The Kauaeranga Valley
(http://www.doc.govt.nz/pa...), 13km to the east in behind the town. this forest park has many campgrounds nestled beside the kauaeranga river, which flows down from the coromandel ranges through the valley. the valley has a choice of walks, swimming spots and historic relics from kauri logging days.
Thames Golf Club
Cnr of state highway 26 kopu paeroa rd and kopu hikuai rd, kirikiri 6km south of thames. the course is an 18 hole undulating course situated a short drive south of thames.
Karaka Bird Hide
Brown street, north of pak'nsave and the goldfields shopping mall. sit and watch seabirds in the firth of thames.
War Memorial Monument and Lookout
Waiotahi creek road. overlooking the township from a great viewpoint, take waiotahi creek rd to the top at the north end of thames.
Shortland Wharf
Queen street. once a port for small cargo vessels and the kauri timber industry, the historic wharf is a good place to see the intertidal mudflats and mangrove ecosystem. it is also an important base for commercial fishing in the firth of thames and elsewhere in the hauraki gulf. the fish wholesaler sells fresh seafood, bait and frozen fish products.
Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, Thames is the largest town in the region. Its fascinating history can be uncovered by visiting two excellent museums and taking a tour through an old gold mine. Experience outdoor activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, abseiling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, swimming, camping, walking and tramping.
Thames Historical Museum
Cnr cochrane & pollen streets. displays of early european settlement, the days of the famous gold rush and more recent 20th century development. the remarkable history and production of the thames foundries is also covered; timber jacks, logging locos and even cast iron houses! the museum is in a garden setting.
Tropical Butterfly and Orchid Garden
(http://www.butterfly.co.nz/), victoria st, tararu 3km north of thames. many different species from all over the world and up to 400 butterflies at any one time. more than 100 different plant species and 250 to 300 exotic orchids.
Historic Grahamstown
Take a self guided tour of historic buildings and sites in the old-time suburb of grahamstown.
Thames Society of Arts Gallery
Thames cultural centre, old north school, tararu road 3km north of thames. housed in the historic building that once was the north school, the thames society of arts gallery is definitely worth a visit. just three minutes from town along the thames coast road, the gallery displays a unique selection of high quality original works by local artists.
William Hall Reserve
Brunton crescent, parawai. the oldest arboretum in new zealand with a large range of native and introduced plant and tree species.
Thames School of Mines
Cnr of brown and cochrane streets. the school opened in 1886 offering practical instruction to goldminers working the quartz fields and closed 1954. today as one of the most significant museums of its type in australasia, it is administered by the new zealand historic places trust. if antique buildings is your thing donât miss the old laroratory classroom, untouched since the last student went off home.
Thames Small Gauge Railway
Brown st. the facilities include a heritage style station, steaming bays, sidings and turntable hydraulically operated to rise and fall, tunnel and three bridges. trains run every sunday 11am - 3pm circumstances permitting and visitors are welcome.
Gold Mine Tours
Cnr of moanataiari road and state highway 25. you can go deep underground into the 100 year old golden crown mine and also see the old stamper battery actually working. check out the photo history room and try your hand at panning for gold.
Annual events
Thames Race Day
Thames racecourse, parawai rd.
Thames Heritage Day
Various historic venues.
Thames Gold Rush Market Day
Pollen st.