Hauraki Rail Trail

Thames has two sections of the Hauraki Rail running through its ward. A very easy Grade 1 trail, which makes it accessible to all ages and fitness levels.

Section A – Kaiaua to Thames

Start at the seaside village of Kaiaua in the North. The trail winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames, over shell banks and through wetlands of international importance.

At the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre you can learn about the area’s precious birdlife and the incredible feats of the Godwits durign their annual migration. Bird-hides offer the chance to view the shorebirds up close and identify the various migratory species.

From Miranda Holiday Park, the trail skirts around the Firth, following stop banks for much of the way. There are expansive views of coastal wetlands, verdant farmland, and the volcanic Coromandel Ranges provide a dramatic backdrop.

From the Kōpū Bridge the trail turns north to reach Thames. Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, Thames is full of character with plenty of dining and accommodation options. As you approach the town centre, stop and enjoy the many sculptures along the community’s Arts Trail.

Section B – Thames to Paeroa

This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. The section of trail begins by first following the old railway line out of Thames town and through lush farmland, with memorable views across the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges.

At the Cheese Barn at Matatoki you’ll find a BYO Cafe, cheese tastings, and a fabulous animal farm. The alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, budgies, and Cookie the spotty sheep offer great entertainment for the whole family. Complementing the delicious array of food, homemade Gelato and Sorbet are on offer to keep you cool on your ride.

Continue the trail down to eventually find yourself in Paeroa.

Thames Branch Line History

Off the back of the goldrush, the Thames Branch line was built in 1898 to transport supplies in and out of the bustling town of Thames to both Auckland and Morrinsville.

The rail line from Auckland to Kōpū had been laid by 1884, with a further stretch to Hikutaia opening in 1888 and the Paeroa connection was finished by 1895. Three years later and after 20 years of petitioning, the Thames branch line was completed in 1898.

Reclamation work, in the vicinity of Beach Road north of Victoria Park and in Queen Street near Willoughby Street, was undertaken to provide sites for railway stations in the twin settlements of Grahamstown and Shortland.

Local engineer and goldfields foundry A & G Price (founded 1868) were already making carriages and locomotives, but thanks to the opening line, they won a tender to supply rolling stock to the New Zealand Government Railway and became the largest private New Zealand railway locomotive manufacturer.

Passenger services to Thames closed in 1951, and the track finally decommissioned in 1988. The Grahamstown Station building was acquired by Ngāti Maru for their head office. AG Price still operates today at their Beach Rd premises producing high quality engineering services, including the Black Magic keel in 1988.

Phone Number:

Email:

Website:

Hauraki Rail Trail

Thames has two sections of the Hauraki Rail running through its ward. A very easy Grade 1 trail, which makes it accessible to all ages and fitness levels.

Section A – Kaiaua to Thames

Start at the seaside village of Kaiaua in the North. The trail winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames, over shell banks and through wetlands of international importance.

At the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre you can learn about the area’s precious birdlife and the incredible feats of the Godwits durign their annual migration. Bird-hides offer the chance to view the shorebirds up close and identify the various migratory species.

From Miranda Holiday Park, the trail skirts around the Firth, following stop banks for much of the way. There are expansive views of coastal wetlands, verdant farmland, and the volcanic Coromandel Ranges provide a dramatic backdrop.

From the Kōpū Bridge the trail turns north to reach Thames. Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, Thames is full of character with plenty of dining and accommodation options. As you approach the town centre, stop and enjoy the many sculptures along the community’s Arts Trail.

Section B – Thames to Paeroa

This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. The section of trail begins by first following the old railway line out of Thames town and through lush farmland, with memorable views across the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges.

At the Cheese Barn at Matatoki you’ll find a BYO Cafe, cheese tastings, and a fabulous animal farm. The alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, budgies, and Cookie the spotty sheep offer great entertainment for the whole family. Complementing the delicious array of food, homemade Gelato and Sorbet are on offer to keep you cool on your ride.

Continue the trail down to eventually find yourself in Paeroa.

Thames Branch Line History

Off the back of the goldrush, the Thames Branch line was built in 1898 to transport supplies in and out of the bustling town of Thames to both Auckland and Morrinsville.

The rail line from Auckland to Kōpū had been laid by 1884, with a further stretch to Hikutaia opening in 1888 and the Paeroa connection was finished by 1895. Three years later and after 20 years of petitioning, the Thames branch line was completed in 1898.

Reclamation work, in the vicinity of Beach Road north of Victoria Park and in Queen Street near Willoughby Street, was undertaken to provide sites for railway stations in the twin settlements of Grahamstown and Shortland.

Local engineer and goldfields foundry A & G Price (founded 1868) were already making carriages and locomotives, but thanks to the opening line, they won a tender to supply rolling stock to the New Zealand Government Railway and became the largest private New Zealand railway locomotive manufacturer.

Passenger services to Thames closed in 1951, and the track finally decommissioned in 1988. The Grahamstown Station building was acquired by Ngāti Maru for their head office. AG Price still operates today at their Beach Rd premises producing high quality engineering services, including the Black Magic keel in 1988.

Phone Number:

Email:

Website: