Hobbiton and the Film Connection
Matamata is a pretty little town in the Waikato, in the lower Reaches of the Hauraki Pains. It is a town that largely serves the local farming community, but the largest single employer in the region is the movie set of Hobbiton, which is about 15 minutes’ drive south-west. This specially constructed, permanent set was constructed for the filming of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and employs dozens of people working shifts 365 days of the year, every daylight hour. Bus drivers, guides, ticket office, tour organisers, cooks, gardeners, plumbers. Specialist services such as mechanics, glaziers, and accountants are all sources from Matamata, and the main street features a statue of Gollum and a tourism information centre built to resemble a Hobbit house.
Elsewhere, there are many references to the other major local industry, horse breeding, with the surrounding countryside having many world-famous stud farms, and the breeding stock are well known where-ever horses are raced.
Local Attractions and Experiences
The town has a population of just under 10,000, and, due to its’ proximity to Hobbiton, has a large number of motels and B&B’s, and therefore a number of café’s, restaurants and bars, centred on the main street. Within the town itself there is a lovely, peaceful park called Founders Park, which has a number of commemorative and specimen trees, with several walking paths, and many large oak trees within the town itself. On the second Saturday of each month, there is a Craft Fair and Market held at the local primary school.
Just out of town is the Firth Tower Museum. The tower itself can no longer be entered due to safety issues, but the museum is a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history and development, and surrounded by beautiful gardens. A little further out of town is the Opal Hot Springs, a complex of several natural hot pools of varying size and temperature, open to the public for a small fee, and surrounded by a camping ground, available for tents, caravans, campervans and also self-contained cabins.
Exploring the Matamata Region
North of Matamata is Matamata Airport, which is now a private airfield, but was originally built during WW11 by the USAAF, against the possibility of a Japanese invasion of the East Coast of Australia. The plan was to base bomber aircraft to attack an occupying force on that coast. It has therefore the longest runway of any private airfield in the North Island and is very largely used for the sport of gliding, and occasionally rides are offered to paying customers. Between Matamata and the airfield is a township called Waharoa which sits astride SH27. At the north end of town is a gourmet cheese shop, and within the town are several cafés, including one which, cashing in on the proximity of Hobbiton, calls itself “Griddle Earth”.
Dominating the eastern skyline is the Kaimai Ranges, which run from Waihi, to the north, to Rotorua in the south, where they are also known as the Mamaku Range, depending on which Maori tribe you are talking to. Within the ranges are a number of waterfalls, and the remains of tree felling and harvesting, and gold mining, both activities going back into the 1800’s. There is an abundance of information about the tracks, length, walking time, sights along the way and safety information available from the Department of Conservation, who own and are responsible for the parks, and also from the tourist information offices. Look for the “i-site” sign.
The area, or province, is generally known as the Waikato, named after the Waikato River, which flows through the area, NZ’s longest river, and the location of several hydro-electric dams. Behind each dam is a large lake, offering opportunities for all types of water sports. It is about a 30minute drive from Matamata to the nearest part of the river at Cambridge. Along the eastern side of the river are bike trails that go for many miles, with various access points. Obviously, the return journey will follow the same route. However, there is a company called Riverside Adventures that hire good bikes, guide you on your ride, and pick up you and your bike at the furthest point to transport you back to the start, offering a few different trip options and lengths. They also have a few kayaking tours, including an evening trip into a canyon which after sunset is lined with glow-worms.
Why You Should Visit Matamata and Final Thoughts
Matamata may be best known to international visitors as the gateway to Middle-earth, but this scenic Waikato town offers far more than just Hobbiton. With its deep agricultural roots, world-renowned horse breeding farms, and welcoming local character, Matamata provides an authentic slice of rural New Zealand life. The town’s combination of charming cafés, motels, and peaceful parks makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider region. From the relaxing hot springs and historical Firth Tower Museum to outdoor adventures in the Kaimai Ranges and along the Waikato River, the area offers a rich blend of natural beauty, history, and unique experiences. Whether you’re drawn by cinematic magic, countryside tranquility, or a touch of Kiwi culture, Matamata is a destination well worth discovering.
