MATAMATA ACTIVITIES/PLACES OF INTEREST

Matamata is well known for its’ horse industry and of course the Hobbiton segment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here however there are a lot of other interesting things to see and do as well as these.

HISTORIC PLACES OF INTEREST: Firth Tower Estate & Museum is in a delightful garden setting and is a collective memory of our community showing many fascinating exhibits. If you enjoy walking try The Heritage Trail, a 5.3km walk which takes you around Matamatas’ historic buildings and gardens.

HOBBITON MOVIE SET & FARM TOURS: Tours depart daily to the beautiful working sheep farm where some of the filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy took place. Have your photo taken in one of the hobbit holes or under the party tree.

FOR THE ACTION MINDED: Visit the Matamata Airfield and go Skydiving or Gliding, The Boatshed Café & Kayaks on the shores of Lake Karapiro hire kayaks for you to explore the lake, take a thrill seeking ride up the Waikato River from Cambridge with Camjet.

SPORTS & LEISURE: For those who enjoying walking and tramping The Wairere Falls are set amongst the beautiful bush of the Kaimai Ranges, the falls drop 153 metres and are a spectacular sight. For the golfer Matamata Golf Club or Walton Golf Club both are very attractive 18 hole courses. Need a workout, game of squash, aqua size class or do some lengths of the pool – visit Matamata Sports Centre. At the end of your day have a relaxing soak in the natural mineral pools at Opal Hot Springs.

ARTS & DRAMA: Matamata has two theatre groups, The Little Theatre in Short Street & Wayside Theatre in Kea Place check if any productions are currently running. Check out The Matamata-Piako Arts Trail Guide showcasing 34 of our districts’ artists. The Garden Art Studio Kaipaki Road Cambridge features a variety of indoor and outdoor works by a collection of NZ artists, stroll around the studio and garden and then relax while enjoying the sustenance and atmosphere in The Lily Pad Café. Eric Kirkness Millenium Sculpture Gallery is situated in the Outdoor Gallery in The Green, a short stroll from the Information Centre.

INTERESTED IN HORSES OR ALPACAS: Visit Matamata Racecourse early in the morning to view some of our finest racehorses training. Call into Strathellon Alpacas and see these lovable animals, alpacas and fibre for sale.

RESTAURANTS & CAFES: There is a great selection of eateries for all times of the day whether you want breakfast, cake & coffee, lunch or dinner – enjoy.

LAKE KARAPIRO is only 30 minutes from Matamata; bring your boat/jet ski/rowing skiff for a great day on the lake