Tapu: Gold mining history and experiences on the water

Tapu combines early coastal settlement history and gold mining with art, water activities and paths through bushland. This mix offers a concrete starting point for a range of holiday interests: you can explore local history, spend time on the water or include walks in your plans.

Gold mining and coastal culture

Tapu was the earliest coastal settlement in the region. By 1869, 500 miners were working in the Tapu Valley. The history of fishing is also part of the area’s cultural context: the shellfish fisheries of Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, commonly known as Tapu, were included in a temporary closure of the coast from Ngarimu Bay to Wilsons Bay in 1998. The closure was granted under Section 186A at the request of the Hauraki Māori Trust Board. It was intended to improve the availability and size of cockles and pipi and to recognise the traditional fishing practice of Rāhui.

Art, water and bushland

Visitors to Tapu can visit art galleries and studios. Possible activities include kayaking, sailing and swimming in swimming holes; conditions and access may vary for these activities. Fishing trips on charter boats are also offered in Tapu. Check which options are currently available before making plans. Walks through bushland to kauri groves offer another focus for spending time outdoors. The Tapu River flows into the Firth of Thames.

If you’re travelling with children, you can take different interests into account when planning your day and choose art, time on the water or a bush walk as separate activities. This lets you tailor your plans to the preferences of your travelling companions.

A nearby track

The Tapu Summit to Crosbies Hut Track starts at the summit of Tapu-Coroglen Road. Of the tracks to Crosbies Hut, it has the least elevation gain and no stream crossings. However, the track can be very muddy, and parking is limited. If you plan to walk the track, check conditions before setting out and take the limited parking into account.

Getting oriented and planning your stay

Tapu Domain is 20 km north of Thames town centre on the Thames Coastal Highway (SH25). Tapu Camp is right on the beach, about 20 minutes north of Thames along the winding coastal road. The campsite and the Domain are two specific reference points for finding your way around.

Tapu Camp offers powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as cabins. As facilities may change, check the available options before booking. When looking for a holiday home in Tapu, it may help to distinguish between activities in the area and a planned trip to the nearby track. This lets you connect your choice of location with your own plans for the day.

In the wider Thames-Coromandel District

The Hauraki Rail Trail is a 160 km cycling trail that runs through the Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako districts. Its 34 km section from Thames to Paeroa passes through lush farmland. The Thames-Coromandel District also has about 2,000 hectares of parks and protected areas.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Cooks Beach, Kuaotunu, Hot Water Beach, Opito Bay, Whangamata, Pauanui, Hahei, Thames.

For the wider travel overview: Thames-Coromandel District.