The redesigned Porritt Park playground is a gathering place for whānau to spend the whole day, enjoying the barbecues, extra seating and the more challenging play equipment. The greatly-enhanced facilities reflect the history of the area, including incorporating concepts such Read More
Visit one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s finest kauri stands on the Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk. It's an easy walk that follows the Waiomu stream up the valley. The surrounding forest is lush and full of tree ferns and birdsong. Read More
The Thames War Memorial stands on the site of Ngāti Huarere's Tutuka pā and has amazing views over Thames. It commemorates both those who died during World War I and those who returned home after the war. In August 1921, Read More
John William Hall Arboretum is New Zealand’s oldest arboretum, established in 1872 by Thames chemist John William Hall. He began planting his three-acre property in 1872, initially to control erosion when he became alarmed at the effect of rainfall on Read More
The old Burke Street Wharf is a disused wharf built in the 1870s to service the Thames Gold Rush. It’s on the Thames Coastal Walkway and is a great spot to catch a sunset, and a popular spot for photographers. Read More
Tapu is a coastal district of the Thames Coast and the Tapu River flows into the Firth of Thames. The reserve has great freedom camping and toilet facilities, and some of the best sunsets on the coast. The word Tapu Read More
Te Kauaeranga (Pā) - This word means ‘The stacked bones of the whale jaw’. Waiwhakaurunga (Kauaeranga River) - means ‘the many bathing pools of the upper reaches’. Waiwhakaurunga is commonly called Kauaeranga River, after the early Te Kauaeranga pā formally Read More
Victoria Park and the Band Rotunda is a beautiful park and ideal rest area when passing through Thames. It extends from Pak n Save up to The Band Rotunda with plenty of parking and picnic tables available with a mini Read More
Kuranui Bay Reserve, located at Kuranui Bay, is at the North end of Thames township. It’s the last stop before you start up the Thames Coast Highway (SH25) and marks the end of the Coastal Walkway. Here you’ll find ample Read More
Thornton Bay is a small coastal settlement of approximately 330 people according to the 2023 census, and it's an ideal place to stop for a family swim, launch your kayaks, catch a sunset, explore the rock pools, or cast a Read More