2026 Thames Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

We stayed at VOCO Oxford Thames through a Secret Escapes booking in mid-June 2026. Our first impression was the stunning reception area and the friendly, welcoming staff. We were fortunate to have a room in the old part of the hotel, which felt truly special. The room was well-appointed with lovely toiletries, bottled water, and a well-equipped tea and coffee station. As part of our stay, we enjoyed a bottle of wine on our patio, which was a delightful touch. Dinner was included on both evenings, and the staff at Napiers were outstanding—knowledgeable, approachable, and attentive. The food quality was excellent, and the cocktails were top-notch. Breakfasts were also fantastic, offering an extensive selection. It was the warmest welcome we’ve experienced at a hotel in a long time. We used the swimming pool both days, which, although modest in size, was perfect for a relaxing dip after long walks. The location of the hotel is ideal for exploring the Thames Path. We walked to Oxford and onward to Jericho, which boasts some charming coffee shops. Oxford was bustling since it was a weekend, but the covered market provided a lovely, quieter spot for lunch. Overall, this was a wonderful experience, and we’d love to return. Well done to everyone at VOCO Oxford Thames!

We’ve passed through Thames more times than we can count and at first, we treated it like most people do, just a stop on the way to somewhere else. But over time, we’ve come to appreciate it for what it is. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be a major attraction. It’s just a really practical, easy place to stop and when you’re travelling, that matters more than you think. We always find ourselves doing the same things here. Topping up groceries, filling up with fuel and Bobs gas is a great place to fill up your gas bottles, grabbing a coffee or a pie and sorting the basics like laundry. Everything is close, easy to access and there’s no stress getting around. If you’re in a campervan, Thames just works. There’s a shopping centre with campervan friendly parking, including spots that are easy enough to get in and out of with a camper. You’ll also find plenty of freedom camping spots in and around town, which makes it a handy place to stop for the night. One thing we love is the artwork scattered throughout the town. It’s subtle, but once you notice it, it adds a bit of character as you walk around. There’s also a great little information centre if you want to get your bearings or see what’s happening locally. For us, Thames has become a reset stop. A place to catch up on the practical stuff, take a breath and decide where to head next, whether that’s further into the Coromandel or up into the Kauaeranga Valley. It’s simple, but it does exactly what you need it to. #ThamesNZ #Coromandel #CoromandelPeninsula #ExploreNZ #Aotearoa #NewZealandTravel #NorthIslandNZ #RoadTripNZ #CampervanNZ #VanLifeNZ #FreedomCampingNZ #NZMustDo #TravelNZ #HiddenGemsNZ #SmallTownNZ #thingstodo

nice place...Calm and friendly people

From Paeroa, the town famous for its L&P lemonade, to Thames, the gold rush town, we drove all the way to Cathedral Cove, the filming location for Narnia. The stunning scenery, enhanced by blue skies and white clouds, was breathtaking; every frame looked like a Windows desktop wallpaper. The hour-long round trip on the trails was definitely worthwhile. Cathedral Cove also offers boat trips, including many glass-bottom boat tours, but advance booking is required. The hot springs are suitable for all ages. You can bring a large shovel to dig in the hot water, or simply enjoy the sea view and seafood. Of course, all this beauty is only possible during off-peak season. You can imagine how popular Cathedral Cove is during peak season. However, traveling during the off-season also has some drawbacks: ① The museum, miniature train, and gold mine in Thames are only open from 10 am to 1 pm. Check the opening hours beforehand if you want to visit. ② Many beach activities are only available during peak season. For example, the water taxi service to Cathedral Cove is currently closed, and there are no clear signs. You must take a shuttle bus uphill and then hike for about half an hour to reach it. This is not recommended if you have young children or need to push a stroller. Additionally, most people visiting Cathedral Bay choose to stay in the nearby town of Whitianga. However, there's a very challenging 30km stretch of mountain road heading north from Thames along the west coast, characterized by flying sand and rocks and no cell phone signal! If your car has a low chassis, try to avoid driving on that section.

The perfect place to take a young family for a walk on a cool winter day. Calm sea, sand and empty beach. Time to dig in the sand, walk and talk, find shiny crystal pebbles on the beach or watch birds drying their wings.The beauty of the place makes up for the simplicity of the photography. #simplejoy #Thamescoast

#newzealand Thames may be a place most people pass through on their way tho the beautiful white sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. But if you are lucky enough to catch one of the sunsets here it will rival soe of the most beautiful you are likely to see in the world.This walk starts behind the local supermarket and winds it's way for a couple of kilometers along the seashore. and easy walk with some interesting art on the way.#sunsets

Thames is a picturesque town located at the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. As soon as you step into the town, you will be immediately attracted by its tranquility and beauty. The town's architecture is simple and elegant, exuding a strong British style. Strolling along the street, you can admire the exquisite wooden houses and exquisite gardens, as if you are in a beautiful picture. Thames has a unique natural environment, surrounded by lush mountains and blue bays. Here, you can enjoy the gifts of nature. You might as well take a walk along the coastline, feel the sea breeze, and admire the spectacular view of the waves hitting the reefs. Looking far away from the top of the mountain, you can also overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire town, which is refreshing. In addition, the town also has a wealth of outdoor activities for tourists to experience. You can participate in a kayak tour to explore the surrounding bays and islands; or rent a bicycle and ride on the country roads in the town to feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. If you are interested in history, you can also visit the town's museums and historical sites to learn about its history and culture. In terms of food, Thames will not disappoint you. There are many restaurants here that serve fresh seafood and authentic local cuisine. You can taste delicious fish and chips, roast lamb chops and other delicacies, allowing your taste buds to enjoy. In short, Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand is a charming tourist destination. Its natural scenery, simple architecture and rich activities will leave you with unforgettable memories. Starting from the town, you can also visit other surrounding attractions, such as the beautiful Fraser Coast and the charming Matamata Town. In addition, you can also explore the unique landforms and cultural heritage of the Coromandel Peninsula. Whether you are a tourist who likes natural scenery or historical culture, it can meet your needs. When planning your trip, consider staying in Thames for a while to feel its tranquility and beauty. I believe you will be attracted by the scenery here and leave good memories.

#2024wish In 2019, my brief sojourn along the serene Thames River led me to the Thames Goldmine Experience at Tararu Road, New Zealand. The historic site, nestled in Thames' picturesque surroundings, offered a captivating journey into the region's gold mining legacy. Descending into the mine's depths, the echoes of bygone eras resonated through the tunnels, revealing tales of fortune seekers and hardships. Above ground, the quaint charm of Thames added an enchanting touch to the experience. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow, I felt a profound connection to the past. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to relive those timeless moments and immerse myself once more in Thames' rich history.