Matamata Must Do's

HOBBITON TM MOVIE SET A magical place even if you haven’t seen the films. The set tour visits Hobbit houses of The Shire. Tuck into their new Second Breakfast Tour.

THE HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL A 197km cycling trail which makes a great four to five-day ride. Stretching from Kaiaua on the Coromandel Peninsula to the towns of Te Aroha and Matamata. Historic sights are plentiful and the scenery is second-to-none.

FIRTH TOWER MUSEUM Absorb the region’s history in displays spread across 13 buildings, summit the tower and picnic under a cloak of garden oak trees.

RUN HOBBIT, RUN! Beat your personal best time by imagining you are being chased by Orcs and Wraiths on this half marathon run through Hobbiton.

WAIRERE FALLS The top of this whopping 15m waterfall is reached via a 5km uphill hike, with numerous demanding steps. The views at the top are sensational, with a shallow rock pool too – just watch out for that ledge! Three to four hours return.

Hobbiton TM Movie Set, Matamata © Adobe Stock

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