The aviator experience

If you've ever dreamed of flying a fighter plane; WW1, WW2 or jets and helicopters this is for you. The cockpits are an exquisite feat of engineering, featuring: trim wheels, wheel brakes, flaps, landing gear selector, GUNS and CANNONS! all interactive in the very real 3D headsets. Bring your friends for a duel as the simulators are all linked in a virtual combat theatre. Stay with us for the weekend and enjoy the exceptional aviation experience.

Kauaeranga Valley 

The DOC information centre shows the history of the valley. famous for Kauri Logging. The Model Kauri Dam is the only working example in NZ.
The Pinnacles walk is rated as one of New Zealand’s most popular overnight hikes. It can also be walked in one day (allow 6 hours),
however it’s staying at the 80-bed DOC hut that gives the opportunity to capture the sunset and sunrise. 

Hauraki Rail Trail 

The 162km trail showcases some of the best scenery and is one of the easiest New Zealand Great Rides, 16 Tradition Station shelters( every 10 km) offer information on the local area and protection from rain showers. Accessible from Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi, and the Karangahake Gorge, the Hauraki Rail trail is an easy grade one family-friendly excursion. You can book road and electric bikes from Jolly Bikes in Thames.

Cathedral Cove 

Cathedral Cove can be visited by boat or kayak in Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve. local tour guides who explain the geology, cultural and historical significance of the many scenic sites they explore. The walking trail should be open for summer.

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is best visited no later than two hours either side of low-tide. Spades can be hired at the local shop to dig a pool in the sand to enjoy a hot spa in the sand.

Thames heritage sites

Thames Museum Beautifully prepared and presented exhibits of Thames: Maori, Mining and Forestry history. Many stories and exhibits on the social development of Thames. https://thameshistoricalmuseum.weebly.com

Goldmine Experience Walk through the mine and see the Stamper Battery other machinery in action. Gold panning for the kids. The volunteer staff are expert historians who are keen to explain the rich local gold mining history. https://www.goldmine-experience.co.nz

Bella Street Pump House Once the deepest water pump in the southern hemisphere, this is a fascinating look at the amazing engineering achievement of the era. Again run by enthusiastic volunteers keen to impart their knowledge. https://www.bellastreetpumphouse.com

School of Mines, Once training miners from around the world this school played a very important role in mining developments. Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest geological specimen collection, see how a science lab looked in 1901 and learn how gold was processed from start to finish! Don’t forget to stop by the Rock Shop, full of rocks, minerals, and crystals from all around the world for something fun or to expand your collection. https://visitheritage.co.nz/visit/central-north-island/thames-school-of-mines/

The Registry. This is a very large achieve of photos and written history of Thames area.Invaluable for anyone researching ancestors associated with Thames.