Explore the local beaches armed with newly acquired knowledge from the Thames School of Mines. Gems, stones and gold shiny rocks just might be evidence of alluvial gold. Thames School of Mines is a repository of information about the nineteenth century gold fever that struck Coromandel.
Extraordinary feats of engineering were advanced all in pursuit of gold. Former school teachers, ministers and the local grocery quickly upskilled in mining techniques searching for quartz gold in the hills surrounding Thames and the Coromandel. As the museum aptly describes it, the fearless gold miners played with deadly cyanide in the quest for riches.
There are artefacts, documents, records, photographs and exhibits of the period. For any researcher interested in the period a must visit destination.
MINERALOGICAL MUSEUM
The Mineralogical Museum is located at the Thames School of Mines and it holds one of the best collections in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 3000 specimens at the museum, including fossils from New Zealand and abroad, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Guided tours bring this special place to life with captivating stories about the Hauraki area’s people and places.
For up to date information about opening hours check Thames School of Mines | Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for details.
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WHERE IS THAMES SCHOOL OF MINES LOCATED?
Corner of Brown and Cochrane Streets, Thames 3500
Thames School of Mines is part of the Coromandel Peninsula heritage trail. In Thames check out the intriguing Kopu Bridge, Thames Historical Museum and the Thames Main Street with frontages dating back to the heyday of the town’s origins as a ‘wild west’ gold mining town.
For more ideas about what to do in the Coromandel scroll through Coromandel Regional Guide, Coromandel Town Attractions, and the Whitianga travel guide.
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