Historical Thames

Thames was born of gold. When the Thames goldfield opened in 1867, the twin settlements of Shortland and Grahamstown boomed into one of New Zealand's largest towns of the era. That goldmining heritage still shapes the town today, from its historic Pollen Street shopfronts to its museums, churches and mine sites.

Historic goldmining-era buildings and steam train in Grahamstown, Thames — Thames grew from the 1867 goldrush. Photo: Thames Business Association.

The Thames goldrush

Before European settlement the Thames area was long occupied by Māori. The 1867 goldrush transformed it: thousands of miners arrived, batteries thundered day and night crushing quartz, and Grahamstown and Shortland grew into a major commercial centre. At its peak Thames rivalled Auckland in size.

Heritage sites to visit

Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum — the original school where miners learned their trade, with a significant mineral collection.
Goldmine Experience — a working heritage mine site with a stamper battery.
Bella Street Pumphouse — a restored pumphouse telling the story of mine drainage.
Thames Museum — local social and goldfields history.
Saint George's Historic Church and Saint James' Church — historic places of worship from the goldfields era.
The Treasury — local archives and genealogy, including a goldminers database.
Historic Kopu Bridge and the Thames Small Gauge Railway — further heritage landmarks around town.

Walk the goldfields town

The best way to feel the history is on foot along Pollen Street and through the old Grahamstown quarter, where verandahed timber buildings still line the street. Pair a heritage stroll with a stop at a local cafe and browse the Thames business directory.

Find it on the map

Historic Grahamstown, at the north end of Thames. Open in Google Maps for directions.

Plan your visit

See more things to do in Thames, find where to stay, or read the Visit Thames guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Thames famous for gold?

Thames is famous for the 1867 goldrush, when the Thames goldfield made Shortland and Grahamstown one of the largest and richest towns in New Zealand at the time.

What historic sites can I visit in Thames?

Key heritage sites include the Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum, the Goldmine Experience, the Bella Street Pumphouse, the Thames Museum, and historic churches such as Saint George's.

When was Thames founded?

Thames grew rapidly after the goldfield opened in 1867, though the wider area had long been settled by Māori before European mining began.