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Matamata

Matamata

A statue of Gollum on Matamata’s main street tells you where you are, in prime middle earth territory, with the Hobbiton Movie Set just down the road. With the perfect combination of hillsides and plains, Matamata, meaning headland in Maori, has its rural roots in the equine and dairying industries.

Don't miss:
  1. Hobbiton
  2. Firth Tower Museum
  3. Skydiving
  4. Opal Hot Springs
  5. Horse stud tour
  6. Cheese Factory
  7. Wairere Falls & Walks
  8. Heritage Trail

Today the town’s main attraction comes from the film industry after the Alexander brothers farm became the Shire in Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Take a tour to discover the magic behind the phenomenon and watch the set of his next journey into Middle Earth, The Hobbit, take shape.

Set in the shadow of the Kamai Ranges the area’s diverse range of natural scenery means there are some hidden gem’s to uncover including the 153m high Wairere Falls. Meanwhile, the Opal Hot Springs, which are right next to the town’s 18-hole golf course, add to the region’s many opportunities for a soak or swim in naturally heated waters.

Back in town, Matamata’s cafes on the main street are popular local meeting spots while artisan producers are also claiming the area as a good base for their operations including the award-winning Kaimai Cheese Company at Waharoa.

The many grand trees give the town centre a distinctive appeal and the iconic Firth Tower Museum in its park like setting gives an insight into the area’s pioneering history while “the kingmaker”, Wiremu Tamihana, is also recalled in placenames and historic sites.

How far to…

Auckland: 160kms 2 hours
Rotorua: 72kms 1 hour
Tauranga: 50kms 44mins

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