WAIKATO · NEW ZEALAND
Welcome to Matamata
A friendly rural town at the foot of the Kaimai Range. Home of the Hobbiton Movie Set, thoroughbred horse country, and a community that loves to welcome visitors.
YOUR INFORMATION HUB
How can we help today?
Whether you are passing through, settling in or running a business, start here.
VISITORS
Visiting Matamata
Things to see and do, places to eat and stay, and how to get to Hobbiton.
LOCALS
Living here
Clubs, groups, community services and what is happening around town.
BUSINESS
Doing business
Connect with the Matamata Chamber of Commerce and the local business network.
STAY, SEE AND DO
Make the most of your time here
From bush walks and waterfalls to cafés and cosy places to stay, Matamata has something for every age.
EXPERIENCE
Things to do
Walks, trails, Firth Tower, Wairere Falls, golf, racing and family days out.
EAT
Cafés and restaurants
Grab a coffee, a bite or a drink at one of the town's local eateries.
STAY
Accommodation
Base yourself in Matamata for Hobbiton, the Kaimai Range and the wider Waikato.
THE GATEHOUSE
Start at the Visitor Information Centre
Inspired by the nearby Hobbiton Movie Set, our Visitor & Information Centre was transformed into an iconic Gatehouse. Call in for local advice, maps and help booking your Hobbiton tour.
WHAT'S ON
Events in and around Matamata
Markets, sport, shows and community gatherings. See what is coming up and add your own event to the calendar.
MATAMATA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Supporting local business
The Matamata Chamber of Commerce is a non-political, non-profit organisation representing the full spectrum of business interests in Matamata and the surrounding rural area.
PAST TO PRESENT
The story of Matamata
Matamata means ‘headland’. It was the name of a pā established in 1830 by Te Waharoa, the famous Ngāti Hauā chief, on a ridge of high ground above the swampy Waitoa River valley, a few kilometres north-west of present-day Waharoa.