Explore Thames NZ, 200 Mary Street, Thames (2026)

28/05/2026

Even as we head into winter, there is still plenty of great entertainment happening in Thames.

Tomorrow Thames Music Group - Aotearoa hosts a Friday Lunchtime Concert - University of Waikato Vocal Students

Also on tomorrow night Bad Boys play RNB Old School Reggae vibes at TThe Junction Bar
TThames Music And Drama
performance of "We Will Rock You"
starts on the 28th of May. Tickets available at the Thames Info Centre and online at https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/19496

Also on the the 29th May the new night market starts at Goldfields Shopping Centre

On May 31st TThames Workingmen's Clubpresents Piano Men

On the 13th of June, KKauaeranga Musicpresents David Shanhun at Kauaeranga Hall.

On the 14th of June Thames Music Group Sunday Concert is Olga Shanina and Rosemary Barnes.

28/05/2026

✨ One long weekend. One interesting little town.

Got King’s Birthday weekend free? We’re just 90 minutes from the CBD, so point the car toward Thames. Here’s how to do it properly.

FRIDAY
Roll in, check in, time for a wander along Thornton Bay on the picturesque Thames Coast to catch the sunset. Beaches, pōhutukawa, sea air. Long weekend mode: activated.

Dinner? Head to Eretas for tacos, tapas, and a glass of something excellent, or try Gastronomics for quality food without the city prices.

SATURDAY
Start with coffee and the Thames Market in Grahamstown. Fresh produce, crafts, secondhand treasures, local characters. The kind of place where you leave with homemade chutney and something you didn’t know you needed.

Then explore interesting. Browse the Grahamstown and Pollen St shops. Discover some local history at the Thames School of Mines, Thames Museum, or Goldmine Experience. Grab another coffee. Hunt for antiques. Visit art, pottery and glass galleries! Pop into the award-winning gin distillery. Find a hidden mural. Lunch somewhere local.

Dinner time? Grab a pub meal and pint at the Grahamstown Bar & Diner.

Movie night? Perfect. Leftbank Theatre, our old-school small-town cinema hits differently.

SUNDAY
Yes, some places close. That’s your cue to do what Thames does best: nature.

Head up the Thames Coast for some beach combing, a paddle board, or maybe check out the Waiomu Kauri Trail. Or even better discover the Kauaeranga Valley for lush bush, swimming holes, easy walks, or bigger missions if you’re feeling ambitious. Drop into the DoC Centre. Visit the model Kauri Dam. Pack a picnic. Breathe deeply. Pretend you’re moving here.

Slow afternoon? Perfect excuse for fish and chips on the Historic Shortland Wharf.

MONDAY
Day off, sleep in. Brunch. One final wander. Visit Karaka Waterfall, perhaps even another short walk up the track and back. Stock up on great local food for the trip home. Maybe one last coffee. Quietly browse the real estate listings.

Interesting enough for a day trip. Better over a long weekend.

Left Bank Theatre Carson's Bookshop Awildian Gin Cafe Melbourne Grahams Town Department of Conservation - Hauraki-Coromandel Thames Market - Every Saturday Antiques In Thames The Wharf - Thames Thames School of Mines Goldmine Experience, Thames Gastronomics restaurant & bar, Thames Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga Jenny McLeod Glass

26/05/2026

Thames foodie hotspots 🫛🥕🍅

From fresh kaimoana to organic staples, specialty ingredients, proper butchers and ready-made dinners for when you turn up at the bach late. Thames quietly punches above its weight for people who like to cook (or just eat well).

Thames Organic Shop 🥜
Your go-to for organic meats and fresh organic and spray free produce, plus sustainable pantry goods like organic and gluten-free flours, nuts, milk, cheeses and more. Ingredients with integrity. Open: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–12:30pm.

ReStore Thames 🥖
A well-known local gem for bulk goods, both savoury and sweet. Fresh specialty breads, pantry refills, and sustainable shopping if you’re trying to cut packaging and shop a little differently. Open: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–2pm.

The Green Grocer 🥬
More than just fruit and veg. Great produce, gourmet ingredients for elevating your cooking. Pick up the excellent Red Kitchen ready-made meals for an easy win, especially when you’re on the road. Plenty of parking out back in the service lane if needed. Open: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–6pm.

Blackbeard’s Smokehouse (Kōpū) 🦪
An artisan local smokehouse turning Coromandel mussels into seriously good smoked seafood, chowders, pies, sauces and more. Fresh mussels available too. Open: Tue 10am–2pm, Wed–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat 10am–2pm.

The Wharf Fish Shop 🦞
Fresh fish, oysters, mussels, crayfish and other ocean bounty straight off the coast. If kaimoana is your thing, this is essential. Open: Sun & Sat 8:30am–7pm, Mon–Tue 9am–3pm, Wed 9am–7pm, Thu–Fri 9am–8pm.

Harv’s Butcher Shop 🥩
A proper local butcher known for quality cuts and friendly advice when you’re figuring out what’s going on the BBQ or in the oven. Open: Mon–Fri 7am–5pm.

Fresho 🍅
A great local grocer with a consistently fresh and wide range of fruits and veges. Open: Daily 8am–6pm (6:30pm weekends).

Matatoki Cheese Barn 🧀
Worth the short drive for the cheese cabinet alone. Local cheeses, sorbets, and a café that makes for a proper foodie detour. Open: Daily 8:30am–4pm.

Awildian Distillery 🥃
Because technically, pairing counts as foodie behaviour. Award-winning small-batch gin distilled locally, with tastings available if your idea of food matching starts with botanicals. Open: Thu–Sat 11am–4pm.

Ps. This is not a full list, feel free to add you recommendations.

Thames Organic Shop Re-store The Green Grocer Blackbeards Smokehouse Ltd Awildian Gin The Cheesebarn Café The Wharf - Thames Harv's Butcher Shop

22/05/2026

☕ The best coffee in Thames? This is grounds for serious debate.

Whether you’re chasing the perfect flat white, a long brunch, or a quick grab-and-go, Thames quietly punches above its weight.

Coco Coffee Bar
A cosy local favourite with beautifully poured Supreme Coffee and cabinet treats including my fave - jalapeno and cheese scones. Simple done well. ⏰Open: Mon–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat 7:30am–1pm.

Café Melbourne
A Grahamstown classic in the old depot, born from a love story between a Melbourne lass and a Thames lad. Expect strong, consistent Allpress Coffee, a constantly refreshed menu of the highest order, and a dappled outdoor seating area.⏰Open: Daily from 8am, weekends from 9am.

Hi Stranger
A charming little spot adjoining Carson’s Bookshop, pouring Grinders Coffee, with excellent baking, quiches, salads, and cabinet goodies.⏰Open: Daily approx. 8:30am–2pm.

Belle & Bean Café
One of Thames’ newer coffee stops. Great Segafredo Zanetti coffee, fresh cabinet food, breakfast staples, and a welcoming feel.⏰Open: Mon–Sat 6:30am–3pm, Sun 7:30am–3pm.

Sugar Café
A bright local favourite for coffee, beautifully presented cabinet food and sugary treats! Or order off the menu for delicious breakfast and lunch options. Plenty of gluten free options! Head to the back courtyard for some fresh air, dog friendly. ⏰Open: Weekdays 8.40am-4pm, Saturday 9am-3pm.

Little T**e
A fresh little favourite serving vibrant poke bowls, smoothie bowls, and feel-good food that tastes as good as it looks. If you’re after something lighter, healthier, and a little different from the usual café fare, this is your spot.⏰Open: Tue–Sat, 11am–2pm.

Burtons Lunch Bar and Catering
A classic lunch bar option with strong Pinnacle Coffee (roasted right here in Thames), overflowing sandwiches, savouries, pies, slices, and hearty homemade cabinet fare with Gluten Free options. Highlight is the huge Burton baked pies.⏰Open: Mon–Fri 7:30am–3pm.

Pinnacle Coffee
For the serious coffee crowd. Thames’ own small-batch coffee roaster, supplying beans, gear, and proper coffee know-how. Open Saturday mornings for your fresh bean fix.⏰Open: Sat 8am–12pm.

205 Pollen
An early-riser that pairs great coffee with cabinet food, pizzas... and a fishing shop. There is plenty of room to pull the boat up out front. What more do you need? ⏰Open: Daily 5am-3pm.

Bite Café
A local favourite for great coffee, fresh cabinet food, and a full menu. Handily located opposite the Thames Hospital, great if you need a caffeine fix before or after an appointment or A&E wait! ⏰Open: Tues–Sat 9am–3pm.

Food for Thought
Tasty Gravity coffee, generous cabinet food, a great menu board and friendly smiles - perfect when you want to settle in, refuel, and linger a little longer on Pollen St. ⏰Open: Mon–Fri 6am–3.30pm. Sat 6am-2pm.

Grahamstown Coffee Shack
A Grahamstown coffee stop for coffee, fresh baking, slices, pies, and hearty breakfast and lunch options. The pulled-pork, mini-savoury pie is cheap, and delicious! ⏰Open: Mon 7am–2pm, Tue–Fri 7am–3pm, Sat 7am–1:30pm.

Waiomu Beach Café
A beloved coastal stop just north of Thames, and opposite Waiomu Domain and freedom camping area. Known for it’s generous cabinet food, solid coffee, summer ice-creams, and that classic road-trip pull-in energy. Worth the short drive. A great starting point for the coast-kauri walk that leads up the beautiful Waiomu Valley. Dog friendly. ⏰Open: Daily, 7am–4pm.

Matatoki Cheese Barn
A local institution for cheese lovers, homemade treats, and relaxed country charm. Come for the famous organic cheeses, pet and feed the llamas, stay for a leisurely coffee and bite. Just off the Hauraki Bike Trail. ⏰Open: Tue–Sun, 9am–3pm (closed Mondays).

Chequers Courtyard Café
For relaxed breakfasts, lunches, cabinet treats, reliably good coffee and a great courtyard. ⏰ Open: Daily 7am-3pm

The Wharf
Right on historic Shortland Wharf, this is one of Thames’ most iconic spots to grab a coffee or classic fish and chips with a sea view. A laid-back local favourite where harbour air makes everything taste better. ⏰Open: Mon–Tue 9am–3pm, Wed 9am–7pm, Thu–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat–Sun 8:30am–7pm.

Pinnacle Coffee
For the serious coffee crowd. Thames’ own small-batch coffee roaster, supplying beans, gear, and proper coffee know-how. Open Saturday mornings for your fresh bean fix.⏰ Open: Sat 8am–12pm.

Who gets your vote for Thames’ best coffee? 👀

*PS this is not a full list of every Thames cafe.

Pinnacle Coffee Coco Coffee Bar Cafe Melbourne Grahams TownSugar Cafe The Cheesebarn Café Sugar Cafe Belle & Bean Café Chequers Cafe Bite Cafe Thames Hi Stranger Waiomu Beach Cafe Burton's on Pollen Lunch Bar And Catering Camp and Tackle The Wharf - Thames

21/05/2026

Looking like a nice Autumn weekend ahead.

Great time to check out the Thames Market - Every Saturday and visit one of our many excellent cafes and restaurants.

This Sunday, Craig Robertson and Local 43 play at The Junction Bar

On Wednesday, Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga has Building Thames - The Ted Egan Gallery
THE STORIES BEHIND THE MODELS

Thames Music And Drama performance of "We Will Rock You"
starts on the 28th of May. Tickets available at the Thames Info Centre and online at https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/19496

On Friday, 29th May Thames Music Group - Aotearoa hosts a Friday Lunchtime Concert - University of Waikato Vocal Students

Also on the the 29th May the new night market starts at Goldfields Shopping Centre.

On May 31st Thames Workingmen's Club presents Piano Men

20/05/2026

What a stunning run of Autumn weather we've been having! It's late May and the Waiwhakaurunga (Kauaeranga River) in Thames is still low and super clear! Perfect for exploring, rock hopping, walking the dog, swimming, and if you are keen - trout fishing!

There is more than a few small wild Rainbow trout in the Waiwhakaurunga - if you know where you are looking - but remember you'll need a valid fishing licence, which is available from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Thames as well as all the gear you need. The Kauaeranga River is restricted to fly fishing only (no spinning), the season runs from October 1 to June 30 and minimum size is 300mm (most are under that, but there are a few bigger ones around).

The small rivers around Thames are some of the closest fishable water to Auckland - with the Hikutaia, Komata, Puriri and Kauaeranga all holding small fish, with larger fish travelling up from the Waihou River in spawning season.

Get out there!

Department of Conservation - Hauraki-Coromandel

19/05/2026

How cool seeing Grahamstown, Thames, transformed into a filming location for the next Minecraft movie. Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Kirsten Dunst and the production crew have all been spotted in town.

You can see why Grahamstown’s Pollen Street was chosen as a film set. It’s home to one of New Zealand’s most intact collections of late 19th and early 20th century shopfronts.

Grahamstown houses a quirky collection of art galleries, museums, second hand traders, grocers, cafes, distilleries, and more. We also have the Thames Market - Every Saturday at the northern end of Pollen Street every Saturday 8am-midday.

And for those Thames businesses and landlords who saw the vision of vintage hand-painted signs up on your shops - we've got a new signage and mural project coming for you! Reach out for more info.

Grahamstown Coffee Shack Cafe Melbourne Grahams Town The Grahamstown Inn Grahamstown, Thames, New Zealand Grahamstown Flower Merchant Thames Organic Shop The Crown Lynn and More Store Huia Design Store Vessel Art Thames Coco Coffee Bar Garden Music Awildian Gin Insider Kylie Gunn Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga Te Whare Pātaka The Treasury Heritage Research Centre and Archive Lady Bowen Bed and Breakfast Thames School of Mines Left Bank Theatre

18/05/2026

The Thames Coast = The Sunset Coast on the North Island's most amazing stretches of coastal highway. Come for a cruise and stop and see us in Thames!

15/05/2026

🏨 Where to stay in Thames? 🌿

Thames is a great spot to sneak away for a quiet weekend, or as a base-camp to explore our historic attractions, bike trails, bush hikes and op-shops. We've got plenty of options in all price-ranges, here is a run down.

Motels & Lodges
The Coastal Motor Lodge is hard to beat - right on the seafront north of town with sunset views over the Firth. Waiotahi Valley Lodge is tucked away up a valley, with DoC walking tracks nearby. Aputa Lodge (ex La Casa) in Te Puru has spectacular views up the Thames coast with a Māori pā experience. Onetai Estate in Hikutaia, not far for those cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail, is a well appointed historic manor and gardens turned boutique accomodation. Also well worth checking out are local motels Tuscany on Thames, Rolleston, Avalon, Shortland Court, Brookby Motel is the closest to the hospital, and Comfort Inn Sunset heading out of Thames. Affordable, comfortable, well-priced stays in and around town.

Airbnbs & holiday homes
Lady Bowen is a Thames institution - a heritage B&B operating out of an 1868 goldminers' hotel on Brown Street, serving up hearty breakfasts and genuine old-world charm. Grafton Cottage & Chalets perches above town with great views, a pool and hot tub. Fantail Hill B&B has an excellent reputation for attentive service that backs onto DoC land. If you're after something freshly renovated to a high standard, Ludgvan Cottage in historic Grahamstown is a real find and close walking distance to all the interesting spots in Grahamstown. Deep in the Kauaeranga Valley, the Devcich Historic Farmstead is a genuine one-of-a-kind. A Category 1 heritage site dating back over a century, where you can stay in the original homestead or cottage on a working farm, access an amazing swimming hole, catch trout even! Kauaeranga Vista Tui Cabin is a small cosy cabin that brings you closer to nature with stunning views across the valley. Plus there are many more.

Camping & cabins
Dickson Holiday Park in Tararu Valley is a classic Kiwi camping experience with cabins, backpackers, kitchen facilities, a heated pool, swimming hole and powered sites and great access to the beautiful Tararu Valley. Along the coast road heading north you've got Te Puru Holiday Park (great for fishing and families) and Tapu Camp (a beachfront community camp with caravans, cabins and a bunk room). Tapu Creek Caravan Park offers river access and a pizza oven. And for the adventurers in short walks, or heading to the Pinnacles, the Kauaeranga Valley has 9 DOC campsites strung along the river to choose from.

Whether you're here for the history, the bush and rivers, or just to slow down - Thames has a bed (or a tent peg) for you. 🌅

ACCOMMODATION LIST - THAMES

Motels & Lodges

Coastal Motor Lodge, Tararu
Tuscany on Thames
Rolleston Motel, Thames
Avalon Motel, Thames
Shortland Court, Thames
Brookby Motel, Thames
Aputa Lodge, Te Puru
Comfort Inn Sunset, Thames
Onetai Estate, Hikutaia
Waiotahi Valley Lodge, Thames
Rapaura Watergardens, Tapu
Seaspray Motel, Waiomu Bay
Te Mata Lodge, Te Mata
The Grahamstown Inn, Thames

Air B&Bs, Tiny Homes, Homestays

Lady Bowen B&B, Grahamstown
Chartré Manor B&B, Thames
Grafton Cottage & Chalets, Thames
Fantail Hill B&B, Thames
Devcich Historic Farmstead, Kauaeranga Valley
Bakehouse Cottage, Kauaeranga Valley
Ludgvan Cottage, Grahamstown
Riverhaven Cottage, Kauaeranga Valley
Kauaeranga Vitsa, Kauaeranga Valley
The Mongolian Yurt
The Lighthouse, Te Mata
Oytsercatchers Retreat, Tararu

Campsites and Holiday Parks

Dickson Holiday Park, Tararu Valley
Te Puru Holiday Park
Tapu Camp
Tapu Creek Caravan Park
Kauaeranga Valley DOC Campsites

Lady Bowen Bed and Breakfast Kauaeranga Vista Dickson Holiday Park

Explore Thames NZ

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