Where to Stay in Thames, NZ
Thames has accommodation for every budget — motels along the main routes into town, boutique lodges and B&Bs in the historic streets, a holiday park for families and campervans, and Department of Conservation campsites up the Kauaeranga Valley near the Pinnacles. As the gateway town to the Coromandel Peninsula, Thames makes a practical base for exploring beaches, bush walks and the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Key takeaways
- Motels are the most common option in Thames, clustered on Pollen Street and the state highways into town.
- Lodges and B&Bs suit couples wanting character stays in and above the old goldfields town.
- Holiday parks and DOC campsites cover families, campervans and trampers heading for the Pinnacles.
- Thames is roughly a 90-minute to 2-hour drive from Auckland, so it is a common first or last night on a Coromandel trip.
- Book ahead for summer (December–February) and long weekends, when the Coromandel fills quickly.
Where should you stay in Thames?
The best place to stay in Thames depends on your trip. Choose a motel if you want easy parking, self-contained units and a short walk or drive to Pollen Street's shops and restaurants. Choose a lodge or B&B for a quieter, more characterful stay, often with views over the Firth of Thames. Choose a holiday park or campsite if you are travelling with a campervan, tent or family, or planning to tramp in the Kauaeranga Valley.
Motels in Thames
Motels are the mainstay of Thames accommodation, offering self-contained studio and family units, off-street parking and easy access to town. Well-known motels in and around Thames include:
- Coastal Motor Lodge — a Qualmark four-star motel just north of Thames, at the gateway to the Coromandel.
- Shortland Court Motel — central Thames motel within walking distance of Pollen Street.
- Brookby Motel — long-running Thames motel handy to the town centre.
- Rolleston Motel — set on a quiet no-exit street, within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
- Sunset Motel, Avalon Motel and Tuscany on Thames — further self-contained motel options in the Thames area.
Because rates and availability change with the season, check current pricing directly with each property or through the Thames business directory before you book.
Lodges and B&Bs
For a more boutique stay, Thames has lodges, cottages and bed-and-breakfasts that trade on character and location. These suit couples, walkers on the Hauraki Rail Trail, and visitors who want a home-style base.
- Te Mata Lodge — a lodge-style stay in the Thames coast area.
- Grafton Cottage & Chalets — elevated chalet accommodation with views over the town and Firth of Thames.
- Cotswold Cottage — a heritage-style bed-and-breakfast near Thames.
- Mainholm Lodge — a further guest-lodge option in the wider Thames area.
Holiday parks and campsites
Families, campervanners and trampers are well catered for around Thames. A holiday park in town provides powered and non-powered sites plus cabins, while the Department of Conservation runs campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley, the starting point for the popular Pinnacles walk. These campsites are basic but scenic, and are booked through the DOC website in peak season.
If you are planning to walk the Pinnacles or explore the ranges, read our guide to walks and tracks around Thames before you go.
Comparing your options
| Type | Best for | Typical location | Book via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motels | Couples, families, easy parking | Pollen Street & highways into Thames | Direct / booking sites |
| Lodges & B&Bs | Couples, character stays, rail-trail walkers | Historic town & hillside | Direct |
| Holiday parks | Families, campervans, budget | In and around town | Direct |
| DOC campsites | Trampers, Pinnacles walkers | Kauaeranga Valley | DOC website |
Getting around from your base in Thames
Thames is compact enough to explore on foot once you have parked, and it is the natural launch point for day trips around the Coromandel. From your accommodation you can reach the Hauraki Rail Trail, the main things to do in Thames, and plenty of places to eat and drink along Pollen Street. For official regional information, the Explore Thames visitor site lists further stays across the district.
Thames on the map
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Thames?
The central Pollen Street area is the best base for first-time visitors, putting shops, cafes and restaurants within walking distance. For quieter stays with views, look to the hillside lodges and the coast just north of town.
Does Thames have hotels or mainly motels?
Thames accommodation is mostly motels, lodges and B&Bs rather than large hotels. This gives good-value, self-contained options, but it also means rooms are limited, so booking ahead matters in summer.
How far is Thames from Auckland?
Thames is about a 90-minute to two-hour drive from Auckland, which is why many visitors spend their first or last Coromandel night there.
Where can I camp near Thames?
The Department of Conservation runs campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley, east of Thames, near the start of the Pinnacles walk. In-town holiday parks also offer powered sites and cabins for campervans and families.
When should I book Thames accommodation?
Book well ahead for summer (December to February), Easter and long weekends, when Coromandel demand is highest. Outside those periods you can usually find rooms at shorter notice.