Beaches Near Thames

Here is the honest truth most guides skip: Thames itself does not have a golden-sand swimming beach. The town sits on the Firth of Thames, a broad, tidal arm of the sea that is a paradise for birds and sunsets rather than surf. But drive ten minutes in almost any direction and the coast opens up, from the pohutukawa-fringed bays north of town to some of the most beautiful ocean beaches in the country. Here is how to find sand near Thames.

The shingle-and-sand shore at Waiomu, north of Thames — Waiomu, one of the calm coastal settlements north of town. Photo: Gadfium (CC0).

The Pohutukawa Coast, north of Thames

The beach and headland at Te Puru on the coast road north of Thames — Te Puru, a short drive up the Pohutukawa Coast. Photo: maticulous (CC BY 2.0).

Follow State Highway 25 north and the road quickly turns into one of the loveliest coastal drives on the peninsula. The Pohutukawa Coast strings together small settlements, Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, each with a calm, shingle-and-sand beach shaded by ancient pohutukawa that blaze red at Christmas. These are gentle, family-friendly bays, perfect for a paddle, a picnic and a flat-water swim on a calm day. Waiomu doubles as a trailhead for the Coast to Kauri walk and has its beloved beach cafe.

The Firth of Thames: a birdwatcher’s coast

Do not write off the town shoreline. The Firth of Thames is an internationally significant shorebird habitat, a Ramsar wetland where tens of thousands of migratory birds gather. At low tide the mudflats stretch out silver to the horizon; bring binoculars and you might spot wrybill, godwits and the elegant pied stilt. Sunset over the Firth, with the Hunua Ranges dark across the water, is one of the quiet highlights of a Thames stay.

Ocean beaches for a day trip

Golden sand and clear water at New Chums Beach on the Coromandel — New Chums, regularly rated one of the world’s best beaches. Photo: Pseudopanax (CC BY-SA 3.0).

For that postcard Coromandel beach, cross the peninsula to the east coast. Hot Water Beach lets you dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide, Cathedral Cove near Hahei hides its famous rock arch, and the unspoilt New Chums Beach rewards a short walk with golden sand and turquoise water. All are day-trippable from Thames; our Coromandel road trip guide maps the routes.

Make Thames your base

Thames is the ideal budget base for exploring the whole coast: stay in town, drive out to a different beach each day. See where to stay in Thames and more things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Are there beaches in Thames?

Thames sits on the Firth of Thames, which is tidal and better for walking, sunsets and birdwatching than swimming. Sandy beach settlements like Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu lie a short drive north.

Can you swim at Thames?

Not really at the town itself, where the Firth is tidal and muddy. For swimming, drive 10 to 15 minutes north to the coast settlements, or across the peninsula to the Coromandel’s ocean beaches.

What is the closest sandy beach to Thames?

Te Puru and Waiomu, about 10 to 15 minutes north on State Highway 25, are the closest beach settlements to Thames.

What is the best beach near Thames?

For calm family swimming, the Pohutukawa Coast beaches north of town; for classic ocean beaches, Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and New Chums on the east coast are a scenic day trip away.

Is the Firth of Thames good for birdwatching?

Yes. The Firth of Thames is an internationally recognised shorebird habitat, and its tidal flats are one of the best places in New Zealand to see migratory wading birds.