48 Hours in Thames: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Panorama of Thames township and the Firth of Thames — Thames sits where the Coromandel ranges meet the Firth of Thames. Photo: Ulrich Lange (CC BY 3.0) / Wikimedia Commons.

The ideal Thames weekend blends gold-rush history, an easy walk in the Kauaeranga Valley and a ride on the Hauraki Rail Trail, all from one base at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula. Thames is about a 90-minute to two-hour drive from Auckland and roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from Hamilton, which makes it a natural first or last stop on a Coromandel trip. Here is how to spend 48 hours in Thames.

Before you go: getting to Thames

From Auckland, drive south on State Highway 1 then State Highway 25 (about 100 km). From Hamilton, take State Highway 26 through Morrinsville (about 100 km). Daily buses also run from both cities. Book accommodation ahead in summer and over long weekends, when the Coromandel fills fast.

Day one: heritage, the main street and a local dinner

Pollen Street, the main street of Thames, lined with heritage shopfronts — Pollen Street is New Zealand's longest main street. Photo: Krzysztof Golik (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Wikimedia Commons.

Morning: brunch and the shops

Start with brunch on Pollen Street, the longest main street in New Zealand, at a local cafe such as Cafe Melbourne or Sola. Then browse the independent shops, bookstores and galleries. If it is a Saturday, the Grahamstown market is on at the north end of the street.

Afternoon: the gold-rush story

Thames boomed after gold was found in 1867. Get the story at the Goldmine Experience, where you can see a stamper battery and go underground, then visit the Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum. The historic Thames guide maps the rest, including the Bella Street Pumphouse and the Thames Museum.

Evening: craft beer and dinner

Wind down at the Grahamstown Bar & Diner, a craft-beer gastropub in the old Grahamstown quarter, or pick from the town's restaurants in our where to eat and drink in Thames guide.

Day two: the Kauaeranga Valley and the rail trail

The Kopu bridge over the river seen from the Hauraki Rail Trail near Thames — The Hauraki Rail Trail runs flat and off-road from Thames. Photo: Johnragla (CC0) / Wikimedia Commons.

Morning: a walk in the valley

Drive about 20 minutes east to the Kauaeranga Valley, the gateway to the Pinnacles. Call in at the Department of Conservation visitor centre for maps, then choose a walk to suit your energy: the short Kahikatea Walk and Cookson Kauri Walk are easy, while fit walkers tackle part of the Pinnacles track. See the walks and tracks guide.

Afternoon: ride the Hauraki Rail Trail

Back in town, hire a bike and ride an easy stretch of the flat Hauraki Rail Trail. The Thames to Matatoki return is a gentle 22 km if you want a longer leg-stretch, or just spin along the waterfront. Finish with an ice cream looking out over the Firth.

Where to stay for the weekend

Thames has motels, lodges, B&Bs and holiday parks. Motels cluster along Pollen Street and the highways; lodges sit on the hillsides with Firth views. Compare options in where to stay in Thames.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (December to February) is warmest and liveliest but busiest. Autumn and spring are quieter and excellent for the Kauaeranga Valley, while winter is mild and green with the Pinnacles still walkable in settled weather.

Find it on the map

Thames and the Kauaeranga Valley. Open in Google Maps for directions.

Frequently asked questions

Is a weekend enough time in Thames?

Yes. Two days is enough to see the goldmining heritage, walk in the Kauaeranga Valley, ride part of the Hauraki Rail Trail and enjoy the cafes, with time to relax.

How far is Thames from Auckland?

Thames is about 100 km south-east of Auckland, a 90-minute to two-hour drive via State Highway 1 and State Highway 25.

What should I not miss in Thames?

Do not miss the Kauaeranga Valley and the Pinnacles, the goldmining heritage sites, Pollen Street's cafes, and a ride on the flat Hauraki Rail Trail.

Is Thames a good base for the Coromandel?

Yes. As the gateway town, Thames is well placed for day trips north up the Pohutukawa Coast and across to the peninsula's beaches.