Thames

La Casa is a twelve minute drive from the town of Thames. This historic seaside town offers many attractions and recreation opportunities.

We recommend:

• Thames Historical Museum

• The Goldmine Experience

• The Thames School of Mines

• Bella Street Pumphouse

• the Saturday morning Thames Market in historic Grahamstown

The Coromandel

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The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its varied, unspoiled landscapes. We're ideally located to discover the region's many hotposts. Here are a few suggestions for starters: 

• Coromandel Town is less than an hour's scenic drive away 

• Driving Creek Railway and Zipline

• The Waterworks Theme Park

• Hot Water Beach 

• Cathedral Cove

Fishing

The waters of the Firth of Thames are blessed with an abundance of sea life, such as snapper, kahawai and kingship, who swim near the Coromandel mussel barges.

Te Puru's tidal boat ramp is just a few hundred metres from La Casa. We have room for you to park a small boat here. Please note, our driveway is fairly long and steep. There's also a fish cleaning station on site. 

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 We can help you book a fishing charter so you can experience for yourself why boaties and fishing folk love the Thames Coast.

Hiking

The Coromandel is a fantastic place to go hiking or walking, Discover groves of Kauri trees, sparkling streams and waterfalls. The Department of Conversation (DOC) has a great deal of information about racks in the area. Local favourites include: 

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• Waiomu Kauri Grove is a five minute drive away

• Kauaeranga Valley, home of The Pinnacles

• Karangahake Gorge

• Coromandel Coastal Hikes

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Ask for details if you're interesting in joining a guided walk.

Nature

Right in La Casa's garden, bird watchers will see and hear New Zealand's fascinating native birds. Fantails, tui and kereru are all frequent flyers in our neighbourhood. 

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Across the Firth in Kaiaua is the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, visited by thousands of migratory birds every year.

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Out to sea, you might spot dolphins and whales cruising the coast. The Coromandel's a well-known diving spot, and there's a snorkel trail in the Whanganui A Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve. 

Food & Drink

The Coromandel is blessed with a great climate, an abundant sea, and plenty of land.

And that means there are lots of good things to eat around here!

This fantastic guide will help you decide where to eat, whether you're dining in or out: Indulge in a Taste of The Coromandel.

Art

Every year, artists from around the area showcase their work during the Coromandel Arts Tour.

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La Casa Te Puru is just 45 minutes from Coromandel Town, so it's the perfect launching pad for you to to visit our artists' open studios.

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Another must stop, is the Thames Art Gallery, which hosts a wide range of work from local arists. It's in Tararu, on the coast, on the Te Puru side of Thames.

Hauraki Rail Trail

It's always a good time to get on your bike in this part of the world. The fantastic Hauraki Rail Trail starts in Thames, and is a brilliant way to get to know the area.

The Grade One cycle trail takes you to Shorebird Coast, across flat paddocks, through the stunning Karangahake Gorge where you can learn about the area's mining history. 

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There's plenty of room to safely store your bikes at La Casa Te Puru.