WHAT TO DO

Thames is your base camp for The Coromandel.

Whether you choose to relax or explore, there is plenty to see and do locally and within a short driving distance.
Here is a small selection of our favourite activities, listed by distance - most of it is FREE stuff!

IN THAMES

What to do locally, close to the campground

Bushwalks for everyone!

Any grade: walk conveniently on a well maintained path into the bush, or hike Rocky’s track. We are also the closest holiday park to the Pinnacles!

Rent a bicycle for the day

Ride to Waiomu, a small village with a nice bay and an organic café, or ride the Hauraki Rail Trail! Bike rental at JollyBikes in Thames.

The Firth of Thames

8 minutes stroll from the camp. Walk along the beach, sit on a bench, watch the birds. Dip your feet into the water, go fishing or angling, or watch one of the colourful sunsets Thames is famous for.

Explore Thames township

Only 5 minutes South with the local bus or your vehicle. Antique and OP-shops, cafés, museums, a gallery of local art, Queen Street Playground. Saturday street market. Or enjoy to stroll along the 5 km Coastal Walkway between The Warf and Kuranui Bay.

Enjoy the local bays

5-10 minutes North with a car: Ngarimu Bay, Thornton Bay, Waiomu Bay and Beach Café; Western Coromandel beaches, and the wonderful Kauri Grove bush walk.

DAY TRIPS

Make more memories - easy road trips from the campground

Quirky Paeroa

Antique shops, a Maritime Museum and paddleboat cruises.

Miranda Bird Coast

Walk with hides for observation, and a small shorebird museum.

Kauaeranga Valley

The great Pinnacles Walk, canyoning and abseiling.

Karangahake Gorge

Walk or cycle through the old mining tunnels.

Coromandel Beaches

The white sandy holiday beaches of Pauanui, Tairua and Whangamata.

Te Aroha

Thermal springs, kayaking, mountain hike, wetlands walk.

Waihi and Waihi Beach

Goldmine Museum, Beaches, Bushwalks, Family Farm.

Coromandel Town

Several tourist attractions, plus the 309 road through rainforest.

Cathedral Cove

The breathtaking sand stone formations of Cathedral Cove at Hahei.

Hot Water Beach

Dig a thermal spa in the sand, visit cafes and galleries.

EAT & DRINK

Local eateries close to the campground

Pollen Street

There are many cafés and restaurants, most of them on the main street, Pollen Street. Some of them offer al fresco dining in their back yards.

Before 3 pm, there is a wide variety of cafes and a nice Fish and Chips restaurant at The Warf.
For sit-in dining out at night, there is local kitchen (GBD, Proud Mary), International gourmet kitchen (Gastronomics), Thai (Nakontong), Indian (Royal Kitchen), Turkish (Kebab Express).
For fast food, there are some of the International fast food chains, several Asian takeaways plus a fish-and-chips shop.