Friday
Evening
- Grab a late dinner on arrival (choose from Indian, Italian, Thai, Turkish, Chinese or traditional kiwi fare)
- Watch the sunset over the Firth of Thames from the WW1 Memorial monument lookout.
Saturday
Morning
- Visit Thames Markets – grab brunch at one of the wonderful cafes before exploring local crafts and produce
- Explore the boutique style retailers in Pollen Street, taking in the historic Grahamstown area full of miners cottages as well as the oldest family run business in New Zealand – Read Bros Hardware – at the southern end
- Delve into the family history and connections to Thames at The Treasury
Lunch
- Lunch in one of the original Thames hotels – Junction, Imperial or Brian Boru (gun fights over claims optional)
Afternoon
- Weave your way up the Kauaeranga Valley and take in the fresh air of native bush and bird song as you take an easy stroll along the Kahikitea track to the working scale model of the kauri dams from the logging days
- See Ted Egan’s amazing timber replicas of many historic buildings of the town at Thames Historical Museum or Bella Street Pumphouse with this engineering & goldmining technology
- Before taking a self guided trail of the actual sites of significant in Grahamstown & Shortland
Evening
- Take your time over a great meal and cold drink in one of the many restaurants
- Catch a movie in the beautiful old Embassy Theatre or ask the i-SITE about what local entertainment in on (we have awesomely talented singer/songwriters, theatre companies and performers)
Sunday
Morning
- After a relaxing breakfast take the opportunity to take in one or all of the spectacular churches of Thames: St James features beautiful timber work and a pipe organ. The St Georges acoustics are unbelievable!
- Time to visit a natural cathedral of sorts – William Hall Memorial Reserve (thought to be the oldest arboretum in the world)
- Enjoy a short drive along the scenic coastline
Lunch
- Lunch at the gorgeous Koru@Rapaura before meandering around the tranquil gardens. A short walk will lead you to the waterlily ponds and 7 tier waterfall
- On your way stop in at Tararu and check out local art works in the historical Old North School building
Afternoon
- Relive the ‘golden days’ with an underground tour of a mine complete with operational stamper battery
- Leisurely stroll along Coastal Walkway from Kuranui Bay to Victoria Park, taking in the Michael Smithers sculpture, underfoot gallery and Karaka Bird Hide
- Last minute explore of Goldfields Mall and refuel before you hit the road