Visit Thames, New Zealand

Thames sits at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula on the Firth of Thames, the gateway town for anyone heading onto the peninsula from Auckland or Hamilton. It grew rich almost overnight after the 1867 goldrush, when the twin settlements of Grahamstown and Shortland became one of New Zealand's largest towns, and that heritage still shapes the place today: heritage shopfronts, old mine sites and museums along Pollen Street, New Zealand's longest main street.

Beyond the town itself, Thames is the launch point for the Kauaeranga Valley and the Pinnacles walk, the flat and easy Hauraki Rail Trail, and the scenic Pohutukawa Coast road north toward Coromandel Town. Locals and visitors alike come for the goldfields history, the outdoors on the doorstep, and a laid-back main street with good cafes, a Saturday market and a strong community of independent businesses.

Getting to Thames: from Auckland, Thames is about 100km south-east, roughly a 1h20 to 2-hour drive via State Highway 1 then State Highway 25. From Hamilton, it is about 100km north-east, around 1h20 via State Highway 26 and Morrinsville. See our Visit Thames guide for the full breakdown, including bus options.

Our VISION is a vibrant and strong business community that collaborates successfully, is connected to opportunities, shares knowledge and is well supported by its local community.

And our PURPOSE is to develop a cohesive business community to drive positive social and economic outcomes.

Our long-term goal is to build TBA so it represents the majority of businesses in Thames/Kopu and enables them to "speak with one voice"; and to advocate effectively for their interests and success - and to be an association that builds strong and productive partnerships with its stakeholders.

BETTER BUSINESS-STRONGER COMMUNITY

OUR MEMBERS are businesses and commercially rated property owners located within the Thames Community Board area. To join click the button below.