Free Things to Do in Thames

Some of the best days in Thames cost nothing at all. This is a town where the entertainment is the landscape and the history, both of which are free to anyone with a pair of walking shoes. From goldfields heritage to forest walks, a lively Saturday market and river swimming, here are the best free things to do in Thames.

The shore of the Firth of Thames near town — The Firth of Thames shoreline, free to roam and full of birdlife. Photo: Krzysztof Golik (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Walk the historic town

Historic Pollen Street buildings in Thames — A self-guided history walk down Pollen Street costs nothing. Photo: National Library NZ.

The finest free attraction in Thames is the town itself. Wander Pollen Street and the old Grahamstown quarter and you are walking through a preserved 19th-century goldfields town, past verandahed timber shopfronts, corner pubs and mining relics tucked between the buildings. Our historic Thames guide turns it into a self-guided trail.

Explore the Kauaeranga Valley

The Pinnacles rock formations in the Kauaeranga Valley — Short valley walks, and the mighty Pinnacles, cost nothing to enjoy. Photo: David Schmitz (CC BY 2.0).

The short forest and heritage walks from the DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre are free, from the easy Kahikatea Walk to the Cookson Kauri Walk and Edwards Lookout. Even the epic Pinnacles tramp costs nothing to walk (only the overnight hut is paid). Details are in our walks and tracks guide.

Ride the Hauraki Rail Trail

Bring your own bike and the flat, off-road Hauraki Rail Trail is a free, family-friendly ride straight out of town across the Hauraki Plains.

Browse the Saturday market

Every Saturday morning the Thames Market fills Grahamstown with produce, crafts, buskers and street food. It is free to wander and soak up (bring cash if the smell of the food stalls gets the better of you).

Swim in a river hole

On a hot day, do as the locals do and cool off in the Kauaeranga River swimming holes or at Hoffman’s Pool, east of town. Free, clear and blissful in summer.

Watch the birds on the Firth

The Firth of Thames is one of the country’s great shorebird sites, a Ramsar wetland where thousands of migratory birds feed on the tidal flats. The coast road and the shoreline just out of town are free to explore, and sunset over the water is the best free show in Thames.

Climb to a lookout

Short walks to local lookouts and historic churches like Saint George’s give you big views over the town and the Firth without spending a cent.

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, swimming in the river 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 to walk. Only the overnight stay in the Pinnacles Hut is paid, and must be booked with DOC.

Is Thames good for a cheap day out?

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

Where can you swim for free near Thames?

In summer, locals swim in the Kauaeranga River swimming holes and at Hoffman’s Pool, east of town toward the valley.