Thames School of Mines
The former home of a mining school founded in 1886, with its classrooms, laboratories and a large mineral collection preserved. It is a microcosm of Thames' gold-mining history.
The school once trained mining engineers of New Zealand's gold-rush era. It is now managed by Heritage New Zealand, and it displays an original assay lab, classrooms and a mineral collection from around the world, all preserved in their original state. Admission is about 15 New Zealand dollars, and it opens only on limited days, so check before setting out. Thames is the gateway to the peninsula, and the town also has a mining museum and a Saturday farmers' market.
Opening hours
Open days approx. 10:00–16:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Square Kauri
- Pinnacles Walk (Kauaeranga Valley)
- Wentworth Falls
- Waiau Falls & Kauri Grove (309 Road)
- Castle Rock (Motutere)
- Whangamatā
- Tairua & Mount Paku
- Whitianga