The Bach @Tapu
City/town information
Thames is typical of small-town New Zealand. It is a historical gold-mining town, and the capital city of "Steam Punk". The folks are friendly and the surrounding scenery is gorgeous. It is the central hub for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula and surrounding districts and has all the amenities you need when travelling or on holiday. A weekly Farmers Market brings together the best locals have to offer, and is a favourite activity among residents and visitors alike. Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump to world-famous attractions such as Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Township, Cathedral Cove, The Driving Creek Railway, The Waterworks, the Hauraki Rail Trail cycling track, and spectacular walks such as The Pinnacles, and Karangahake Gorge.
18 locals recommend
Thames
Thames is typical of small-town New Zealand. It is a historical gold-mining town, and the capital city of "Steam Punk". The folks are friendly and the surrounding scenery is gorgeous. It is the central hub for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula and surrounding districts and has all the amenities you need when travelling or on holiday. A weekly Farmers Market brings together the best locals have to offer, and is a favourite activity among residents and visitors alike. Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump to world-famous attractions such as Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Township, Cathedral Cove, The Driving Creek Railway, The Waterworks, the Hauraki Rail Trail cycling track, and spectacular walks such as The Pinnacles, and Karangahake Gorge.
Spectacular scenery, friendly locals, gorgeous beaches, restful bush walks, untouched beauty from coast to coast.
Coromandel Peninsula
Spectacular scenery, friendly locals, gorgeous beaches, restful bush walks, untouched beauty from coast to coast.
Sightseeing
Check out a tide chart and go at low tide for the hot water. And don't forget to take a shovel :-)
202 locals recommend
Hot Water Beach
Check out a tide chart and go at low tide for the hot water. And don't forget to take a shovel :-)
Bit of a walk, but definitely worth it! Wear comfy shoes, and take a water bottle and camera with you.
41 locals recommend
Cathedral Cove
Bit of a walk, but definitely worth it! Wear comfy shoes, and take a water bottle and camera with you.
Famous bush walk to a spectacular summit. You have the choice of tackling it in a day, or there are camping options so you can sleep over to extend the experience. Moderate level of fitness required.
Camping spots must be booked in advance.
14 locals recommend
The Pinnacles
Famous bush walk to a spectacular summit. You have the choice of tackling it in a day, or there are camping options so you can sleep over to extend the experience. Moderate level of fitness required.
Camping spots must be booked in advance.
An hour's drive from The Bach, this is an historic walk through an awe-inspiring gorge, taking in bridges, old mining relics, waterfalls and rail and mining tunnels. Don't forget to take a torch for the tunnels! There are options for a 45 minute or 4 hour return walks. All fitness levels. Can also be cycled.
15 locals recommend
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
Karangahake Gorge Historic WalkwayAn hour's drive from The Bach, this is an historic walk through an awe-inspiring gorge, taking in bridges, old mining relics, waterfalls and rail and mining tunnels. Don't forget to take a torch for the tunnels! There are options for a 45 minute or 4 hour return walks. All fitness levels. Can also be cycled.
Fun activities
Kiwi ingenuity at its best! A fun and ingenious place to visit. Everything's run by water. The kid's will absolutely love it! Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it.
51 locals recommend
The Waterworks
471 The 309 RoadKiwi ingenuity at its best! A fun and ingenious place to visit. Everything's run by water. The kid's will absolutely love it! Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it.
Driving Creek
380 Driving Creek RdFun train ride. Quirky art. Friendly people.
Historic goldmine from Thames' goldrush days. Fun activity for families.
11 locals recommend
Thames Goldmine Experience
Tararu RoadHistoric goldmine from Thames' goldrush days. Fun activity for families.
Waterhole 2 minutes walk from The Bach. Awesome waterhole, with cliff to jump off - if you dare!
Tapu
Waterhole 2 minutes walk from The Bach. Awesome waterhole, with cliff to jump off - if you dare!
Another fun waterhole only 4 minutes drive from The Bach. This one has a rope swing from a tree for jumping in 😁.
Te Mata Creek Road
Te Mata Creek RoadAnother fun waterhole only 4 minutes drive from The Bach. This one has a rope swing from a tree for jumping in 😁.
Food scene
Gorgeous, peaceful gardens. Spectacular waterfall. And while you're there, make sure you enjoy some delicious food at the Koru Restaurant & Cafe, created by an award-winning chef, and served by a gracious hostess.
Cafe temporarily closed due to Covid. Will re-open October 2022. Gardens remain open.
6 locals recommend
RAPAURA Watergardens
586 Tapu Coroglen RdGorgeous, peaceful gardens. Spectacular waterfall. And while you're there, make sure you enjoy some delicious food at the Koru Restaurant & Cafe, created by an award-winning chef, and served by a gracious hostess.
Cafe temporarily closed due to Covid. Will re-open October 2022. Gardens remain open.
Delicious food. Good coffee. Friendly service. And just over the road from a gorgeous beach. What more could you want?
9 locals recommend
Waiomu Beach Cafe
622 Thames Coast RdDelicious food. Good coffee. Friendly service. And just over the road from a gorgeous beach. What more could you want?
Great place to have a good feed of delicious, fresh-caught seafood on your travels around the Peninsula.
32 locals recommend
Coromandel Mussel Kitchen
20 309 RdGreat place to have a good feed of delicious, fresh-caught seafood on your travels around the Peninsula.
5 minutes walk from The Bach. Quintessential Kiwi dairy. Has everything you need while on holiday (and most of what you forgot to bring! 🤣). Generous ice creams. Delicious takeaways. And 24/7 fuel - which is really handy when you forgot to fill up in town!
Tapu Store and Takeaway
707 Thames Coast Rd5 minutes walk from The Bach. Quintessential Kiwi dairy. Has everything you need while on holiday (and most of what you forgot to bring! 🤣). Generous ice creams. Delicious takeaways. And 24/7 fuel - which is really handy when you forgot to fill up in town!
Traveler advice
Don't miss
The Saturday farmers market in town is a must.
Opens from 8am till around noon.
Customs and culture
Shopping hours
Being small-town New Zealand, some shops etc either close early or are not open on weekends (especially Sunday). Larger stores such as Pak n Save or The Warehouse are open on the weekends and have longer opening hours. Most tourist attractions remain open also. It is recommended you confirm opening hours before travelling.
Getting around
Your own vehicle is easiest for getting around
Driving your own car is the easiest way to get around Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. Just make sure you fill up your gas tank before travelling - petrol stations can be few and far between.