Location: Matamata
Top Things to do in Matamata
- 1. Matamata i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
- 2. Wairere Falls
- 3. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
- 4. Firth Tower Estate and Museum
- 5. Piako Gliding Club
- 6. Opal Hot Springs And Holiday Park Pools
- 7. Southern Belle Orchard Tours
- 8. Swim Zone Matamata
- 9. Angelica Organic Holistic Therapies
- 10. The Wizards Cart
The 10 Best Things to Do in Matamata, New Zealand
Matamata /ˈmætəˌmætə/ is a town in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located near the base of the Kaimai Ranges, and is a thriving farming area known for Thoroughbred horse breeding and training pursuits. It is part of the Matamata-Piako District, which takes in the surrounding rural areas as well as Morrinsville and Te Aroha. State Highway 27 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town. The town has a population of 7,840 as of June 2017.
Restaurants in Matamata
1. Matamata i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By KerriYarsley - Gold Coast, Australia
The Information Site for visitors in the centre of Matamata, New Zealand, is one of those places any LOTR fan just HAS to visit! It has been constructed so beautifully with the thatched roof, broad beams, and rounded doors and windows to which we have...MoreHi There, Thank you for your review. We're glad to hear that you love the building just as much as we do!
2. Wairere Falls
Overall Ratings
5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By Worldismyoyster1070 - Bangkok, Thailand
It was a great hike after being in a car to recharge Matamata. Easy to follow path. Some is quite steep. we found the time posted is the average time to reach the summit. Worth a visit if you have 1.5-2 hours available. The summit was worth the extra effort as it is amazing to be on top of the falls.
3. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
The Hobbiton Movie Set tour is an essential stop on the itinerary for all visitors travelling through New Zealand, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set as seen in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep and beef farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the village, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be taken around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit holes, the Mill and into the famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you can indulge in our exclusive, specially brewed beverages to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.
Reviewed By visitorfromquebec - Rome, Italy
I was like a kid in a playground. So many flashback from the movie, it is just an amazing visit. Of course you need to love the movie industry and Lords of the rings
4. Firth Tower Estate and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Kiwialan - Huntly, New Zealand
30 years have passed since last here and has it grown! It's a great little Museum, pioneer type with plenty of outside equipment from the old days, and plenty of different buildings complete. Like a Church, School, Post Office - all real building complete inside, Besides the Firth Tower, barns, and sheds full of equipment. Even a display of the Kaimai Tunnel - well worth a visit
5. Piako Gliding Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By HONkiev - Odessa, Ukraine
I've flown in big aircrafts, small aircrafts, helicopters etc. - but a 'Glider' was still missing in my to-do-list. So during our holiday in NZ I decided to do it, made a reservation through their website.
When we arrived at their 'office', which is a trainer on the airfield, we met this wonderful, down-to-earth people who are the members of the Club. They were so kind and friendly, gave so much information about gliding - I was just blown away already before the flight.
We went up to 3'000 feet and I got this unique impression of flying without engine, without noise. The view is stunning, no matter where you look. During the flight I had a very good talk with the pilot who even offered me to take control.
The flight wasn't 15 - 20 minutes as stated, it was a full hour! The take-off, the landing, perfect. At NZ$ 180 it was such a good value, just WOW!!!
This was one of the highlights of our trip.
Thanks a lot to the lovely people from the Club! You made my day!!!
6. Opal Hot Springs And Holiday Park Pools
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Raewynn F - Gisborne, New Zealand
Four adult sisters stayed in the three bedroom family unit. The white bed-linen and white towels were immaculate. Unit very clean and well supplied with kitchen-ware. Though a can of spray would have been useful given the number of those pesky sticky little flies that thrive in the humid weather. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Only drawback is the bathroom coming off third bedroom. Would definitely recommend this place.
7. Southern Belle Orchard Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By tinasyummies
If you're in Matamata do yourself a favor and stay here! The room was SO clean, nice and new. The restroom was a great size, and the bedroom off of the family room was really cozy. If we had more time we would have taken advantage of the hot tub. The owners were great, super friendly and their property is beautiful! Breakfast was left in the fridge the night before which was different, but nice because we could eat when we wanted too. Would definitely recommend this BnB!!!!!!!
8. Swim Zone Matamata
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Swim Zone Matamata is a pool complex with something for the whole family. With an indoor pool, outdoor pools, toddler's pool and dive pool, whether you want to swim and train or splash and play, Swim Zone Matamata is the ideal location. The pools are heated all year round - the perfect temperature to play, but not too hot for a good workout! The pools are always supervised by qualified lifeguards.
Reviewed By karina f - Cambridge, New Zealand
Kids and adults love it here to relax in or beside the pool or even in the spa pool. There is even a gym on site inside and a coffee barista (sweet az) that sells lovely healthy cold drinks and salads. Her coffee is the best! The lifeguards are well trained and assertive keeping watch overall. Prices are good and realistic. you can buy concession cards with multiple swims. There is also an excellent swimming school classes after school program. Kids can buy sweets, goggles etc at the counter shop. Take a book and sunbathe if not swimming. Lots of grass areas outside. Also dive pool.
9. Angelica Organic Holistic Therapies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Boutique organic holistic therapies providing Aromatherapy, Body Polish & Moisturise, Facials, Facial Radiance, Hopi Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage, Pamper Packages, Reflexology, Reiki, Relaxation Massage and Top & Toe Treat. Internationally and New Zealand qualified practitioner providing therapies in a tranquil treatment room in Matamata. Bookings are essential.
Reviewed By wez6699 - Hamilton, New Zealand
Went to this amazing lady for the 'Heavenly Aromatherapy Massage'. Pure bliss. Claire has magic hands and a lovely way about her. She does a consultation with you first and makes sure she knows what you are hoping for and your expectations. Then she helps...MoreMany thanks for your lovely comments, they are appreciated and so pleased you enjoyed the treatment.
10. The Wizards Cart
Come explore Matamata on the back of the Wizard’s Cart. See the untouched and beautiful Centennial Drive where the bird song will encompass you. Fantastic photo opportunities with the chance to learn about Matamata’s history, beyond just being the home for Hobbiton.
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