Founded during the goldrush, Thames has historically glittered with an abundance of hidden gems. Fast-forward to today and there is a plethora of creative experiences for you to uncover and enjoy. Explore galleries and discover one of the myriad of creative stops and spaces available throughout Thames. Read on and create your own Thames adventure
1. Arohart
Arohart is an art shop stocking only genuine Māori made art, both traditional and contemporary. Some of the region’s most prestigious artists, including Dessa Bluu, an award-winning glass mosaic artist based in Thames, display their arts and crafts here
2. Bounty Store
A ‘bountiful’ collection of art and craft.
Inhabiting an 1896 building towards the North end of historic Thames, on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand’s North Island, the building that now houses Bounty was once the first boot maker’s store in Thames. Now it houses artworks from some of the finest artists on the Peninsula, recent artists include Marie Robinson – a local Thames artist with a long history of painting on charts, maps, demolition and random objects.
An iconic local independent bookshop established in 1906. The large range of books & boutique gift collections are curated by knowledgeable and friendly staff who love to help you find what you are, or more interestingly what you are not looking for.
Some wonderful high calibre Coromandel artists exhibit pottery, paintings and sculpture in the lovely historic building of the old Palmers Confectionary shop in Grahamstown, Thames.
The heart of Steamy Sisters is pure steampunk. Karen is the owner/curator of this amazing collection of machinery, clothing, burlesque, collectibles, and oddities.
Steamy Sisters has an abundance of cogs, corsets, boots, books, hats, handicrafts gifts and so much more.
6. Thames Art Gallery
Come and see the creativity of the community of local Coromandel and nearby artists. Entry to the gallery is free. Find a beautiful work of art for your own home – or as a gift – and support our -wonderful artists, including the fabulous local sculptor, Gary Nevin -a Whenakite local who creates his versions of humans and animals, which are available to view in his garden gallery.
An intimate, live music venue in the heart of historic Grahamstown, Thames, New Zealand. Check out what’s on here.
8. Peter Plumb
Peter invites you to get in touch with him through to discuss commissioning him to design a one-off authentic Pounamu (New Zealand Nephrite Jade) greenstone carving or jewellery that incorporates your own personal story within the finished piece to provide it with significance to the wearer.
9. Jocelyn Pratt open studio.
Jocelyn is an established New Zealand sculptor presenting modernist interpretive works representative of natural forms. Studio visits are available by appointment.
10. Paul and Kathy Heffernan open studio
Paul and Kathy work together as a team in their studio on the water’s edge in Thames. Paul creates the whimsical and wacky characters and writes a small story to go with each piece. Kathy applies the colourful underglazes and determines the colours. Studio visits are available by appointment.
