Thames Activities & Attractions

Things To Do in Thames

Summer or Winter, Thames is a great place to visit. There is plenty here to keep everyone happy. Thames is rich in history however if that's not your cup of tea you'll find a heap of other options.

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. The Thames Region contains the award winning Rapuara Water Gardens on the Tapu-Coroglen Road, as well as a Petting Farm and Orchid garden.

Top of your list of places to visit should be the majestic Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel Forest Park. Just 20 minutes from the town centre the valley offers an opportunity to explore scenic native bush and sparking streams & rivers. With 22 different tracks to choose from, there are 10 minute easy walks through to full day and overnight tramps.

From Thames you may access 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.

Other places of interest include the bird hide, Small Gauge Railway, Tropical Butterfly House, Ngatea Water Gardens, Matatoki Cheese Farm, Piako Ostrich 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 our many cafés and soak in the wonderful atmosphere in bustling Pollen Street.

Thames Charters The boat “Fish 4T” is a multipurpose 8m boat that can comfortably fish 8 anglers. Toilet & shelter on board. Rods & bait available on request. Fish the Firth of Thames, Mussel Farms, Hauraki Gulf & Coromandel Islands. Diving, Cruising or Sightseeing also catered to. Motel pickup and drop off can be arranged. Why go to Coromandel on windy hill when you can go by water? Contact: Trev Address: 24 Sawmill Road, Thames 3500 Phone: (07) 868 7212 Mobile: 021 434328 Email: Fish4T@thamescharters.co.nz

Top Shelf Charters Come Fishing with us in the Beautiful Firth of Thames. Fun for families and anglers alike. Located in the Thames/Coromandel area. Spacious and fast, 7.8 metre Kiwi-Kraft – Private flush wc. Rods, bait, tackle and light refreshments supplied, 7 anglers plus skipper, one on one tuition can be provided. The Skipper Paul has years of experience fishing, also a qualified Coast Guard skipper. Each trip approximately 6hrs (unless you get your limit earlier). Contact: Paul & Carol Postal Address: PO Box 618, Thames 3540 Ph: 07 868 2727 Mob: 021 THAMES – (021) 842 637 Email: info@topshelfcharters.co.nz

Rapaura Watergardens Rapaura is a 64 acre private estate with native trees, ferns, lily ponds and a bushwalk to a cascading waterfall. Self catering boutique accommodation. ‘KORU at rapaura’ serves home-cooked specialties and ‘dam’ good coffee! Open 7 days, 9am 'til 5pm; winter hours may vary. 6.5km from Tapu on the Tapu-Coroglen Rd. Contact: Sally & Sacha Sank Address: 586 Tapu-Coroglen Road, RD5 Thames Phone: 07 868 4821 Fax: 07 868 4821 Email: info@rapaura.com

The Healing Energy Light Centre Visit our centre at the northern end of town on Pollen Street, for: Hypnotherapy, massage, meditation, colour therapy healing. All sevices are available 7 days a week, subject to availability. Brochures & prices available at the i-site. Contact: Bob & Jan Arnold Address: 9 Waiokaraka Road Post: P.O. Box 764, Thames 3540 Phone: 07 868 5204 Fax: 07 868 5924 Email: bob.jan@xtra.co.nz

Miranda Hot Springs Relax with us and enjoy the soothing 100% natural hot mineral waters of Miranda. Large main pool, private spa tubs, toddlers pool and super hot (40 degree) pool. Cook up a feast on the electric BBQs. Our shop has delicious hot food, ice creams and refreshments. Open every day 9.00 am - 9.30 pm. Coast Road Miranda, 4 minutes off SH25. Phone 07 867 3055 Fax 07 867 3187 Email: info@mirandahotsprings.co.nz

Thames Classic Car Tours Get a group of friends together and enjoy a tour of the Coromandel (including stops in Tairua, Coroglen, Whitianga, Matarangi, Coromandel and Tapu) in this six seater "Classic" American convertible. Pack a picnic lunch or sample some local cuisine. Only $400. Or book the mini tour that will take you south to explore the towns of Paeroa, Waihi and Whangamata (including the scenic Karangahake Gorge) for only $250. Thames Classic Car Tours Contact: Brian Stephenson Address: 716a Mount Pleasant Road, Thames Phone: 07 868 89551 Mobile: 027 2737942 Email: classic.tours@xtra.co.nz

Thames Society of Arts Housed in the historic building that once was the North School, the Thames Society of Arts Gallery is definitely worth a visit. Just three minutes from town along the Thames Coast Road, the gallery displays a unique selection of high quality original works by local artists Contact: Sarah Peck Address: Thames Cultural Centre, Old North School, Tararu Road, Thames Phone: 07 868 9192 Email: sarahpeck@xtra.co.nz

BUSHWALKS in the Kauaeranga Valley
ROCKY'S GOLDMINE TRAIL
SWIMMING HOLES
THAMES CENTENNIAL POOL
BIRD HIDE
MIRANDA HOT POOLS
RAPAURA WATER GARDENS
LYNDELL GARDENS
NGATEA WATER GARDENS - Café & Function Centre, Bratlie Place, Ngatea
MAHARA POTTERY AND SCULPTURE GARDENS TAPU VALLEY
TROPICAL BUTTERFLY & ORCHID GARDEN
TAPU VALLEY GARDEN ANIMAL PARK
ARTHUR’S CANNY MUSEUM - at Ngatea Water Gardens
MODEL BARN
THAMES CHARTERS “FISH 4 T”
MATATOKI CHEESE FARM
THAMES SMALL GAUGE RAILWAY
THAMES MARKETS Every Saturday morning, Grahamstown
eyezopen Adventure Co Ph 07 868 9018
SKYDIVE Thames Ph 027 3788804

Picnic Areas