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

The Pacific Coast Highway on the west side of the Coromandel Peninsula is one of the great coastal scenic highways in New Zealand. The 31km Thames section of the Pacific Coast Highway takes you from Kopu, up through Thames and 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

The Waiomu Domain is a lovely area with toilets, a children's playground, a self-service BBQ, picnic tables and a Freedom Camping area. A huge Pohutukawa stands in the middle of the domain making for an impressive sight. The word Waioumu 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

Grahamstown, at the northern end of Pollen St, is a quirky historic shopping precinct full of cafes, antiques, art galleries, museums and the Grahamstown Market. Grahamstown sprung up from the gold rush of 1868 when ex-provincial superintendent Robert Graham shrewdly Read More