Thames Town

A peaceful and pretty morning at Ray's Rest then we moved to Kopu Golf Club, near Thames, and took the car into the town.

The town still has many historic buildings but has good cafes, shops and some quirkiness. 

The town was founded on gold. We took the Goldmine Experience tour, around an old stamper battery and through mine tunnels.

Then we looked around the town some more...

...there were lots of murals.

 

Thames and Te Aroha

First stop today (after coffee) was the Thames School of Mines. This museum tells the story of the school, set up by the government after the gold rush days. It is in the original old buildings and was well worth the visit.

The pink and white rock was from the pink and white terraces, pre eruption.

Next stop was Te Aroha, where we are stopped for the night. After lunch we headed to the hot pools for a soak. Te Aroha was developed as a spa town in the Victorian/Edwardian era and the domain is full of heritage buildings.

Lemon and Te Aroha soda is being made again. It was the first fizzy drink made in the area - before the more famous L&P made in neighbouring Paeroa.

Quirkiness in Te Aroha... and a relaxing soak.