Sheltered coves and long surf beaches
Around Coromandel you'll find sheltered coves and long surf beaches. Ask your guide about beach days — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Nelson Tasman → Coromandel
Richmond to ThamesDay tours & experiences
Travelling from Richmond to Thames is one of those New Zealand journeys where the route matters as much as the destination.
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 heritage strolls — 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 kayaking — 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 coastal walking — it's the kind of thing that turns a transfer into a day you remember.
Tour & experience options
Ways to travel between Richmond 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 Richmond and Thames
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.
Thames sits in Coromandel, which means sheltered coves and long surf beaches and hot water bubbling up through the sand are both within reach on the same outing.
Starting in Richmond puts you on the doorstep of Nelson Tasman, so you can layer a local highlight into the start or end of the day.
Gateway experiences
Make the most of both ends of your journey.
Richmond
Before you set out, Richmond is a good place to slow down — Nelson Tasman is known for granite headlands and clear tidal estuaries and the golden bays of Abel Tasman National Park.
Thames
Once you arrive, Thames opens up coastal walking, kayaking and heritage strolls in and around the wider Coromandel area.
Frequently asked questions
More day trips from Richmond
Explore more of Nelson Tasman
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.