Thames Vacations

Cycle through New Zealand's historic gold mining landscapes on this gentle 160-kilometer rail trail. Wind past the scenic Karangahake Gorge and charming towns offering local cuisine and comfortable accommodations.

Descend into authentic 19th-century gold mining tunnels at this restored historic site in Thames. Try your hand at gold panning and keep any flakes you find while learning about New Zealand's golden past.

Housed in the historic Thames Carnegie Library, The Treasury preserves New Zealand's Coromandel heritage. Researchers can explore archives chronicling local gold rush history.

Step back in time at this museum showcasing New Zealand's gold rush era through kauri models and Victorian displays. Explore the newly opened Taonga Māori Gallery to understand the region's indigenous heritage.

You can do some window-shopping at Goldfields Shopping Centre during your stay in Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area.

Built in the 1870s during the Thames Gold Rush, Burke Street Wharf was once a vital maritime hub. Photographers now capture its historic remnants against spectacular sunset views over the Firth of Thames.

Step back in time at this historic mining school housing over 3,000 mineral specimens. Guided tours reveal authentic laboratories and equipment from New Zealand's 19th-century gold rush era.