Vacation rentals in Thames

Just 90 minutes southeast of Auckland, Thames is the largest town on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, and a gateway to many of the outdoor attractions in the area. The town lies on the shores of a large bay, Firth of Thames, and is set in the shadow of the ancient volcanic Coromandel Ranges, which rise dramatically from the valley. Nearby Kauaeranga Valley offers numerous hiking trails, and up the coast to the north of the city, you’ll find many beaches. From coastal treks to mountain hikes, there are several diverse trails to choose from in the area, including the trek to North Island’s tallest waterfall, Billygoat Falls.

Thames is equipped with a nice selection of restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops, along with heritage buildings like the 1905 Carnegie library. There’s also a museum that explains the history of the town through the years, as well as a museum in the old Thames School of Mines, which was formed in the 1880s to teach gold miners.

Thames’ location in the southern hemisphere means that its seasons are opposite from what you might be used to. Generally, the best months to visit are the summer months of December to February, when the weather is warm enough to enjoy swimming at the beaches. You’ll experience long days with mild temperatures, and you can also visit the Thames Market, which takes place each Saturday during the summer and features locally grown produce, secondhand goods and books, arts and crafts, fine food, and more. Fall and spring offer cool, temperate weather, perfect for hiking around the scenic reserve. Winter is from June to August and welcomes mild, dry days with blue skies. Winter temperatures remain cool but never too cold.

Hauraki Rail Trail

This winding Grade One cycling track follows an old railroad trail, showcasing the region's pioneering history and lush farmland. The 120-mile Hauraki Rail Trail is predominantly wide, smooth, and flat, and takes about four days to complete. The trail begins at Thames and travels south to Paeroa, a town with a historic maritime park.

Rapaura Watergardens

This 64-acre private garden estate is only a 20-minute drive from Thames. Visitors can experience New Zealand’s nature with a bush walk to a cascading waterfall known as the Seven Stairs to Heaven. There’s also a café and craft shop here.

Miranda Shorebird Centre

Visit the Miranda Shorebird Centre to learn about shorebirds in New Zealand. The center offers accessible boardwalks that lead to three bird hides. Some of the birds you’ll spot here are Pacific golden plovers, New Zealand dotterel, and variable oystercatchers, as well as migrating birds like the wrybill and the godwit.