beach
Cathedral Cove
A stunning Coromandel Peninsula beach accessed through a natural rock archway, framed by pohutukawa trees and offshore sea stacks.
41 km · about 45 min drive
OceaniaNew ZealandWaikato Region
Thames
Waikato Region, New Zealand · Oceania
About Thames
Thames sits on the route: 20 minutes from Ngatea, 45km from Coromandel Peninsula.
Thames is in Waikato Region, New Zealand, with about 7,100 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Ngatea, about 17 km away.
Thames ( ) is a town at the southwestern end of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand's North Island. It is located on the Firth of Thames close to the mouth of the Waihou River. The town is the seat of the Thames-Coromandel District Council. The Māori iwi are Ngāti Maru, who are descendants of Marutuahu's son TeRead more
Ngako. Ngāti Maru is part of the Marutūāhu confederation of iwi.
Thames had an estimated population of 15,000 in 1870, but this declined to 4,500 in 1881, and it has increased modestly since. It is still the biggest town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Until 2016, a historical oak tree that was planted by Governor George Grey stood on the corner of Grey and Rolleston streets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Thames?
Within an hour or so of Thames: Cathedral Cove (41 km), Coromandel Peninsula (45 km), Hampton Downs Motorsport Park (48 km).
Where is Thames?
Thames is in Waikato Region, New Zealand, about 17 km from Ngatea.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 7,136
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Waikato Region
- Timezone
- Pacific/Auckland
- Coordinates
- -37.1383, 175.5401
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in New Zealand
Many rural bridges are single-lane. Give way as signed.
Full driving guide for New ZealandTags
Worth the detour from Thames
3 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Coromandel Peninsula
Rugged peninsula with golden beaches, native bush, Hot Water Beach where you dig your own thermal pool, and Cathedral Cove.
45 km · about 50 min drive
racetrack
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Motor racing circuit in north Waikato beside the Waikato Expressway, hosting national series and open track days.
48 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Thames
- 78 kmAuckland Harbour BridgeThe eight-lane icon spanning Waitematā Harbour since 1959, carrying SH1 into downtown Auckland with skyline and gulf views: thrill-seekers can climb it or bungy jump off it.
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