10 Things to Do in Matamata (That Doesn’t Involve Hobbits)

1. Discover the Matamata Heritage Trail

Before Hobbits roamed the town, Matamata was just a humble Kiwi town. Get a sense for the town, while seeing some spectacular gardens, on the Matamata Heritage Trail.

This self-guided journey takes you through the town’s fascinating history, passing historic churches, heritage buildings, memorials and significant local sites from the district’s early settlers and Māori heritage.

Interpretive panels along the way provide insights into how Matamata developed from a rural farming settlement into one of the Waikato’s most important agricultural centres. Most people start the 1 hr 40 mins loop from the i-SITE where you can pick up a heritage trail map.

Highlights include a grand 1919 bank building, the Railway Plantation from 1855, as well as parks and gardens. Along the way, you’ll also discover local cafés, boutique shops and public art installations.

Location: Start from the Matamata i-SITE.

© Fuwuyuan on Wikipedia

2. Take a Dip in the Opal Hot Springs

It’s like an outdoor swimming pool… but hot! Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park has long been a local favourite, featuring a range of thermal pools with varying temperatures where you can soak in warm mineral-rich geothermal waters.

The facility also offers cooler swimming pools during summer, making it ideal for families as well as those seeking relaxation after a day of hiking or exploring the Waikato region.

Plus, they are among some of the cheapest hot pools in the country!

Location: 5 minutes out of Matamata on the Okauia Springs Road off Tower Road.

3. Step Back in Time at the Firth Tower

The next entry on our list of the best Matamata activities is the Firth Tower. Who doesn’t like a tower?!

Explore one of the Waikato’s most important heritage attractions, where the historic tower built in 1882 by pioneering businessman Josiah Firth stands alongside heritage buildings relocated from around the region.

Wander through a blacksmith’s forge, schoolhouse, cottage and dairy exhibits showcasing rural life in early New Zealand. Informative displays reveal the area’s farming history and pioneering families who shaped Matamata into the agricultural hub it is today.

The museum grounds themselves are pleasant to stroll around, with mature trees and picnic areas. It’s free to wander the gardens or a small fee for touring the buildings.

Location: 3 minutes from Matamata on Tower Road.

© itravelNZ® - New Zealand in your pocket™ on Flickr

4. Visit the Morrinsville Gallery

Looking for what to do in Matamata on a rainy day? In the nearby town of Morrinsville is the Morrinsville Gallery.

This contemporary exhibition space showcases works from both established and emerging New Zealand artists across four exhibition spaces, with regularly changing displays featuring painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and mixed-media works.

The gallery exhibits pieces from one of Aotearoa’s largest privately held collections of contemporary New Zealand art, as well as hosting diverse exhibitions on monthly rotation.

It’s a great place to get your cultural fix and discover something new with each visit.

Many pieces are available for purchase, making it an ideal spot to find a unique souvenir or support local artists. Admission is free, though donations are greatly appreciated. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Check out more activities there in the 5 Top Things to Do in Morrinsville.

Location: 30 minutes drive from Matamata, take State Highway 24 north turning left onto State Highway 26 at Tatuanui.

© Pixabay

5. Fly in a Glider Plane

Feel the magic of soaring through the skies at the Piako Gliding Club. Few experiences offer a better perspective of the Waikato countryside than a glider flight above Matamata.

These silent aircraft use thermal currents to soar high above the plains, providing spectacular views of farmland, the Kaimai Range and distant volcanic peaks. Introductory flights are available, allowing you to experience the thrill of unpowered flight while learning about the techniques used by glider pilots.

On favourable days, flights can remain airborne for extended periods, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery from above.

Location: 10 minutes drive north on State Highway 27.

© NZPocketGuide.com

6. Walk the Rapurapu Kauri Track

Walk through a mix of exotic forest, then native bush until you reach some of the southernmost kauri growing in New Zealand. The 1 hr 30 mins one-way walk features mature tawa/podocarp forest with fern species in the understorey, leading you to the Rapurapu Stream which you’ll cross eight times.

Swimming holes along the stream make for refreshing stops during your trek.

The track reaches a kauri grove showcasing three impressive kauri trees growing near their southern limit. The largest measures 180 cm (71 in) in diameter and 14 m (46 ft) to the first branch. Some of the best views of these giants can be seen from rocks in the middle of the stream before entering the boardwalk.

Keep to the boardwalk to protect the kauri’s shallow root system, which can easily be damaged.

Location: 12 minutes from Matamata. Take State Highway 27 south and follow State Highway 29 where the walk is along the Kaimai Range.

© Felix Engelhardt on Flickr

7. Get Awesome Views from the Te Tapui Scenic Reserve

This loop walk climbs through native forest to a lookout tower atop the Maungakawa summit. Beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, Kaimai Ranges and Firth of Thames await on this three to four-hour walk.

From the car park, the track splits into two directions. The right track is shorter with a steady climb to the summit, while the left offers a more gentle but longer route.

We recommend taking the anti-clockwise route, the steeper climb up rewards you with an easier descent on the way back down.

Location: 25 minutes from Matamata. Take Piakonui Road off Piakoiti Road off Morgan Road.

© Akos Kokai on Wikipedia

8. Play a Round of Golf

Wrapping up our list of our favourite things to do in Matamata, enjoy a round at one of the Waikato’s most scenic golf courses! The 18-hole Matamata Golf Club is open year-round thanks to free-draining soil that keeps the course playable within minutes of even the heaviest rainfall.

Well-maintained fairways and mature trees showcase stunning views of the Kaimai Range surrounded by rolling farmland. The course strikes a nice balance, challenging enough for experienced golfers while remaining welcoming to casual players and visitors.

With a clubhouse, practice areas and equipment hire available, it’s easy to fit in a game while exploring the region.

Location: 7-minute drive from Matamata off Okauia Road off Tower Road.

© Pexels

9. Roam Daltons Plantation [Temporarily Closed]

NZ$5 gives you access to these wonderful gardens of different international styles.

Get lost in the Setsugekka Maze, be transported in the Japanese Garden, try out the amphitheatre, as well as the classic New Zealand Kauri Grove, Chelsea 100% Pure NZ Garden and so much more!

Food in the cafe is also available to book.

Location: 5 minutes drive from Matamata heading south on State Highway 27.

© Maxpixel

10. See Wairere Falls [Temporarily Closed]

[Update: The Wairere Falls Track is temporarily closed. Updates can be found on the Department of Conservation website.]

Kicking off our list of Hobbit-less things to do in Matamata is Wairere Falls. From one enchanting place to another, the Wairere Falls walk will take you through moss-covered rocks and tree roots like something out of a fairy tale.

Walk the 3-4 hour track to the highest waterfall in the North Island cascading an impressive 153m (502 ft). There’s also an option to take a further 30-45 minutes-walk on a less-maintained track for a different perspective of the falls.

See here for more waterfalls you can’t miss in New Zealand.

Location: 15 minutes drive from Matamata. The walk starts from Goodwin Road, off Old Te Aroha Road.

© NZPocketGuide.com