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Top Must-Do's in Thames & Surrounds
The Thames Market
Popping up every Saturday in the historic pocket of Grahamstown, for local produce and thrifty finds between 8am and midday.
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The Depot
The beautifully restored 90-year-old brick building is now a creative retail and food precinct. Pop in for a bite to eat at Café Melbourne and to see the gleaming copper gin still of the Coromandel Distillery.
The Treasury
Housed in a fetching heritage building, feed your inquisitive side for $5. The region’s entire past is preserved in here, from historical maps to old school records.
Thames Historical Museum
Learn all about Thames’ early settlers via unique displays, model heritage buildings and the town’s first newspapers. Open Friday to Wednesday 10am-3pm for $5pp.
Thames Goldmine Experience
Fun and educational, step into the realm of 19th century gold mining with a guided tour. Walk through the underground mine, watch the working machines and pan for gold.
Thames Coast Sunset Bike Rides
Sunset along Thames Coast Road is spectacular. Hire a bike from Joly Bikes and set off just before the sun dips.
Rapaura Watergardens
Developed over more than 45 years, discover 64 acres of bridges and streams, gardens, artwork and water sculptures, a waterfall and very happy wildlife.
The Hotoritori MTB Trails
Located in Kauaeranga Valley, a network trails weaves through the forest, for beginners and expert riders alike.
Abseiling in Sleeping God Canyon
Twenty minutes inland from Thames, daring types can canyon in Kauaeranga Valley. The guided tour involves a 300m descent via waterfall abseils, water slides and high jumps.
Hoffmans Pool
Come summertime, pack a picnic and head to this secret swimming hole in Kauaeranga Valley, 20 minutes from Thames.
Billygoat Falls
This is the tallest waterfall in the North Island. At 180m, not all parts are visible, but it’s dramatic presence will enthral nevertheless.
Pinnacles Walk
Walk to the summit and back (includes ladders and chains to the top) in approximately seven hours – or stay overnight at the Pinnacles Hut, DOC’s largest – just don’t forget to book a bed!
Thames Coast © Logan Dodds
