COROMANDEL / THAMES
COROMANDEL
Coromandel Township is located on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula on the scenic coastal road which heads north from Thames, and is an old goldmining centre full of history. The town was named after the HMS Coromandel, which called there in 1820 to take on kauri spars for the Royal Navy. It was an early centre for timber milling and gold was later discovered at Coromandel's Driving Creek in 1852. In 1869, a rich strike boosted the town's population to 10,000.
Today, Coromandel township contains many reminders of its gold rush past, including historic buildings and an old stamper battery. Mussel and oyster farms, fishing and scenic charters operate around the Coromandel Harbour, which is well-sheltered by a spit of land reaching out to Whanganui Island. Recreational facilities in the vicinity include boating, fishing, hunting, horse treks and walks into the nearby bush. A dedicated craft trail takes in local workshops and galleries for which the region is famous. The town is also an ideal base for exploring the peninsula. The road from Coromandel to Colville is considered to be one of the most scenic in New Zealand, with the tree-lined coast on one side and the rugged Coromandel Ranges on the other.
Coromandel has a rich stock of surviving buildings of heritage significances and although 'boom and bust' in nature, gold mining was the dominant industry for 34 years from 1868, and this is reflected in the Register of Historic Places but is now rapidly growing as a popular tourist destination.
With its relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, Coromandel attracts talented artists and craftspeople from around the country - inspired not only by the tranquil atmosphere, but also by the spectacular natural surroundings. The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining much of its history from those times.
THAMES
Known as the Gateway to the Coromandel, and only one and a half hours from Auckland, Thames is the region's largest town and an excellent base for exploring this beautiful part of New Zealand. Once a bustling gold town, Thames retains the aura of its early goldmining days. A 19th-century stamper battery, a steam boiler and the Thames School of Mines and Museum give a colourful insight to the region's goldmining history.
Thames is an historical New Zealand town situated between the calm waters of the Firth of Thames and the majestic ranges of the Coromandel. Thames is a great place to base yourself when visiting the Coromandel Peninsula. Most places on the Coromandel are within 1 to 1.5 hours drive from the township and of course there's lots to keep you busy - whether you enjoy browsing through the numerous and varied speciality shops, delving into Thames' colourful history, participating in some of our sporting activities or experiencing our beautiful forests and coastlines.
The Kauaeranga Valley lies in the hills just behind Thames and offers extensive walking tracks and camping opportunities as well as some of the more adventurous activities that the Peninsula has to offer. The Thames Coast, a beautiful stretch of scenic coastline just north of Thames, also offers a variety of activities and is a great place to do a spot of fishing.
The population of approximately 7,500 is serviced by a large supermarket, air-conditioned shopping mall, many large chain stores as well as boutique shops. There is a good trade/service sector, strong industrial group, commercial centre, hospital and medical centre supporting Thames and larger Coromandel region. Thames boasts many pre-school/childcare facilities, several primary schools, a high school, as well as tertiary courses and continuing education programmes.
When work and school are out, there is literally hundreds of sports groups, clubs, organisations, service groups, arts & crafts, gardens and numerous outdoor activities to occupy your spare time. Or just sit back and relax -catch a movie at one of the 5 cinemas, sip coffee with friends at a trendy cafe or soak in the breathtaking sunsets with a cold drink at
