Title: Visit Thames: Best of Thames Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Thames](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Hotels.d10075.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Thames](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Vacation-Rentals.d10075.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Thames](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Thames.d10075.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Thames Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Thames.d10075.Car-Rental-Guide)[Thames Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Thames.d10075.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Thames ## Travel Guide ![Thames which includes a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236560-Thames.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Butterfly and Orchid Garden showing animals](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236063-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Thames which includes signage and a garden](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236567-Thames.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Thames which includes signage](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236563-Thames.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Thames featuring a small town or village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236561-Thames.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Thames Things to do Reviews #### Marvel at the beauty of this town’s setting in the Coromandel Peninsula, get your heart pumping on a canyoning trip, step back into gold mining history or buy some local artwork. Thames is nestled in between the peaks of the Coromandel Forest Park and lapping waters of the Firth of Thames. Browse this coastal settlement, once the second-largest town in New Zealand, to explore the country’s gold mining history. Get a feel for the origins of Thames by visiting the Goldmine Experience, where volunteers will guide you through the gritty existence of early miners. The Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum shows the science behind early mining and has a large mineral display. Take a canyoning trip to Sleeping God Canyon. The expert guides at CanyoNZ will guide you through abseils, rappels, jumps and slides that will see you drop down vertically almost 1,000 feet (300 metres) through mind-blowing scenery. Thames has mellowed from its gold rush days and these days provides a tranquil, artistic atmosphere. Discover this creative side in the town’s fascinating art and craft galleries. Purchase some artworks as a souvenir or just marvel at the skill and imagination required to produce these hand-made pieces. Take a dip in Hoffman’s Pool or hike up to Edward’s Lookout for stunning views over the forest in the Kauaeranga Valley. For the more intrepid tramper, as Kiwis call a hiker, a trek to The Pinnacles and sleeping in a hut near the top is highly recommended. Explore the rugged coast to the north of town driving along the winding, scenic coastal road to Coromandel Town. Stop off at the lookout points to gaze down on the dotted emerald islands and secluded bays below. Visit in the summer months to see the pōhutukawa trees come alive with masses of red flowers all along the roadside. Finish by heading to the northern end of Thames, a colonial district that was once Grahamstown and still goes by that name today. Relax in one of its atmospheric cafés and catch the delightful Grahamstown Markets on a Saturday. Thames is part of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula and is just 1.5 hours from Auckland by car. As a relaxing coastal town in an area where nature demands to be noticed, a visit to Thames still feels like striking gold. - Thames Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Thames ![Grafton Cottage & Chalets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7250000/7249700/7249666/0f9fbb20_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grafton Cottage & Chalets 304 Grafton Road, Thames CA $104 CA $120 total Oct 16 - Oct 17 includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star cottage in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (400 reviews) "Nice clean room with a really comfortable bed" Reviewed on Oct 2, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F10%2F2025&endDate=17%2F10%2F2025&selected=7249666&PinnedHotelID=7249666&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10075) ![Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9627800/9627719/ad898107_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels 105 Rolleston Street, Thames CA $95 CA $109 total Oct 12 - Oct 13 includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star motel in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Hauraki Rail Trail Thames and Thames Historical ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (232 reviews) "Parking" Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F10%2F2025&endDate=13%2F10%2F2025&selected=9627719&PinnedHotelID=9627719&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10075) ![Comfort Inn Sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/42000000/41830000/41826000/41825952/658449c7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Comfort Inn Sunset 1017 Tararu Rd, Thames, Waikato CA $105 CA $122 total Oct 12 - Oct 13 includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star apartment in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine Experience ... 9/10 Wonderful! (141 reviews) "It was quiet and clean. Thanks" Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F10%2F2025&endDate=13%2F10%2F2025&selected=41825952&PinnedHotelID=41825952&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10075) [See all 575 properties in Thames](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=11%2F10%2F2025&endDate=12%2F10%2F2025®ionId=10075) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Grafton Cottage & Chalets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7250000/7249700/7249666/0f9fbb20_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grafton Cottage & Chalets 304 Grafton Road, Thames Stay at this 4-star cottage in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (400 reviews) "Nice clean room with a really comfortable bed" Reviewed on Oct 2, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Hotels-Grafton-Cottage-Chalets.h7249666.Hotel-Information) ![Comfort Inn Sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/42000000/41830000/41826000/41825952/658449c7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Comfort Inn Sunset 1017 Tararu Rd, Thames, Waikato Stay at this 3-star apartment in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Burke Street Wharf and Goldmine Experience ... 9/10 Wonderful! (141 reviews) "It was quiet and clean. Thanks" Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Hotels-Sunset-Motel.h41825952.Hotel-Information) ![Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9627100/9627098/47dd0cf9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Avalon Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels 104 Jellicoe Crescent, Thames Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Hauraki Rail Trail Thames and Thames Historical ... 9/10 Wonderful! (157 reviews) "Lovely people..nice quiet location..clean and tidy" Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Hotels-Avalon-Motel-Thames.h9627098.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Thames](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=10075&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Thames hotel availability [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-10&endDate=2025-10-11) [Tonight](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-10&endDate=2025-10-11) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-10&endDate=2025-10-11) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-10&endDate=2025-10-11)[Oct 10 - Oct 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-10&endDate=2025-10-11) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-11&endDate=2025-10-12) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-11&endDate=2025-10-12) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-11&endDate=2025-10-12) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-11&endDate=2025-10-12)[Oct 11 - Oct 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=2025-10-11&endDate=2025-10-12) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=10%2F10%2F2025&endDate=12%2F10%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=10%2F10%2F2025&endDate=12%2F10%2F2025) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=10%2F10%2F2025&endDate=12%2F10%2F2025) [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=10%2F10%2F2025&endDate=12%2F10%2F2025)[Oct 10 - Oct 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10075&startDate=10%2F10%2F2025&endDate=12%2F10%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit #### Thames Hospital Though Thames Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Thames while you are here. [](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Hospital-Thames.d553248635977031252.Vacation-Attraction) #### Goldmine Experience You can browse the exhibits at Goldmine Experience, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Thames. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Goldmine-Experience-Thames.d553248621526967523.Vacation-Attraction) #### Hauraki Rail Trail Thames You can take time to visit Hauraki Rail Trail Thames during your travels to Thames. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront. [](https://expedia.ca/Hauraki-Rail-Trail-Thames-Thames.d553248621532610881.Vacation-Attraction) #### The Treasury You can browse the exhibits at The Treasury, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/The-Treasury-Thames.d553248621532610880.Vacation-Attraction) #### Thames Historical Museum You can browse the exhibits at Thames Historical Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Thames. Wander the riverfront and gardens in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Thames-Historical-Museum-Thames.d6239409.Vacation-Attraction) #### Burke Street Wharf You can learn about the history of Thames with a trip to Burke Street Wharf. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Burke-Street-Wharf-Thames.d553248621532610882.Vacation-Attraction) ## Reviews of Thames 4.3 Top destination 5 - Excellent 1 4 - Good 2 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller We drove through it several times on the highway. did not realize there was more to it until went for dinner on a side street. Would have liked to look around the town more. but no time. - Cities near Thames - Places of interest [Whakatete Bay](https://expedia.ca/Whakatete-Bay.dx553248635926198120) - [Hot Water Beach](https://expedia.ca/Hot-Water-Beach-Waikato.d6108208.Vacation-Attraction) - [Miranda Hot Springs](https://expedia.ca/Miranda-Hot-Springs-Miranda.d6111642.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)