Thames Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Thames which includes a house
Thames which includes a house
Butterfly and Orchid Garden which includes animals
Thames which includes signage and a garden
Thames showing signage

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.

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Grafton Cottage & Chalets

Grafton Cottage & Chalets

4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road Thames
The price is AU$139 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
AU$139
12 Mar - 13 Mar
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! (433 reviews)
Absolutely amazing, we were blown away by the beauty and tranquility of this gorgeous place. It was so clean with all the amenities you could want for a short stay with the most spectacular views. The balcony, lounge and upstairs bedroom all provided uninterrupted views of the gorgeous landscape ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 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$163 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$163
21 Mar - 22 Mar
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
Excellent quality accommodation, very clean and modern with a very good shower. Kitchen was well equipped and overall a high standard of facilities. This is my second stay here in the last two years

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
Coastal Motor Lodge

Coastal Motor Lodge

3 out of 5
608 Tararu, South Highway 25 Thames
The price is AU$143 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$143
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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! (259 reviews)
Although old, the lodge was very comfortable and clean.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Coastal Motor Lodge
See all 579 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! (433 reviews)
Absolutely amazing, we were blown away by the beauty and tranquility of this gorgeous place. It was so clean with all the amenities you could want for a short stay with the most spectacular views. The balcony, lounge and upstairs bedroom all provided uninterrupted views of the gorgeous landscape ...

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
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! (172 reviews)
Great place to stay!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
Great place in a good location !! If your looking for an adventure in the area, try canyoning with canyons NZ - soo fun- one of the most beautiful and unique things we did on the north island, full day adventure was worth it!!

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn Sunset
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.

Popular places to visit

Thames Hospital

If Thames Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Thames.

Thames Hospital

Hauraki Rail Trail Thames

4.5/5(3 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.

Hauraki Rail Trail Thames

Goldfields Shopping Centre

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Goldfields Shopping Centre during your trip to Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area.

Goldfields Shopping Centre

Goldmine Experience

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Goldmine Experience, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Thames. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Goldmine Experience

Burke Street Wharf

You can learn about the history of Thames with a visit to Burke Street Wharf. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Burke Street Wharf

Thames Historical Museum

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Thames Historical Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area.

Thames Historical Museum

Reviews of Thames

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
41
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Violet

Beautiful town with friendly people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it - Melbourne Cafe a great breakfast spot.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely, quiet coastal town with lots to see and do. Equally great if you just want to relax.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I really enjoyed the mining museum

4/5 - Good

JB

Thames is ok. A small town where everyone knows each other. Beaches not so good- a bit silty and mudflats at low tide.A gateway to better places.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great history, interesting colonial architecture, laid back atmosphere.

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