Thames Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Two wooden houses with sloped roofs surrounded by lush greenery.
A butterfly with intricate patterns on its wings resting on a yellow surface.
A red building with a sign for Junction Hotel.
A street lined with shops, including a Dick Smith Electronics store and a sign for Thames Clearance.
A clock tower with a weather vane on top.

From an old gold-mining town, Thames has turned into a quaint little oasis. All is not as mellow as it seems though…

Situated at the bottom of the Coromandel Peninsula, Thames is just the start of all the good things to come in this region. Its former gold mines and heritage buildings are still proudly on display, but Thames is also moving on, adopting an arty, alternative style. The forests around Thames, including the Kauaeranga Valley, are great for hiking. Too easy? How about canyoning in Sleeping God Canyon? It’s seriously thrilling, even by New Zealand standards.

Coastal Motor Lodge

Coastal Motor Lodge

3 out of 5
608 Tararu, South Highway 25 Thames
The price is AU$124 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$124
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine Experience are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (283 reviews)
"Overall we had a good stay. It was only one night. The chalet was clean and tidy, although some of the light fittings either had blown bulbs or the light switches were faulty, as lights didn't always work. It was warm and the bed was comfortable. However, the person staying in the unit next door ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2026

Coastal Motor Lodge
Grafton Cottage & Chalets

Grafton Cottage & Chalets

4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road Thames
The price is AU$125 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$125
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cottage in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (440 reviews)
"Check in was so quick and the people were so kind! We were able to learn about local activities and dining! The room was spacious and had everything we ended. Far enough from town for beautiful scenery but close enough that everything was a 10min drive or less. Incredible stay!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2026

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels

Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels

3 out of 5
105 Rolleston Street Thames
The price is AU$132 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
AU$132
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Hauraki Rail Trail Thames and Goldfields Shopping Centre ...
Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
See all 499 properties in Thames
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Grafton Cottage & Chalets

Grafton Cottage & Chalets

4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road Thames
Stay at this cottage in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (440 reviews)
"Check in was so quick and the people were so kind! We were able to learn about local activities and dining! The room was spacious and had everything we ended. Far enough from town for beautiful scenery but close enough that everything was a 10min drive or less. Incredible stay!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2026

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Comfort Inn Sunset

Comfort Inn Sunset

3 out of 5
1017 Tararu Rd Thames Waikato
Stay at this apartment in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine Experience are located ...
Comfort Inn Sunset
Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels

Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels

3 out of 5
104 Jellicoe Crescent Thames
Stay at this aparthotel in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Hauraki Rail Trail Thames and Goldfields Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (181 reviews)
"Modern, clean comfortable and very quiet. Perfect to relax and get a bit of work done."

Reviewed on 22 June 2026

Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
See all properties in Thames
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Thames attractions

Hauraki Rail Trail Thames

8.4/10 (15 reviews)
You can take time to visit Hauraki Rail Trail Thames during your travels to Thames. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
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