Matamata township information

If you’re off to Middle Earth by bike, it’s a 37km rural ride linking Te Aroha with the town of Matamata.

To the stream of visitors who frequent the movie set where The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies were filmed, Matamata is much better known as Middle Earth. In fact, Matamata means ‘headland’.

This was the name of a new pa established in 1830 by Te Waharoa, the Ngati Haua chief, on a ridge of high ground projecting into the swampy valley of the Waitoa River. Rural in nature, it is a bustling township that’s been enlivened by the world’s only living movie set – Hobbiton. Guided tours around the 39 hobbit holes and Green Dragon Inn are kept

Take a breather from your bike

Park up at Firth Tower, right next to the Hauraki Rail Trail.

TOWER ROAD MOTEL

Matamata NZ

We are located just out of Matamata, right on the Hauraki Rail Trail. Stay with us and make the most of the 37km chip seal Grade 1 Cycle Trail which takes riders all the way to Te Aroha. Tower Road Motel is set in a quiet, garden setting. Self-contained accommodation offering: 7 ground-floor units 5 studios, sleeps up to 3 people 2 spacious 1- bedroom units, sleeps up to 4 people

Enjoy the spacious grounds with large established trees and a playground for children. Relax after your ride in the peaceful garden. There is ample parking for boats and large vehicles available. 07 888 6112 108 Tower Road, Matamata 3440 www.towerroadmotel.co.nz

to small groups rather than large herds and the best time according to our guide on tour, is mid-Spring. Along the route you can now ride the former Cow Rd walkway to Firth Tower and enroute stop at Tower Rd Motel for all the comforts you might need. The rail trail is the footpath outside the doors of the Tower Rd Motel, and your hosts are Tracy and Kevin Kidd. The couple are down to earth and will extremely helpful, willing and able to assist with transport by connecting you with other businesses that get this sorted from town to town, and provide local knowledge of things to see and do locally. Tracy says there are several hot pools that are good for soaking tired muscles and will give you the insights on the best one depending on what you’re looking for.

River, the manager at Matamata i-SITE, says her top pick for the area is a walk up Wairere Falls.

She says many people walk with children and although it’s not easy, it’s a beautiful respite in nature. She also suggests that while in Matamata, you should consider a visit to Blue Springs on the Te Waihou River Walk. It’s a bit of a distance from Matamata, at Putaruru, so you will need a car. Blue Spring offers snorkeling in a crystalclear spring. At the time of writing, banquets at Hobbiton had not been happening for a while due to Covid-19 restrictions but keep an eye out on their facebook page or speak to the friendly staff at Matamata I-Site for updates.

5TOP THINGS TO DO IN MATAMATA

With thanks to Tracy Kidd*

1. A walk amongst the cool beauty of the Wairere Falls, a spectacular water fall and native bush. 2. Watch some of New Zealand’s finest race horses train in the early mornings. 3. Hobbiton – what trip to Matamata is complete without a visit around the movie set of Hobbiton, where you can enjoy the Green Dragon Inn and the hobbit homes and grounds of

Middle Earth dwellers.

4. Firth Tower, built by Josiah Firth on this site in 1882. The tower is 16 metres high and is one of the earliest reinforced concrete buildings in New Zealand. 5. Take a spot of golf. Matamata & Walton golf courses are both attractive 18-hole courses. There are 7 golf courses within 30min drive.