Things to Do in Thames
Thames sits at the entrance to the Coromandel Peninsula, surrounded by native bush, striking ranges and the Firth of Thames. From the Pinnacles walk and the Hauraki Rail Trail to goldmining heritage, galleries and fishing charters, there is plenty to do in and around town. Here are the best things to do in Thames, by category.
Top things to do in Thames at a glance
- Walk in the Kauaeranga Valley, the gateway to the Pinnacles. See our walks and tracks guide.
- Ride the Hauraki Rail Trail, one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, which starts in Thames.
- Go underground at the Goldmine Experience; here is what to expect.
- Explore the goldrush heritage of the 1867 goldfield in our historical Thames guide.
- Shop the Saturday Thames Market, 8am to 12pm in Grahamstown. Read the market guide.
- Eat your way along Pollen Street with our eat and drink guide.
- Drive the coast road to the beaches north of town; see beaches near Thames.
- Time your trip for a festival such as Steampunk The Thames (12 to 15 November 2026).
Outdoors: walks, tracks and the Pinnacles
The Kauaeranga Valley, east of Thames, is the gateway to the famous overnight Pinnacles walk, plus shorter forest and heritage tracks like the Kahikatea Walk, Cookson Kauri Walk, Edwards Lookout and the Booms Historical Walk. See our full guide to walks and tracks around Thames.
Cycling: the Hauraki Rail Trail
The flat, family-friendly Hauraki Rail Trail starts in Thames and links the town with Paeroa, Waihi and beyond. It is one of New Zealand's Great Rides and ideal for an easy day out. Read our Hauraki Rail Trail guide.
Heritage and museums
Thames wears its 1860s goldmining history openly. Visit the Goldmine Experience, the Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum, the Bella Street Pumphouse, the Thames Museum, and historic churches like Saint George's. More in our guide to historic Thames.
Arts and galleries
- Girasol Studio NZ
- Arohart
- Thames Society of Arts
- Carsons Bookshop and Gallery
On the water: fishing and swimming
The Firth of Thames is popular for fishing — local operators include Legionaire Fishing Charters and Snapper Express Fishing Charter. For a swim, locals head to Hoffman's Pool and the Kauaeranga River swimming holes in summer.
Markets and shopping
The Thames Market runs every Saturday morning in Grahamstown, and Pollen Street — the longest main street in New Zealand — is lined with shops and cafes. Browse local businesses in the Thames business directory.
Things to do in Thames by how much time you have
- A few hours: stroll the heritage shopfronts of Pollen Street, visit a museum and stop for coffee in town.
- A full day: walk a Kauaeranga Valley track in the morning and cycle a section of the Hauraki Rail Trail in the afternoon.
- A weekend: follow our 48 hours in Thames itinerary, and add the Coromandel road trip as a day out.
- On a budget or with children: see our guides to free things to do in Thames and Thames with kids.
Find it on the map
Plan your visit
Sort out the rest of your trip with our guides to where to stay in Thames, where to eat and drink, and what's on.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Thames?
The top things to do in Thames are walking in the Kauaeranga Valley (the gateway to the Pinnacles), riding the Hauraki Rail Trail, the Goldmine Experience and other goldrush heritage sites, the Saturday Thames Market and eating along Pollen Street.
What are the top things to do in Thames?
The top things to do in Thames are the Pinnacles walk in the Kauaeranga Valley, the Hauraki Rail Trail, the goldmining heritage sites and museums, the Saturday Thames Market, and fishing on the Firth of Thames.
What is there to do in Thames when it rains?
On wet days, visit the Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum, the Thames Museum, the Bella Street Pumphouse, local galleries, or the shops and cafes along Pollen Street.
Is Thames good for families?
Yes. The flat Hauraki Rail Trail, the Goldmine Experience, river swimming holes and the Saturday market all suit families.