Historic Thames

Thames is the main centre of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula. The town was formed in 1870 from two smaller settlements - Shortland and Grahamstown - which were founded to support gold mining in the early 1860s.

The lure of gold and logging caused the town to grow rapidly. At one stage it looked likely to surpass Auckland as New Zealand's main centre. But, as often happens, the gold ran out and the town's population stabilised.

Thames is a coastal settlement, close to the mouths of the Kauaeranga and Waihou Rivers. Behind the town, the ancient volcanic Coromandel Ranges rise steeply to provide a picturesque green backdrop.

The northern end of Thames, known still as Grahamstown, offers cafés and boutique shops in a charming, colonial setting. Be sure to visit the museum, which covers early Maori times, the arrival of the first pioneers and the development of mining, logging, railways and shipping. You can also visit the School of Mines, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Often called the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, Thames makes a great base for travellers. The magnificent Kauaeranga Valley hiking and camping area is just to the south, and the road to the north follows the coast past scores of sandy beaches.

Miranda foreshore

The Miranda foreshore is internationally recognised as a significant feeding ground for around 40 migratory wading bird species. Shell banks that have built up along the foreshore provide nesting grounds and allow easy access for close viewing.

Thousands of migratory wading birds come to Miranda at different times of the year. Some come from other parts of New Zealand; others make a remarkable 10,000 kilometre journey from the Arctic Circle.

In winter Miranda is home to birds from New Zealand's South Island, particularly wrybills, pied oystercatchers and kotuku (white herons). Wrybills, found only in New Zealand, are noted for a beak that curves to one side.

In October the New Zealand birds return south to their summer breeding grounds and arctic migrants - like the eastern bar-tailed godwit, the turnstone and the red-necked stint - arrive, hungry and exhausted.

Twice a day, as the tide rises, the birds move inland to the easily-viewed shell banks. As the tide recedes they move out again to the vast Firth of Thames.

The Miranda Shorebird Centre offers interpretive information and displays as well as simple accommodation for ardent birdwatchers.