Sheltered coves and long surf beaches
Around Coromandel you'll find sheltered coves and long surf beaches. Ask your guide about kayaking — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Canterbury → Coromandel
Christchurch to ThamesDay tours & experiences
If you're based in Christchurch and curious about Thames, a private day tour is the simplest way to make it happen.
Thames sits in Coromandel — a rugged peninsula of pōhutukawa-fringed coves, hot sand and old gold towns. Travel privately with a local driver-guide and the day becomes yours: stop for the view, take the short walk, and let someone else handle the wheel.
Coromandel
South Island experiences
A taste of what a day around Thames can hold.
Hot water bubbling up through the sand
Around Coromandel you'll find hot water bubbling up through the sand. Ask your guide about coastal walking — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Gold-rush history and artisan townships
Around Coromandel you'll find gold-rush history and artisan townships. Ask your guide about beach days — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Coastal walks to sea-carved arches
Around Coromandel you'll find coastal walks to sea-carved arches. Ask your guide about heritage strolls — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Tour & experience options
Ways to travel between Christchurch and Thames.
Full-day adventure tour
A big day out with your own guide — viewpoints, short walks and the landmarks that pull people to the South Island in the first place.
Scenic lake & mountain transfer
Move between towns the slow way, stopping at lake edges, passes and lookouts that most travellers drive straight past.
Hiking & walking tour
Guided time on foot, from gentle lakeside strolls to a genuine day walk, matched to your fitness and the conditions.
Multi-stop scenic journey
String several highlights together in one private vehicle, with the flexibility to linger where it's worth lingering.
Luxury experience
Premium vehicle, a hand-picked guide and a day shaped around cellar doors, private walks and quiet corners.
Why travel between Christchurch and Thames
Your driver-guide is a local. They know which lookout is clear in the morning, which café is worth the stop and which short walk is worth the shoes.
The road between Christchurch and Thames threads through the kind of country people fly across the world to see — a rugged peninsula of pōhutukawa-fringed coves, hot sand and old gold towns.
Going private means the day belongs to you: no fixed departure times, no coach-load of strangers, and no rushing past something you wanted to photograph.
Gateway experiences
Make the most of both ends of your journey.
Christchurch
Before you set out, Christchurch is a good place to slow down — Canterbury is known for alpine passes and high-country stations and a rebuilt garden city with street art everywhere.
Thames
Once you arrive, Thames opens up heritage strolls, beach days and coastal walking in and around the wider Coromandel area.
Frequently asked questions
More day trips from Christchurch
Ready to see Thames?
Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll come back with a private itinerary and a clear quote.