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Hauraki Plains Must Do's
Hauraki Rail Trail
Hire a bike and enjoy the entire 197km of track or tackle one of five sections. Considered one of New Zealand’s easiest cycle trails, everyone can give it a go! Hikers are welcome too.
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Ngātea Water Gardens
A laugh-out-loud collection of humour-infused gardens, complete with amusing signs, fairy tale castle, an army of ducks and a feisty black swan. Relive your lunch box years at the 11,000-strong global can collection.
Paeroa Historic Maritime Park
Absorb an interesting collection of maritime objects and jump on the restored kauri paddleboat for a leisurely cruise up the river.
Giant L&P Bottle
Getting a selfie with the iconic seven-metre L&P Bottle is compulsory in Paeroa. Peruse the town’s famous parade of vintage shops.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
This historic railway walk is just an eight-minute drive from Paeroa. The Rail Tunnel Loop is 45 minutes return whereas the Historic Walkway to Waikino is four hours. Both tracks absorb the stunning gorge, gold-mining relics, steel bridges and 1km rail tunnel.
Ngātea Water Gardens © Roger Blake
Surrounding Thames Must-Do's
Rapaura Watergardens
Developed over more than 45 years, discover 25 hectares of bridges and streams, gardens, artwork and water sculptures, a waterfall and very happy wildlife.
Pinnacles Walk
Walk to the summit and back (includes ladders and chains to the top) inapproximately seven hours – or stay overnight at the Pinnacles Hut, DOC’s largest – just don’t forget to book a bed!
The Hotoritori MTB Trails
Located in Kauaeranga Valley, a network of 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 swimming hole in Kauaeranga Valley, 20 minutes from Thames.
Billygoat Falls
These are the tallest waterfall in the North Island. At 180m, not all parts are visible, but it’s dramatic presence will enthral nevertheless.
