Thames School of Mines

In 1867, gold discoveries on 'The Thames' transformed this beautiful part of the Coromandel Peninsula into an international phenomenon attracting thousands of eager gold-seekers from all over the world. It also created what was, by the early 1870s, New Zealand’s most populous town - Thames, made up of Grahamstown and Shortland.

Heritage museum in an 1897 building exploring the area's gold-mining history via photos & artifacts.

The mineralogical museum is a significant part of the complex.