Experience
A thriving country town located in the heart of the Waikato
Matamata is a flourishing town nestled in the heart of the Waikato that offers panoramic views of the Kaimai ranges. A centre-point to nearby cities, Hamilton, Tauranga & Rotorua are all within 45-50 minutes drive away from Matamata. Enjoy all this country town has to offer, make Matamata your new home today.
Experience
Hobbiton
Your very own Middle-earth adventure awaits. Experience the original Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and The Hobbit movies.
Hobbiton offers daily tours across their scenic 1,250 acre sheep farm with stunning views across the Kaimai Ranges. Explore Bag End, where Frodo & Bilbo's adventures began. Adventure amongst the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be.
Firth Tower
The unique Firth Tower Museum was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth, to serve as a lookout over the countryside. The property was also used as his estate office and sleeping quarters for single men.
The Tower was built 16 metres high and is the centre-piece of the museum. The idyllic property features a variety of heritage buildings, including a jail, post office, settler's cottage and school, and farm buildings.
Opal Hot Springs
Opal Hot Springs is located a short 8 minute drive out of Matamata. Nestled next to the Kaimai Ranges, Opal Hot Springs offers 5 pools for you to relax and enjoy, including private spa pools fed by natural mineral thermally heated water.
Matamata Golf Club
Matamata Golf Club is a beautifully landscaped course, offering scenic views across the Kaimai Ranges. Open all year round, visitors are always welcome at the Golf Club.
With naturally free-draining soil, the Golf Course is playable after rainfall. Including an array of challenges, Matamata Golf Club is a must visit for all.
Matamata Racing Club
Founded in 1919, the Matamata Racing Club is the centre of racing and training excellence. The racecourse comprises of 158 acres, located south of Matamata.
The Horse Racing Club holds 14 race days per season, including premier Breeder's Stakes which is now recognised as one of New Zealand's most iconic race meetings.
Eat
Merchant of Matamata
Merchant of Matamata is a fresh, modern provincial pub in the heart of Matamata offering classic Kiwi hospitality, mixed with great food and locally brewed craft beers and ciders.
Located in a former farm supply depot, the restaurant continues the tradition by replenishing and refreshing locals and travellers a plenty.
The Redoubt
Founded in 2006, Redoubt provides a dynamic, community focused bar and eatery to the thriving Township, identifying itself as a "must" for those in Matamata.
The Redoubt serves as a popular stopping point for locals and travellers, offering ever-changing seasonal menus and a great selection of beer and wines.
Osteria Matamata
Osteria is a family run restaurant group with several locations across New Zealand, including Matamata. The name Osteria draws on its ancient roots and serves as a place to eat, drink and be merry.
Located on Broadway, Osteria combines traditions of classic Italian and modern New Zealand cuisine, a variety of wines together with a romantic Mediterranean dining experience.
O-del-emz
Offering a twist on French-European cuisine, O-del-emz has become popular café in the heart of Matamata.
O-del-emz pride themselves on providing the best coffee and food in town, all of which is made fresh in their own kitchen.
Discover
Wairere Falls
Discover the highest waterfall in the North Island, located only 15 minutes drive from Matamata. This beautiful waterfall plunges 153 metres over the Kaimai escarpment where large boulders form natural pools and cascading waterfalls.
The track leading up to the waterfall weaves its way through moss covered rocks, tree roots and wooden bridges, making for an attractive walk to the top.
Karapiro Lake
Encompassed by bush and rolling hills, Karapiro like serves as a hydroelectric lake on the Waikato River and is a 19 minute drive from the Matamata township.
Attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year, this man-made lake is a popular destination for watersports and family picnics. The Domain also provides recreation activities and accommodation including camping, cabins and lodges
Tower Road Walkway
Enjoy a scenic walk from the edge of the Matamata Township to the Firth Tower Museum. This well maintained walking track stretches across 2 kilometres through trees with panoramic views of the countryside and Kaimai Ranges.
Mount Te Aroha Summit Track
Located a 30 minute drive from Matamata, the Mount Te Aroha track ascends almost 1km in elevation up a well benched track and offers views over the Hauraki Plains at the Whakapipi lookout. The track continues through a small saddle then begins to steepen for approximately two hours to reach the summit.
The Mount Te Aroha Summit provides 360 degree views across the Waikato & Bay of Plenty; with Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Taranaki visible on a clear day.
