Getting Here
Thames is located about 1.5 hours South East of Auckland.The best way to travel to Thames is via car. It’s an easy drive from most upper North Island towns and cities.
Another option is to travel by bus, there are several bus companies operating services to Thames from various destinations.
Intercity Bus
A ferry service operates from Auckland to Coromandel town. More information.
Rail Trail
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a grade one 2-day ride, making it an ideal weekend experience. It can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, or Te Aroha, and the trail also offers a range of shorter riding options, including day rides. The trail showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer, rich in pioneering history
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Thames area
Top of your list of places to visit should be the majestic Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel Forest Park. Just 10 minutes drivefrom the town centre the valley offers an opportunity to explore scenic native bush and sparking streams & rivers.
From Thames you may access numerous safe swimming beaches along the Thames Coast, which is lined with beautiful pohutukawa trees. These areas are ideal for picnics, barbecues, fishing, surfcasting, kayaking, and social gatherings.
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Thames Coast Road
Take a right turn out of the Coastal Motor Lodge driveway and you’re on the Coast Road. A beautiful winding coast road lined with Pohutakawa trees, tidal bays, picnic spots, boat ramps, mussel farms and the historic, quaint Coromandel Township.Be sure to stop in at the Mussel Kitchen just south of Coromandel Town and enjoy a fresh pot of mussels.Drive on to the East side of the Peninsula to visit Whangapoa, Matarangi, Kuaotunu and Whitianga towns and beaches.
Famous Beaches
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is an easy day trip from Thames by car.
A lovely scenic drive to Hahei that will take 1.5 hours followed by a 40 minute walk to the beach.
Clear blue waters, white sands, the stunning cathedral awaits you.
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Hotwater Beach
Dig yourself a hole in the sand and soak in the hot mineral spring water and watch the waves roll in. Great for surfing and a day out.
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Walks
Take a sunset stroll along the beach just steps away from your room.The Coromandel has some great Bush walks nearby for the more adventurous.
Dining
The Coromandel Mussel Kitchen is a must stop off if you like fresh mussels from the Coromandel mussel farms. Located just 45 minutes from Coastal Motor Lodge.
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Thames
A great place to eat in Thames is GBD at the Junction Hotel
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Paeroa
One3One Restaurant and Bar
Only 20mins drive from Thames.
A personal favourite, well worth the trip
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Events on the Peninsula
The Coromandel region has many fantastic annual events throughout the year. Book accommodation for these annual events that have become favourites on
Fishing in the Hauraki Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf on the door step of Coastal Motor Lodge is a great Snapper fishing area. The mussel farms North of Thames are where the Snapper love to hang out and feed on the mussels.Several Charter boat operators will take you on half or full day trips with rods and bait included.Here’s a couple to check out: