Special Attractions and Activities Nearby
Welcome to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula! This is a modern Three Bedroom House located at Thornton Bay, just 10 kilometres north of Thames - an ideal base for exploring the Coromandel area. It's off the main road beachfront. We are just over an hour’s drive from Auckland International Airport. Relax and enjoy the location and Kiwi hospitality!
The space
The house is 3 Bedrooms of approximately 145sqms. It has one master bedroom with a queen bed and attached toilet / Bathroom. The second bedroom also has a queen bed. The third bedroom has two single beds with additional two pull out beds. Two bedrooms with queen beds has AC/ Heat pumps and the third bedroom is provided with a pedestal fan and heater for winters. The house is cozy and has everything you need, and tea and coffee is provided. We provide all linen, however recommend guests bring their own bath towels and toiletries. We have tank water as well as spring water supply and have installed an ultraviolet filtration system providing safe drinking water. Please conserve water and no washing of cars or boats.
The beach opposite the house is safe all tide swimming, good fishing and a recognised holiday spot. The house faces north for all day sun and takes in wide sea views off the large deck. We have Pak N Save supermarket as you enter Thames to pick up milk, bread, eggs and other groceries. The shopping centre has other outlets too like the Warehouse, Mitre 10, Bed, Bath & Beyound etc. The Waiomu Cafe and the local general store / fish and chip shop are both less than 5 minutes away from the house. Historic Thames is 10 minutes by car, and Coromandel Town is only 45 minutes drive up the beautiful Thames Coast Road. Auckland and Hamilton are both only 1 1/2 hours drive, and Auckland International Airport is just over an hour's drive. Its a great base for hiking, fishing, cycling, or just exploring the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. The well known destinations of Whitianga, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Pauanui Beach, Hobbiton (Matamata) and Coromandel Town are all no more than 1.5 hours drive.
Guest access
Guests will have access to the house via lock box. Free wifi provided. The driveway is long and with the garage it should accommodate about four cars and a boat. Please do not park on the lawn. House is provided with gas cooking hob, a toaster, microwave, oven, fridge, air fryer and basic cooking utensils.
Importance of Thames
Thames holds importance in New Zealand for its gold rush history, where it was once the most populous town and a significant source of wealth and immigration. Today, its importance lies in its role as a commercial and administrative hub for the Coromandel region, its natural heritage, and the local industries like tourism, aquaculture, and a major foundry that support its economy and communities.
Historical Significance
• Gold Rush Town:
Thames was the site of a major gold rush that began in 1867, which transformed the Coromandel Peninsula and attracted thousands of people from around the world.
• Economic Hub:
During its peak, Thames was one of New Zealand's largest and most populous towns, supported by the gold mines.
• Cultural Heritage:
The town is rich in history, with preserved gold mining buildings and the Thames Gold Mine Experience offering insights into its past.
Economic Importance
• Regional Centre:
Thames serves as an economic and administrative centre for the wider Thames-Coromandel District, including a significant population of residents, property owners, and visitors.
• Key Industries:
Major employers include the Thames-Coromandel District Council, Thames Hospital, and the A & G Price foundry.
• Tourism and Aquaculture:
These sectors are increasingly significant, with the area being known for its natural environment and aquaculture, particularly mussel farming.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
• Maori and European Heritage:
The Coromandel Peninsula has a layered history of Polynesian and Maori settlement, as well as European exploration and development, which the Thames-Coromandel District Council works to protect.
• Natural Environment:
The town provides access to the Kauaeranga Valley, with its walking and tramping tracks (Pinnacles walk) and other natural attractions that draw visitors. The Pinnacles walk takes approximately 3 hours one way to the Pinnacles Hut, and then about 40 minutes more to reach the summit, making the entire walk a round trip of roughly 6 hours, though this does not include the time to return down the Webb Creek track. Hikers should plan for an overnight stay at the Pinnacles Hut, the largest DOC hut in New Zealand, to experience sunset or sunrise from the summit, or complete the longer 19.5km loop in just under six hours.
