Free Things to Do in Thames

The shore of the Firth of Thames near the town — The Firth of Thames shoreline is free to explore and great for birdwatching. Photo: Krzysztof Golik (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Wikimedia Commons.

Thames is an easy place to enjoy on a budget. Many of its best experiences, from goldmining heritage walks to river swimming and a lively Saturday market, cost nothing at all. Here are the best free things to do in Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula.

1. Walk the historic town

Looking down Pollen Street in Thames past heritage buildings — Pollen Street's heritage shopfronts are a free self-guided history walk. Photo: National Library NZ / Wikimedia Commons.

Strolling Pollen Street and the old Grahamstown quarter is a free open-air history lesson, past verandahed timber buildings, old pubs and mining relics. Pick up the thread with our historic Thames guide.

2. Explore the Kauaeranga Valley

The Pinnacles rock formations in the Kauaeranga Valley near Thames — Short Kauaeranga Valley walks are free and lead toward the Pinnacles. Photo: David Schmitz (CC BY 2.0) / Wikimedia Commons.

The short forest and heritage walks from the DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre are free, including the Kahikatea Walk and Cookson Kauri Walk. Bigger tramps like the Pinnacles start here too. See the walks and tracks guide.

3. Ride the Hauraki Rail Trail

If you have your own bike, riding the flat, off-road Hauraki Rail Trail from town costs nothing and suits all ages.

4. Browse the Saturday market

The Thames Market in Grahamstown is free to wander every Saturday morning, with produce, crafts, buskers and street food. Bring cash if you want to buy.

5. Cool off at a swimming hole

In summer, locals swim at Hoffman's Pool and the Kauaeranga River swimming spots. It is a free way to beat the heat on a hot Coromandel day.

6. Watch the birds on the Firth of Thames

The Firth of Thames is an internationally recognised shorebird habitat. The coast road north is a free scenic drive, and the tidal flats are excellent for spotting wading birds.

7. Visit the churches and lookouts

Historic churches such as Saint George's are free to admire, and short climbs to local lookouts give big views over the town and the Firth for no cost.

Find it on the map

Free things to do around Thames. Open in Google Maps for directions.

Plan the rest of your visit

Round out your trip with things to do in Thames, where to eat and drink, and where to stay.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do for free in Thames?

Free things to do in Thames include walking the historic town, short Kauaeranga Valley forest walks, riding the Hauraki Rail Trail, browsing the Saturday market, river swimming and birdwatching on the Firth of Thames.

Is the Thames Market free?

Yes. The Thames Market in Grahamstown is free to visit every Saturday morning, though you may want cash for produce and food stalls.

Are the Kauaeranga Valley walks free?

Yes. The short walks from the DOC visitor centre are free. Overnight stays in the Pinnacles Hut are paid and must be booked with DOC.

Is Thames good for a cheap day out?

Very. Between free walks, the market, swimming and heritage strolls, you can fill a whole day in Thames without spending much.