MATAMATA ACTIVITIES

In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson's team of location scouts were searching for the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton™. An aerial search led them to the Alexander farm, a stunning 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. They noted the area's striking similarity to The Shire™, as described by JRR Tolkien, and quickly realised that the Hobbits™ had found a home.

Just 10 minutes' drive from Matamata, the Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall in the North Island and a popular walking track in the Waikato. The sight from the viewing platform is spectacular – water plunges 153 metres over the falls, before forming little streamlets that flow through moss covered rocks and ferns.

Mitai Maori Village offers you an authentic introduction to the Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Witness warriors in traditional attire paddling in an ancient warrior canoe, view glow worms in their natural habitat and marvel at the sacred freshwater spring. View your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance.

Nestled in the beautiful Domain at the bottom of Mount Te Aroha is the Te Aroha Mineral Spas – renowned for their healing properties since the 1800s. Overlooking the Edwardian Domain sits Domain House Beauty offering a range of beauty and massage treatments. Our wooden tubs reflect Te Aroha Mineral Spas' beautiful natural setting, nestled at the foot of Mount Te Aroha. Bookings essential.

Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature's light display. Explore the cave by foot before embarking on a boat ride, gliding silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.

The Matamata golf course is open all year round. It has free-draining soil meaning the course is playable within minutes of even the heaviest rainfall. The Kaimai Ranges provide a wonderful backdrop to beautifully maintained fairways and greens. A variety of challenges make Matamata a must for all golfers. Visitors are always welcome and tee times are readily available.

Opal Hot Springs offers a relaxing getaway with its 5 geothermal pools surrounded by lush greenery. Ideal for visitors looking to unwind, the hot springs provide a serene environment to soak and enjoy the natural mineral waters.

Walk through a mix of exotic forest, then native bush until you reach some of the southernmost kauri trees growing in New Zealand. The 1.5h one-way walk follows a stream which you'll cross several times. Some of the best views of the kauri can be seen from the stream before entering the boardwalk. Another short walk worth doing is the Kaimai Summit only 4km away.

The Firth Tower Museum is located just outside Matamata and occupies the land that once used to be the centre of the huge estate of Josiah Clifton Firth, known as the 'Duke of Matamata'. Firth invested lots of money to clear this land and bring in the latest agricultural machinery, making the Waihou River conducive for navigation so that farm produce could be transported to the local markets. In 1882, a concrete tower was built to serve as a lookout point. The tower is now a museum and houses an authentically furnished farm homestead and the worker's cottage.