Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Matamata has plenty to offer the visitor. The city is filled with historic buildings, shops, cafes and restaurants. It is also home to the Firth Tower Museum.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Visiting Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-do for fans of The Hobbit. This 12-acre film set was used for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. This is a replica of the Shire and includes an entire village. Thousands of visitors have come to this site since 2002.

When Peter Jackson was preparing to make The Hobbit, he chose this site as the perfect location for Hobbiton. It is a private farm near Matamata, New Zealand. It was also the first location he tried out for the film.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours include a guided tour of the film set. You will be shown the Party Tree, Bilbo Baggins house, Green Dragon Inn and the Mill. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will point out some of the movie's most famous locations. He will also tell you interesting facts about the set.

Glow Worm Kayaking Tour

Whether you are a local or visiting New Zealand, a glow worm kayaking tour is a must do. This activity will enchant you with the beautiful scenery, amazing birdlife and fantastic glow worms.

Glow worms are commonly found in limestone caves with damp surfaces and overhangs. The light will shine extra bright in the moonlight sky. They are also known for their exfoliating properties.

The best time to go on a glow worm tour is during the evening. The sun sets behind the mountain and the temperature drops. You'll be warm while paddling, and will not need a rain jacket. This is an ideal activity for families and complete beginners.

A guide will take you through the safety instructions, then lead you through the cave. They will help you navigate and teach you how to paddle. At the end of the tour, you will be able to experience an epic night out.

Swim Zone Matamata

Located in a quintessential small town in New Zealand, Swim Zone Matamata is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon. This state of the art aquatic centre is home to an indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool, a toddler's pool, an outdoor spa and a snazzy looking espresso bar. Its location at the end of the Hauraki Rail Trail makes it the perfect fit for your next day out.

The site is also home to a museum of a kind, housing 13 buildings displaying some of the best museum displays in New Zealand. The site is also conveniently located right near the airport.

The site has a lot to offer, including an impressive number of inflatables. It also has a large pool, which is great for kids' birthday parties. The facility has also been upgraded by the council, which is the logical next step.

Eateries, cafes and restaurants

Located near the base of the Kaimai Ranges, Matamata is a small town in the Waikato Region of New Zealand. There are a number of cafes and restaurants in Matamata. These restaurants offer a wide variety of menu options. These include local pizza, award winning cheese, and cafe fare. The town also offers food delivery.

The Redoubt is a community focused bar that offers a full menu throughout the day. They also feature live entertainment on Friday nights. They have a friendly atmosphere and offer great coffee.

The Merchant of Matamata is an eatery that serves local food. The restaurant is located in a former farm supply depot. It is the ideal place to stop for a quick meal. The restaurant features Good George craft beer and serves food from local suppliers.

Trapd Escape Rooms

TRAPD (as in the aforementioned acronym) in Matamata has got to be one of the more memorable kiwi destinations you'll ever get to. The venue has a few notable names in its stable, including the Firth Tower Estate and Museum, Kodak and Black, and the Angelica Organic Holistic Therapies to name a few. It's a bit of a drive from Wellington but if you're in the market for a jolly good time, you're a hop, skip and a jump from the fabled Bay of Islands. Whether you're looking for a night on the town or a relaxing weekend away, Matamata is a worthy place to start. Fortunately, there are a few reputable tour operators to choose from. It's also possible to book a guided tour of the area or a private session of high tea.

Whether you're a local or visiting, Matamata has a variety of excursions and day trips that you may want to consider. From Hobbit holes to waterfalls, this Waikato town has a lot to offer the tourist. It's also close to the famous New Zealand cheese factory, Kaimai Cheese Company Limited.

If you're interested in the history of the North Island, you should check out the Matamata-Piako Heritage Trail. This trail is 5.3 kilometers long and will take you through several historical sites. It will also pass through many of the town's parks and gardens. It's a great place to get some photos, and you'll definitely want to try the two outdoor mineral hot pools.

Another excellent day trip from Matamata is to go hiking in the Kaimai Ranges. This area features the tallest waterfall in the North Island, as well as beautiful views. This hike takes approximately three to four hours.

If you're feeling a bit more energetic, you can also go on a hike along the Te Tapui Loop Track. This is a 4-kilometer loop that you can choose to take anti-clockwise or clockwise. The anti-clockwise option is more of a steep climb, while the clockwise option is a shorter and easier descent.

Matamata also has a quaint cafe, the Chelsea Garden, which is located five minutes from Matamata. This cafe offers a range of delicious foods. If you're looking for more information, you can visit their website. They're open Tuesday-Sunday.