One of our fave walks in Thames is between Ngarimu and Thornton Bays. Both dogs and humans love this walk with its quartz-lined beaches, pōhutukawa-fringed points and sheltered swimming beaches. Perfect for that summer or winter stroll!

Pull over at the south end of Ngarimu Beach and walk north around the points to the north end of Thornton Beach, it’s just over 1km each way. You have to time the tides and an hour/before after high is safe to get around the rocks. It’s possible on the dropping tide to walk all the way up to Te Puru and back, making for a nice 5.5km round trip.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on most Thames beaches, we always have our lead at the ready. Please pick up poo and please be responsible around other dogs, humans, nature and of course cars on the coastal highway.

A perfect walk for both locals or visitors heading up the coast who need to stop and smell the fresh air!

📍Ngarimu Bay – Thornton Bay, Thames Coast

🗺️ North of Thames 8.9km/10mins drive.

🚶Walk distance 1km each way, approx 1hr

🐕 Dogs off leash, adhere to local signs.

🧐 Ngarimu Bay was earlier named Ō-tohi – ‘the place of baptismal rights’. It was later named by residents after 2nd Lieutenant Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu of Ngāti Porou, who was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross in 1943 for an act of bravery at Tebaga Gap, Tunisia.

🧐Thornton Bay was commonly called Te Wharau until the postwar years and was the site of a flourishing Ngāti Maru kāinga. It’s also the physical seaward boundary between Ngāti Maru to the south and Ngāti Tamaterā to the north.