THAMES SCULPTURE WALK
Embark on a captivating sculpture walk, starting your journey at The Wharf Café offering easy parking and where you can enjoy stunning views while sipping a hot drink. As you set out on this adventure, step away from The Wharf and make your way towards the road. Keep an eye out for the unmistakable sign of the Hauraki Rail Trail; it’s easy to spot! Follow this Bike Trail for approximately 45 minutes, where numerous sculptures and other attractions await, adding charm to your walk at every turn.
Continuing, you’ll encounter several prominent landmarks that enhance your walk. Discover the fascinating historical site of the “Welcome to Thames” Stamper Battery, which showcases the town’s rich heritage. While there, don’t miss the intriguing Rotary Stick Man sculpture.
As you proceed, seize the opportunity to admire Keith Park’s fighter plane by the Thames Airfield, a symbol of aviation history that commemorates the town’s contributions during wartime.
To further enrich your experience, pause at the information sign for the “Kauri Crossing,” learning about the significance of the kauri trees in the region’s history.
Upon viewing the last sculpture, treat yourself to delicious goodies from Deli Bakery Oliver’s on your way back to town. Conveniently located just across the Ngati Maru Highway, near the Kauri Crossing sign, it’s the perfect way to round off your stroll.
With this unforgettable blend of art, nature, and culinary delights, the Thames Sculpture Walk promises a truly memorable and enriching experience for all who embark on this adventure. Embrace the beauty of art and the allure of Thames as you immerse yourself in this captivating journey.
Information on the Sculpture Walk
- Thames Wharf and The Wharf Café, this is the oldest and last remaining wharf in Thames.
View the Stuff article on the Thames Wharf or find out more about The Wharf Café… - Beginning of the Thames to Paeroa leg of the Hauraki Rail Trail, to find out more about the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Visit the Hauraki Rail Trail website - Sculpture: “Penny Farthing” by Bruce Harper, this sculpture is part of the Thames Public Art Trust Sculpture Trail project and was supported by Watson Engineering and the Thames Coromandel District Council.
Visit the Thames Public Art Trust website - Sculpture: Te Tau Kotare – The Sentinel
Visit the website to find out more about this sculpture - World War 1 Memorial Forest
Visit the Coromandel website to find out more about the New Zealand WW1 Memorial Forest Parks - Welcome to Thames Lions Club Stamper Battery, finished in 2005 this Sign/Sculpture is part of the yellow historical signs around Thames.
Visit the website to find out more about this sign… - Thames Rotary Club Stickman
- Sir Keith Park Memorial with Hurricane replica at the Thames Airfield
Visit the website to find out more about the Sir Keith Park memorials in Thames - Sculpture: “Horseshoe Spheres” by Mark Hayes
- Sculpture: “The Jandal” by Ricks Terstappen, this sculpture is part of the Thames Public Art Trust Sculpture Trail project and was supported by Smart Environmental, Kopu Engineering and the Thames Coromandel District Council.
Visit the Thames Public Art Trust Facebook page - Wavey Grass
- Kauri Crossing information sign
- Sculpture: Poetic Directions
Visit the Thames Public Art Trust Facebook page - Olivers Bakery