Thames: Gold Mining History and Waterfront Walkway

Thames brings together gold mining history, historic cultural sites and a waterside path. The Thames-Coromandel District provides a wider regional setting, with landscapes and experiences across different locations.

Cultural history in Thames

St George’s Church in Thames is a wooden Gothic Revival church that has been largely preserved in its original condition. Access is private; public visits are not possible.

The Bella Street Pumphouse in Thames contains gold mining artefacts and working models. The Treasury provides visitors researching their family history or the region’s history with records, photographs and maps of the old goldfields. The subject ranges from objects that bring the past to life to materials for focused research.

Waterfront walkway and surroundings

The Thames Coastal Walkway runs along the Thames waterfront from Shortland Wharf to Kuranui Bay. Its developed, flat route along the shore has a different focus from the historic cultural sites: here, the waterside path is the main feature.

Nearby is the Kauaeranga Valley, 13 km east of Thames. There are many campsites along the Kauaeranga River. This extends the view beyond the town to a distinct valley and river area.

The Thames-Coromandel District: heritage and regional trails

The Thames-Coromandel District has about 2,000 hectares of parks and protected areas. Its landscapes include dramatic topography and coastline, native forests and diverse coastal settlements. These features provide a setting for exploring the region beyond the individual town.

In the Thames-Coromandel District, the Thames School of Mines complex is nationally significant as a rare, well-preserved example of its kind. The site has spiritual, cultural and archaeological significance and is particularly important to Ngati Maru. The band rotunda in Victoria Park in Thames is also part of local cultural history: it has been used for musical performances and related events for more than a century.

For the Hauraki Rail Trail, it is worth distinguishing between the full route and a specific section: the cycle trail is 160 km long and runs through the Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako districts. The 34 km section from Thames to Paeroa passes through lush farmland. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

At Driving Creek in Coromandel Town, you can enjoy train rides, ziplining, pottery classes and a native conservation park. The railway winds through 60 acres of regenerating native bush to the EyeFull Tower Lookout, which offers sweeping views over Coromandel Town and the Hauraki Gulf. Check current operating and booking details before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Opito Bay, Tairua, Hahei, Hikutaia, Hikuai, Coromandel, Hot Water Beach, Opoutere

For the broader travel overview: Thames-Coromandel District.