree views over the Coromandel Ranges and down to the east coast and Bay of Plenty. You can return via the Billygoat track. 15 km one way.

CROSBIES HUT
Crosbies Hut is a Department of Conservation backcountry hut accessed from multiple tracks including the Karaka, Waiotahi, Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu tracks making it a viable loop if transport is considered. Lush forest opens out to the hut with views across to Maumaupaki, Coroglen, Whitianga and beyond, west to the Firth of Thames and east to Table Mountain and the Coromandel Ranges. 13km one way.

MOSS CREEK TRACK
A challenging route, head up the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail and turn left crossing the Waiwhakaurunga, heading up towards Table Mountain. There are lush nikau groves, waterfalls and amazing views looking back up to the Pinnacles. 5.5km one way.

TUAWHARE DAM LOOP
An interesting walk up Tuawhare Valley with multiple small stream crossings to an old Kauri dam, which connects to the Billygoat extension before heading back down in a loop to the stream below. 4.3km one way.

WAIOTAHI TRACK
Accessed from the Waiotahi Valley this walk takes you past old mining claims before heading up the valley to join the Karaka Track. Many take the Karaka Track back down towards Thames, leaving a 30min walk through town back to your car. 6.6km one way to junction.

KARAKA TRACK
Accessed from town up Karaka Road. There is a small waterfall at the foot of the trail and it takes you past mine shafts on an old gold mining packhorse track. After 90 minutes you get to Red Rocks, an interesting red rocky outcrop with great views of the Coromandel Ranges. Continue on to Crosbies Hut. 13km one way.

Department of Conservation - Hauraki-Coromandel

21/12/2024

Looking for a place to stop on your journey to the bach or around the Coromandel? Thames is perfect with plenty of picnic spots and rest areas just off SH25. Grab some lunch, explore the shops then park up at one of these interesting rest areas.

VICTORIA PARK
Victoria Park is a peaceful park on the foreshore that is ideal for a rest or picnic under the flowering Pōhutukawas. Named after Queen Victoria, it's the location of the old Pacific Hotel, has a charming band rotunda, built in the early 1900s. Grab views of the Hauraki Gulf or access the Coastal Pathway. From the park, it's a short stroll to explore historic Grahamstown.

PORRITT PARK
Porritt Park on SH25 is a great family-friendly spot, perfect for a picnic, playtime or toilet stop. Its newly upgraded playground, skate park and basketball courts offer fun for children big and small, while the spacious BBQ areas invite relaxed family gatherings. The boat design is of the old Wakatere paddle steamer that used to carry passengers and goods between Thames and Auckland from 1896.

SHORTLAND WHARF
Shortland Wharf has delicious fresh fish and chips that can be enjoyed on the historic wharf at the mouth of the Waiwhakaurunga River. The wharf is a significant historical site in Thames, an important landing area for waka of the nearby Kauaeranga Pā and in 1868 the wharf was built to service the goldfield and booming town, and later used during Kauri logging era of the early 1900s.

THORNTON BAY
Thornton Bay, 10 minutes north of Thames, is a great coastal stop for a rest. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beach, fossick for quartz among the stones, or dip your toes in the water before continuing your journey. It's a perfect spot to relax, swim at high tide and soak in the natural beauty of the Thames Coast.

WAIOMU RESERVE
Waiomu, 20 minutes north of Thames, is a perfect picnic or rest stop. The playground offers fun for kids, while the BBQ areas provide a scenic spot to eat by the beach. With beautiful views of the Firth of Thames, this is where Captain Cook anchored the Endeavour offshore in 1769. Waiomu’s relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for picnics, beach strolls, or a peaceful rest on your journey.

21/12/2024

Whether you are doing last minute shopping 🎁, perusing our interesting shops 🛍️, stopping in to grab lunch ☕, or getting your holiday supplies 🛒 as you head through Thames, make sure you keep your receipt 🧾. Take a photo 📱of it ($20 or more) and upload it to https://explorethames.nz/goldrush/ to be in the draw to win a 🧈 real gold nugget 🧈worth 💰 $1867! 💰 So simple.

A stop into Thames is well worth it, there are plenty of interesting shops and cafes to check out, historic attractions plus all you need for your summer essentials. Support local and be into win!

Check out some of our shops in the photos!

14/12/2024

Absolutely horrible scenes here in Thames over the last few days.

Remember when you come and explore interesting in Thames, shop local, upload your receipt to https://explorethames.nz/goldrush/ and be into win a real gold nugget worth $1867!

10/12/2024

It may be International Mountain Day today, but any day is a good day to walk up The PInnacles in Thames (weather permitting of course). Handy to Auckland and Hamilton, it's not as daunting as it looks and can be walked up and down in a day (or book the DoC hut out in advance and stay the night). Definitely one for the bucket list!!!

10/12/2024

Here's a bit of history on the major bonanzas of the Thames Goldfield' we wrote for the Thames Info Centre educational panels. Pop into the info centre at 200 Mary St to read more, or visit any of the Thames historical attractions to learn more.

-------------------------------------------

The Bonanzas of the Thames Goldfield

Between 1867-68, there were many claims pegged out and registered with the goldfield warden, James Mackay. Here are a few mentions of the principle mines on the Thames Goldfield.

Shotover
The Shotover in Kuranui was the first bonanza on the goldfield in 1867 and drew in miners from all areas. The gold was found in a small waterfall and largely on the surface, so they didn't need to mine underground for it. It didn't turn out to be very big, but it was a very rich claim with over 50% gold to quartz and over 102,353oz (2900kg) of gold bullion.

Long Drive
Long Drive was one of the early mines, pegged out immediately next to the Shotover. One of the shareholders of the Long Drive Company was Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, younger son of Queen Victoria. He received a £200 dividend before the month was out.

Tookey's
Daniel Tookey had prospected in the area for a decade, before pe***ng off a patch at the foot of the Waiotahi Valley where he found a rich lode of gold.

Manukau
The Manukau claim struck a rich reef of quartz in 1868 - the biggest on the field to date. The reef was so rich it became known as the 'Shot of Gold'.

Golden Crown
The 'Shot of Gold' led into the Golden Crown as they extracted near solid gold down to 70ft deep. They could go no further due to the water table. The claim was located above the current Goldmine Experience, where the Golden Crown battery once stood.

Caledonian
The 'Shot of Gold' led into the Caledonian where they found the mother-load. It became the biggest producing gold mine in New Zealand, yielding 9.25 tons of gold in just one year from 1871-72. They removed all the gold and quartz, practically leaving the hill below hollow.

Waiotahi
The claim was formed in 1868 and returned a steady profit. In 1904 a deep shaft was sunk and a rich reef of gold was discovered. It became the second richest claim on the field after the Caledonian and brought renewed energy to the tiring miners.

Cambria
Located in the upper Moanataiari area, it produced 37,695 oz of gold during 3 years. This gold was extracted from a rich quartz reef that bulged outwards to about 4 – 10 feet wide, with some specimens having 2 oz of gold for each pound of quartz.

Kuranui-Caledonian
Formed by the amalgamation of the Caledonian Mine, part of the old Golden Crown and many other smaller claims in the area. The company in its first year alone yielded 9.5 tons of gold, with a share going to the original owners of the claims. They worked the lower levels previously unattainable with access tunnels and large steam pumps to drain the water that poured into the lower levels of the mine.

06/12/2024

Māori place names of Te Kauaeranga Thames.

Te Puru. “The blockage, the plug”.

Te Puru stream originally went into the sea south of its present position, and “a blockage caused by a landslip upstream”, caused waters to dam up. When it burst the stream was diverted to its present position.

Te Āputa (wide open flat land’) was Te Puru’s previous name. There is a old Ngāti Tamaterā pā site of the same name on the hill overlooking the seaside village.

Te Puru is 11km north of Thames. It has a great campsite, boat ramp and reserve with a huge Pōhutukawa which is in bloom at the moment.

Head up the valley to find the Te Puru track, which follows the stream up a fair way. Here you'll find some perfect swimming holes.

The sunsets across Tīkapa Moana/The Firth of Thames are of course amazing, like all spots along the coast.

The primary and intermediate school on the beach is popular for families across the Thames area.

Source: Te Takoto o te Whenua o Hauraki: Hauraki Landmarks – Taimoana Turoa (2000).

05/12/2024

A friendly reminder of these Christmas events happening in Te Kauaeranga Thames today and tomorrow! Free for all! Meri Kirihimete!

🎄🎄🎄Christmas in the Park 🎅🏻🎅🏼🎅🏾
This evening (6th Dec) from 4.30-9.30pm.
Te Kura o Te Kauaeranga - Thames South School
307 Rolleston Street Thames.
Thanks to Connecteen Rangatahi

🌟🌟🌟Thames Santa Parade 🎅🏻🎅🏼🎅🏾
Tomorrow (7th Dec) from 11am-12pm.
Pollen St. They parade travels south from Cochrane St.
Thanks to the Thames Business Association

👨🏽‍👧🏽👨🏻‍👧🏻Whānau Day 👨🏾‍👦🏾👨🏼‍👦🏼
Tomorrow (7th Dec) from 12pm onwards.
Te Kura o Te Kauaeranga - Thames South School
Local entertainment, food, markets, rock climbing, bouncy castles and more.
307 Rolleston Street Thames.
Thanks to Te Kauaeranga Whānau Day and Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki

See you there!

04/12/2024

Feeling the heat in Thames? 🥵 It's time to find a swimming hole to cool off in! 💦 Here is a rundown on where to find the best spots this summer.

https://explorethames.nz/swimming-holes-in-thames/

Please remember to keep our swimming holes clean and take your rubbish with you.

Address

Pollen Street
Thames
3577

Website

http://www.explorethames.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Explore Thames NZ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Mustangs into Thames for their 60th Anniversary display on Pollen St.

Parawai Booms, Kauaeranga River, Thames.

Cycling the #haurakirailtrail with the kids.

Thames Website

The refreshed Thames website https://explorethames.nz is live! It's full of interesting history about our attractions, tracks, trails and places of interest. Download our visitor map and start ticking off all the spots, check out the business directory and support local, or pop a few events in your calendar. If you are as proud of Thames as we are, you'll want to share with as many friends as possible to nudge them to come and explore interesting in Thames with you this summer. 👀🌞 #explorethamesnz #goodforyoursoul #coromandel #thamesnz

Thames Map

Keep an eye out for our new Thames maps in various Pollen St shops and cafes! They include walking tracks, cycle trails and places of interest to go and explore! Or visit https://explorethames.nz to download a copy now!

Te Kauaeranga Thames

Welcome to Te Kauaeranga Thames, where you can explore interesting shops, history and adventures any time of year. We have such a vast source of historical Thames typography in the archives, that it made designing a set of Thames fonts for our businesses to use a piece of cake. But we couldn't choose just one style to design our Thames logo, so being the quirky, creative type, we chose them all! #explorethamesnz #exploreinteresting #coromandel #thamesnz

Explore Thames NZ

04/01/2025

02/01/2025

31/12/2024

28/12/2024

27/12/2024

25/12/2024

24/12/2024

23/12/2024

21/12/2024

21/12/2024

14/12/2024

10/12/2024

10/12/2024

06/12/2024

05/12/2024

04/12/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Videos

Thames Website

Thames Map

Te Kauaeranga Thames

Shortcuts

Share

Category