ThamesOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Historic gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula
What to do in Thames? Dive into the fascinating history of this pioneering New Zealand town, the historic gateway to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Thames, once a vibrant gold rush capital, is brimming with hidden treasures and adventurer tales. Stroll along Pollen Street with its well-preserved historic buildings, visit the Thames Historical Museum for a glimpse into its mining past, or explore the Goldmine Experience, a testament to the ingenuity of early settlers. But for a truly immersive discovery, our outdoor escape games offer an unusual activity, transforming the streets of Thames into a vast playground. Embark on a captivating scavenger hunt or an urban treasure hunt that will lead you through the city's iconic sites and hidden nooks. It's a unique and fun way to explore Thames' heritage, from its mining relics to its coastal landscapes. Get ready to solve puzzles and unlock the secrets of this characterful town. Discover our city-wide puzzle trails below...
Thames — The Gold Rush Conspiracy
Uncover the buried secrets of Thames' rival mining families—decode hidden ledgers, decipher coded messages, and expose the conspiracy that shaped the gold rush.
Thames — Unearth the Prospector's Final Secret
1867: A gold prospector vanishes in the Coromandel mines. Decipher cryptic claims, hidden ore markers, and a lost fortune buried beneath Thames to expose what really happened that fateful night.
Landmarks of Thames
Monuments and sites covered by our escape games across the city.
Unusual things to do in Thames
For an unusual activity in Thames, our outdoor escape games offer an original outing that goes off the beaten path. Far from traditional guided tours, you'll explore the city through the eyes of a detective, deciphering riddles inspired by its mining past and local legends. Imagine following in the footsteps of gold prospectors along Pollen Street, or uncovering little-known facts about the Goldmine Experience by solving challenges. These trails invite you to pay attention to the Victorian architectural details and the coastal landscapes that border the town, turning every corner into a potential clue. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of Thames, blending history and nature.
Things to do in Thames with kids
What to do with the family in Thames? Our outdoor escape games are the perfect activity for a fun and educational outing. Accessible from age 8, these scavenger hunts transform the discovery of the city into a shared adventure where everyone finds their place. Children will love searching for clues scattered in the historic streets, teenagers will be challenged by the puzzles, and parents will appreciate discovering Thames' heritage interactively. It's a kids' activity and a teen outing that differs from museums, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while stimulating the mind. The GPS guide ensures a smooth and safe progression for a memorable family experience.
Thames for couples
For a romantic getaway or a couple's outing in Thames, our outdoor trails offer an unexpected romantic activity. Far from clichés, share a special moment solving puzzles together, hand in hand, through the city's history-rich streets. Imagine strolling through alleys lined with Victorian buildings, with the Firth of Thames as a backdrop, all while deciphering the secrets of the gold rush. It's an original way to strengthen your bond, laugh together, and discover Thames' hidden charms from a new angle, creating unique memories away from the usual tourist hustle.
What to do in Thames when it rains
What to do in Thames when it rains? Although our escape games are outdoor activities, the town of Thames, with its historic buildings and awnings, allows you to enjoy our trails even in light rain. The alleys and facades of Pollen Street, inherited from the gold rush era, offer occasional shelters. The exploration then becomes a more intimate quest, where architectural details and clues under porches take on their full meaning. It's a wet-weather activity that reveals a different charm of Thames, transforming a grey day into a mysterious and immersive adventure.
Where is Thames, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Thames
- Pollen Street (Town Center, near the Clock Tower)
- Intersection of Cochrane Street and Pollen Street (Historic Buildings)
- Komata Reefs Gold Mining Company Site (Plaque)
- Hape Creek Tunnel (Viewpoint)
- Thames War Memorial Park (Miners' Section)
- Thames Coast Road (Viewpoint over the Firth of Thames)
- St George's Anglican Church (Exterior)
- Shortland Cemetery (Entrance)
- Thames Historical Museum (Exterior)
- Site of the Old Shortland Wharf
- Burke's Gold Claim Site (Historical Plaque)
- Grahamstown Historic Reserve / Pollen Street (Historic Buildings)
- Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum (Exterior)
- Pollen Street (Old Banking District)
- Karaka Creek (Bridge or Viewpoint)
- Miners' Rest Park (War Memorial Park)
The history of Thames
From Māori Settlement to Gold Rush
Before European settlement, the Thames area was inhabited by Māori, specifically the Ngāti Maru and other tribes of the Marutūāhu collective. They established Te Tōtara, a fortified pā, between the Kauaeranga River and Waihou River. In the early 19th century, missionaries arrived. By the 1840s and 1850s, Māori supplied Auckland with crops such as wheat, potatoes, and peaches.
The town of Thames developed from the discovery of gold. On August 1, 1867, the Thames Goldfield officially opened, following an agreement between James Mackay, the civil commissioner for the Hauraki District, and local Māori. This agreement included an annual rent of £5,000 for the mining land. William Hunt made the first major gold discovery in the Kuranui Stream. The gold rush brought thousands of miners. Thames was initially formed from two settlements: Shortland, founded in July 1867 at the mouth of the Kauaeranga River, and Grahamstown, established in 1868. In 1870, Thames had an estimated population of 15,000, comparable in size to Auckland.
Industrial Legacy and Decline
The peak years for Thames were from 1868 to 1871, with gold production exceeding a million pounds sterling. Gold extraction then decreased, and the population declined to around 4,500 by 1881. The town's mining operations relied on water management, both for processing and preventing floods. The government withdrew subsidies for the Big Pump in 1878, followed by borough and county councils in 1879. This led to the flooding of deep mine levels, and the pump was dismantled in 1890.
Despite the gold rush's end, Thames remained an industrial town. Two foundries, Charles Judd (1869) and A. & G. Price (1870), were established to support mining and timber industries, producing machinery and locomotives. A. & G. Price continued to build locomotives for the Railways Department until 1965. Today, Thames retains many buildings from the gold-mining era, particularly along Pollen Street and in the old Grahamstown quarter.
What to see in Thames
- Pollen Street — Walk along this street, especially in the Grahamstown section, to see timber buildings with verandas from the gold rush era.
- Thames Historical Museum — This museum presents early Māori history, the arrival of pioneers, and the development of mining, logging, railways, and shipping in Thames.
- Thames School of Mines and Mineralogical Museum — Explore the original school where miners learned their trade. It houses a collection of minerals.
- Shortland Cemetery — The entrance to this cemetery marks one of the earliest burial grounds in the area. It offers a quiet place for reflection.
- St George's Anglican Church — This 19th-century wooden Gothic building opened in 1872. Its spire is a feature of the town.
- Shortland Wharf — Built in 1868, this was one of the first wharves in Thames and is the only one remaining from that era. It served as a landing point for goods and passengers during the gold rush and for kauri loggers.
When to visit Thames
For outdoor activities and comfortable weather, visit Thames from late December to mid-March. February is the warmest month, with average highs around 24°C (75°F). This period offers long daylight hours and warm ocean temperatures.
Autumn, from March to May, also provides mild and dry conditions. January and February are busy months for tourism in New Zealand. Winter months (June to August) are colder, wetter, and windier; July is the coolest month, averaging 15°C (59°F) during the day. Avoid winter if you prefer warmer conditions.
Getting around Thames
Thames is approximately 115 km southeast of Auckland, a drive of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via State Highway 1, State Highway 2, and State Highway 25. From Hamilton, the drive is about 2 hours. InterCity buses provide daily services to Thames from Auckland and Hamilton, arriving at the Thames Information Centre at 200 Mary Street.
The town center, including Pollen Street and Grahamstown, is walkable. For other parts of Thames, the Thames Connector Bus offers a regular circuit covering points of interest, the hospital, and shopping areas. Parking is generally available, especially for those exploring on foot. The Thames Market operates every Saturday morning in Grahamstown, at the northern end of Pollen Street, from 8 am to 12 pm, offering local produce, crafts, and food.
Things you probably do not know about Thames
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Pollen Street
- During the gold rush, Thames' prosperity led some to believe Auckland might become a mere fishing village. What did this mean for housing in Thames? Houses were rafted across the Firth of Thames from Freeman's Bay in Auckland to be re-erected in Thames. This practice was not widespread but did occur.
- Shortland Wharf
- The Shortland Wharf, built in 1868, was a busy hub. What unusual cargo was recorded landing there within its first year of operation? Less than a year after its construction, the wharf saw 473 vessels land over 8,000 passengers, along with 43 horses, 15 tonnes of sugar, 325 tonnes of coal, 473 tonnes of potatoes, and 24,800 cigars.
- St George's Anglican Church
- This wooden Gothic church, opened in 1872, was considered the finest in its diocese. What unexpected benefit did a nearby freshwater spring provide for its design? Due to a high water table from the spring, the church had to be built without a basement. This resulted in its parish hall always being above ground, unlike many churches of the era.
- Burke's Gold Claim Site
- The gold rush brought wealth, but also financial missteps. What major project in the 1920s led to the Thames Borough Council being placed under the control of a commissioner for 15 years? The Burke Street wharf project, undertaken by the Thames Harbour Board and underwritten by the Thames Borough Council in 1927, resulted in the council being unable to repay its loans, leading to parliamentary control until 1947.
- Thames
- In the early 1870s, Thames was a rapidly developing town. What innovative public transport system, New Zealand's first of its kind, was built to overcome tidal challenges? In 1871, Thames built New Zealand's first steam tramway. It ran from Shortland through Grahamstown to deep water at Tararu Point because the tide at the town wharf was too shallow for loaded steamers.
Questions about visiting Thames
How long should I plan to stay in Thames?
To experience Thames' gold rush history, explore its museums, and enjoy local walks, a stay of 1 to 2 days is generally sufficient. This allows time for the main attractions and a taste of the Coromandel Peninsula's gateway. If you plan to use Thames as a base for exploring the wider Coromandel, you might extend your visit.
What is the best way to get around Thames?
The historic town center, including Pollen Street and Grahamstown, is best explored on foot. For longer distances within Thames or to reach specific points like the hospital or shopping centers, the Thames Connector Bus offers a convenient local circuit. Taxis are also available.
What are the best months to visit Thames for good weather?
The optimal time for good weather in Thames is during the summer months, from late December to mid-March. February is typically the warmest month, with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. The shoulder seasons of autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) also offer pleasant, milder conditions.
Are there any markets in Thames?
Yes, the Thames Market is held every Saturday morning in Grahamstown, at the northern end of Pollen Street. It runs from 8 am to 12 pm and features local produce, plants, crafts, and various food stalls.
Is Thames a good destination for families with children?
Thames offers several family-friendly activities, including the Goldmine Experience and the Thames Historical Museum, which provide insights into the town's past. The Kauaeranga Valley offers walks suitable for families, and the Thames Connector Bus can be a way to get around with kids.
What is the general budget for a trip to Thames?
Thames can accommodate various budgets. Many historical sites and walks are free. Museum entry fees are typically modest. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly motels to more upscale options. Dining also offers a spectrum from casual cafes to restaurants. A reasonable daily budget for a mid-range traveler, excluding transport to Thames, would be around NZD 100-200, depending on activities and dining choices.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game in Thames cost?
Our outdoor escape games in Thames start at €12 per team (1 phone). For more players on the same trail, budget €19 for 2 phones and €25 for 3. If you wish to play several games in the city, the Thames City Pass offers up to 21% discount on all trails.
Are the escape games in Thames suitable for children?
Yes, most of our trails in Thames are accessible from age 8. The puzzles are designed to be solved in a group: children look for visual clues in the historic streets, teenagers decipher codes, and adults can connect everything to the local gold rush history. The GPS guides you step-by-step, making the experience safe and fun for all family members, with no risk of getting lost.
How long does an outdoor escape game in Thames last?
Allow between 1h30 and 2h30 depending on the chosen trail and your pace of exploring Thames' streets. Our games are self-guided: there's no fixed start time, you progress as you wish, which allows you to adapt the activity to your schedule. It's ideal for fitting into a morning, a late afternoon, or a slot between two visits to the peninsula.
Do I need to book in advance?
Online booking is not mandatory but is recommended, especially during New Zealand school holidays or on weekends. You receive an activation code instantly by email, usable whenever you wish — no expiry date. This ensures total flexibility to start your adventure in Thames whenever the mood strikes you.
What is Thames known for? / What to visit in Thames?
Thames is primarily known for its rich past linked to the late 19th-century gold rush, making it a historic gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula. Don't miss the Thames Historical Museum to delve into this fascinating era, and the Goldmine Experience to see the remnants of the mines. The town is also an ideal starting point for exploring the stunning natural landscapes of the region, such as the Firth of Thames or the Karaka Bird Sanctuary. Our escape game trails naturally incorporate these elements, allowing you to discover the city from a unique perspective.
What is the best season to visit Thames?
The best season to visit Thames and enjoy our outdoor escape games is spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) in New Zealand. Temperatures are mild and ideal for walking, and the surrounding nature is beautiful. Summer (December-February) is also very pleasant, but it's best to play early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid intense heat. Winter (June-August) can be cool, but the town retains its charm and our trails remain playable.
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