Thames School of Mines

This place harbours a lot of treasures history about the Gold Rush era in NZ . The school has its labs and classrooms with desks, chalk board and apparatus still intact. Models of how machines of yesteryear operated are on display and the the tour guides were very informative in updating us with a lot of knowledge. Another area of the museum held scores of precious stones, minerals, fossils and even coral. A must visit for especially the geography enthusiasts

We arrived in Thames late 07/10/2023 and found we had just missed the Thames School of Mines 15:30 pm last session for the day. The lady suggested coming back the next day at 10:30am. So we did. Steve our tour guide was absolutely a fountain of information regarding Thames School of Mines. Thames School of Mines is a treasure trove of artifacts, buildings, historic information and a visual feast. We loved the whole allocated time and extra Steve put into showing us Thames School of Mines. Love the Moa Gizzard Stones Steve.

We really enjoyed taking this tour! FANTASTIC tour given by Russel, Very informative and knowledgeable guide. If you like to know the heritage and history of mining in Thames and NZ, Highly recommend visiting this place . The school is in as is condition from 1950s and has an artistic and nostalgic appeal to it. the tour has 3 parts and takes about an hour to complete!

Visited on Waitangi open day. Free entry! Great piece of history. Lots of interesting exhibits in great condition. Well worth a visit. Most of the guides were friendly and helpful. The museum souvenir shop is a gem. Good quality and good value. Found a nicely crafted haematite ring. If we are passing, will stop in again.

We didn't go through the museum, although I have in the past and would recommend it. Today we just browsed thru the gift shop and bought some fabulous crystals. I recommend the full tour if you have time, it's quirky and interesting history and the exhibits are very authentic.

What a fascinating place. The tour was excellent and the guide friendly and knowledgeable. The rock shop was also great and I went home with a few new items. Highly recommend.

The tour and school holidays program at the Thames School of Mines, offered an engaging and educational experience for us. During our tour, we were able to explore the museum's impressive collection of mining artifacts, learn about the history of gold mining in the area, and discover how the school itself played a crucial role in educating miners. We found the staff friendly and knowledgeable, providing insightful commentary and making the experience even more enjoyable. The school holiday program, in particular, is fantastic for families. Our kids did a variety of hands-on activities to cater to their curiosity, which included interactive demonstrations, guided walks and treasure hunts. These activities are not only fun but also educational, providing a deeper understanding of the local heritage and the mining industry. It's a great way for children to engage with history in an interactive and memorable way. Overall, both the tour and the school holiday program were an excellent experience for the wide range of ages in our group, especially for the members of our group from Oz interested in history and keen to learn more about Thames' gold rush era. The relaxed atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and family-friendly activities made it an enjoyable day out for all.

One of the most enjoyable tours I’ve had! It’s not a massive place but steeped in local history. The friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable tour guides really make the experience. Perfect way to spend a couple of hours learning about the history of mining in Thames. Thank you again Shelly, and I hope you have a fantastic birthday!!