Backpacker Hostels in Thames, New Zealand

Thames is a traveler's dream when it comes to orientation. There's the sea to the west, foresty mountains to the east and (almost) everything in between is strictly square design! Getting lost -- impossible. The main road leads right through from north to south and pretty much everything of importance is a maximum of two turns from that road. And to top it all, there's plenty of free parking almost anywhere. There are some little museums in town, but most people who stay at Thames hostels do use it more as a base for exploring the Coromandel peninsula, which -- due to its small size -- makes returning in the evenings almost effortless. The town is a friendly place with a lot of old building substance and a quiet countryside feel to it. It caters to all needs with little shops and really good food in nice little restaurants along the main road or groceries and other supplies in the supermarket and a shopping centre nearby (just a two-minute walk).

There's not even a handful of hostels in Thames, but those that do exist are in a traditional old house in a central location. With age, apparently, houses do come up with some disadvantages and people being used to new sterile hostel chains have been heard complaining but most travelers enjoy staying here very much. The cosy charm and atmosphere of the houses somehow seems to devolve to its guests and it is surely one of the least hyper stays one will have in New Zealand. Don't despair, though, if you are looking for a night out from your Thames hostel -- there are options. The only thing travelers cannot expect here are extended reception hours -- an arrival after 7 p.m. might have you end up spending the night in your car!