A historical town situated 1.5 hours' drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, Thames is located between the Firth of Thames and the majestic ranges of The Coromandel. Thames is a gateway to The Coromandel, but it is much more than a waypoint, rather a destination with many faces. As one of our oldest towns, it is rich in stories that we have inherited from the past, with much that we value and enjoy in the present. A ‘crafty’ town, Thames is proud of its heritage and is connected to the natural environment with an expansive bush wilderness as its backdrop. There are also many delightful shops here with local produce, art and friendly service.

Follow the Thames Coast Road north to experience a stretch of Pohutukawa-fringed shoreline interspersed with coastal villages, garden retreats, classic old dairies and other attractions awaiting those willing to take a more relaxed pace.

Stay & Explore Interesting Thames

The Coromandel is a renowned outdoor haven where rugged terrain meets idyllic coastline. The town of Thames is no exception, with its spectacular Pinnacles walk set in the Kauaeranga Valley to the sheltered and abundant waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Rich in gold and kauri history, the museums, stamper batteries and heritage experiences tell the stories of the glory days of Thames to its present day reputation as a bustling rural hub and charming old-world treasure.

Tips & Suggestions For Your Thames Adventure

  • Pamper-Me-Thames

    Thames: A Weekend Retreat

    Are you in need of a not-far-away weekend getaway? Often overlooked by it’s better known beach-bordered neighbours, you’ll be surprised to discover…
  • The Depot Thames

    Discover Thames

    Centrally located just an hours drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, Thames is a often described as a gateway to The Coromandel. This doesn't…
  • Kerata Hill, Coromandel

    Spring Splendour

    The splendid isolation of The Coromandel lies just down the road from the bustling metropolis of Auckland, but it is a world away. With its white…
  • Coromandel Distilling Company

    Local Spirit: Coromandel Distilling Company

    As you pass by the tall window in the brick wall of The Depot you may catch a glimpse of the gleaming copper body of the still that produces the…
  • Canyonz

    Beyond the Pinnacles

    They say that time slows down once you hit The Coromandel, a phenomenon locally referred to as ‘Coromandel time’. After five days we can certainly…
  • Hauraki-Rail-Trail

    Choose the Hauraki Rail Trail For Your Cycle Tour Adventure

    Adventuring has become incredibly easy with smart phones, the internet, google maps, and APPs. We can research travel options, book cheap flights and…
  • The-Pinnacles

    Seeking the perfect sunrise

    By Emma Darragh We started early, hydration packs loaded up with water, muesli bars and white bread marmite sandwiches. The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail…
  • Gastronomics Restaurant Thames.jpg

    Top Restaurant: Gastronomics in Thames

    For the ten-year anniversary of their popular Thames restaurant, Kishan and Radha Raikwar gave away ten $100 meal vouchers to their loyal customers…
  • The-Pinnacles-Walk-Coromandel-Forest-Park

    Wildboy climbs The Pinnacles

    Brando Yelavich is a New Zealand adventurer and explorer and the first person to walk the whole 8300km of coastline of New Zealand. Brando was…

Worth Visiting, Not To Be Missed