Thames accommodation from AU$144

Thames is renowned for its beautiful gardens, including the award-winning Rapuara Water Gardens, the Butterfly & Orchid Garden and the Ngatea Water Gardens. There are also plenty of beaches to visit in Thames, most of which have picnic areas and barbeques. The Kauaeranga Valley offers walking tracks, camping areas, fishing spots, streams and rivers to explore. The Miranda Hot Springs are another popular site. There's always something happening in Thames, whether it's a food and wine festival, music festival, or the Thames Heritage Week Opening Day Parade in March. You're sure to be entertained no matter what month you're visiting.

If you're itching to hit the shops, stroll around the local shopping mall, chain stores and boutique fashion stores. On Saturday morning, you can buy delicious treats from the delis, fresh flowers, fresh local produce, plants, seedlings, toys, jewellery, collectibles, leather products, and/or books from the Thames Market. There are also lots of art galleries in town where you can view and purchase paintings, pottery, photographs, woven goods, jewellery, drawings, sculptures, textiles, glasswork, and so much more. Make sure you pick up a souvenir at Matatoki Cheese Barn, Totara Vineyards or Stratos Olives. While you're in town, you'll enjoy the local cafe culture and tea rooms, as well as the gourmet food and allergen-free cuisine, which is available in most restaurants and cafes.

Auckland’s airport is 115km from Thames. There are coach buses from Auckland to Thames, but Thames doesn't have a public transport system. The town is relatively small and flat, so you can get around by bike or walking, but you may want to hire a car from the airport. Thames is a great base for exploring the other towns along the Coromandel Peninsula. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from the start to the end of the peninsula but you'll need plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of each town. So, for an unforgettable holiday on the Coromandel Peninsula, check out our cheap flights to Auckland and book your Thames accommodation today.

Need insider tips on must-see attractions in Thames? Check out our Thames travel guide!