Thames Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Thames which includes a house
Butterfly and Orchid Garden which includes animals
Thames which includes signage and a garden
Thames showing signage
Thames showing a small town or village
From an old gold-mining town, Thames has turned into a quaint little oasis. All is not as mellow as it seems though…

Situated at the bottom of the Coromandel Peninsula, Thames is just the start of all the good things to come in this region. Its former gold mines and heritage buildings are still proudly on display, but Thames is also moving on, adopting an arty, alternative style. The forests around Thames, including the Kauaeranga Valley, are great for hiking. Too easy? How about canyoning in Sleeping God Canyon? It’s seriously thrilling, even by New Zealand standards.

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Grafton Cottage & Chalets
4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road, Thames
The price is AU$145 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$145
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (379 reviews)
"The owner Abby was awesome, he welcomed us and showed us around the beautiful property and to our room which had an amazing view of the ocean."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Dickson Holiday Park
Dickson Holiday Park
2.5 out of 5
115 Victoria Street, Thames, Thames, Waikato
The price is AU$104 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$104
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Book a stay at this family-friendly holiday park in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine ...
7/10 Good! (24 reviews)
"Elena recibe me with open arms and give me al the facilities for my stance, lovely experience."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2025

Dickson Holiday Park
Sunset Motel
Sunset Motel
3 out of 5
1017 Tararu Rd, Thames, Waikato
The price is AU$140 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$140
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine Experience ...
9/10 Wonderful! (132 reviews)
"Lovely and clean and restful"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2025

Sunset Motel
See all 603 properties in Thames
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Grafton Cottage & Chalets
4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road, Thames
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (379 reviews)
"The owner Abby was awesome, he welcomed us and showed us around the beautiful property and to our room which had an amazing view of the ocean."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Sunset Motel
Sunset Motel
3 out of 5
1017 Tararu Rd, Thames, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine Experience ...
9/10 Wonderful! (132 reviews)
"Lovely and clean and restful"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2025

Sunset Motel
Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
3 out of 5
104 Jellicoe Crescent, Thames
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Hauraki Rail Trail Thames and Goldfields Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (151 reviews)
"The ladies at this motel went beyond in order that I had accommodation in my next saga I was travelling alone with not very much knowledge of this area of New Zealand Room was extremely clean and well appointed. Thank you from Cheryl from Canada"

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2025

Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
See all properties in Thames
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Thames Hospital

If Thames Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Thames.

Thames Hospital

Hauraki Rail Trail Thames

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can take time to visit Hauraki Rail Trail Thames during your travels to Thames. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Hauraki Rail Trail Thames

Goldmine Experience

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Goldmine Experience, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Thames. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Goldmine Experience

Burke Street Wharf

You can learn about the history of Thames with a visit to Burke Street Wharf. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Burke Street Wharf

Goldfields Shopping Centre

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Goldfields Shopping Centre during your trip to Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area.

Goldfields Shopping Centre

Thames Historical Museum

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Thames Historical Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area.

Thames Historical Museum

Activities

Coromandel Peninsula: Full Day Canyoning Adventure

Coromandel Peninsula: Full Day Canyoning Adventure

AU$409
per adult
Coromandel Peninsula: Full Day Canyoning Adventure
See all activities in Thames

Reviews of Thames

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
41
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Violet

Beautiful town with friendly people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it - Melbourne Cafe a great breakfast spot.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely, quiet coastal town with lots to see and do. Equally great if you just want to relax.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I really enjoyed the mining museum

4/5 - Good

JB

Thames is ok. A small town where everyone knows each other. Beaches not so good- a bit silty and mudflats at low tide.A gateway to better places.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great history, interesting colonial architecture, laid back atmosphere.