Where to Find Budget Accommodation in Matamata
No, you can’t stay in a Hobbit Hole! We tried. What you can do, however, is stay in one of the backpacker hostels (or, at least, cheap accommodations) in Matamata so you can afford that Hobbiton ticket and do all these 11 Things to Do in Matamata (That Doesn’t Involve Hobbits). With that in mind, we have selected what we consider the best hostels and cheap accommodations in Matamata.
But wait a minute, NZPocketGuide.com, hasn’t the one hostel in Matamata closed down? Well, this is true, but we know many of you are looking for cheap accommodations in the Matamata area so we’ve included some alternative budget accommodations in Matamata and the surrounding area too!
1. Maple Lodge Motel
Find affordable self-contained accommodation on the edge of town at Maple Lodge Motel. Surrounded by lush gardens around 1km (0.6 miles) from Matamata town centre and a 15-minute drive from Hobbiton, the motel has double and twin units suitable for one to three guests. Enjoy the ease of your own cooking facilities, whether it’s a stovetop or a full oven, an ensuite shower, and even the prospect of jumping into the on-site pool for a summer cool-down. Sure, the decor is a little old-school, but we’re not complaining at these prices.
Check Maple Lodge Motel out:
2. Horse & Jockey Inn
The cheapest accommodation in Matamata, the appeal of the Horse & Jockey Inn for backpackers and travellers on a tight budget is their affordable single, twin and double rooms. Stay in an old English pub-style accommodation in the heart of Matamata with free WiFi provided. Although the kitchen facilities are limited with only a fridge and microwave, you can always make use of the pub restaurant.
Check the Horse & Jockey Inn out:
3. Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park
Another affordable accommodation just a stone’s throw away from Matamata is the Opal Hot Spring & Holiday Park. Prices are cheapest for the standard cabins (bring your own bedding or hire at reception) or for making use of powered or tent sites if travelling by campervan. Travellers can make use of the shared kitchen, shower and bathroom facilities. For those preferring more privacy, self-contained tourist flats are also available. However, the main reason to stay at this holiday park is for the outdoor heated swimming pool and two mineral hot pools!
Check Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park out:
4. Denchys B&B
A cute wee unit with a private entrance, Denchys B&B offers an affordable place to stay on the outskirts of Matamata. Tastefully furnished for solo travellers or couples, the unit has its own small ensuite shower room, a kitchenette with breakfast-making facilities and supplies provided, a TV and a heat pump and an electric blanket to take the chill off. Enjoy breakfast on your private deck looking out onto countryside gardens.
Check Denchys B&B out:
5. Kaimai Sunset Bed & Breakfast
No, despite what the picture suggests, you will not be staying in a Hobbit Hole. You will, however, have your own unit at this B&B stay in the Matamata countryside. Enjoy an affordable stay at Kaimai Sunset Bed & Breakfast for up to four guests across a double bed and double sofabed in an open-plan unit with breakfast supplies provided. The accommodation is family-friendly with children’s playground equipment (and Hobbit Hole) outside, as well as a portacot on request.
Check Kaimai Sunset Bed & Breakfast out:
6. Tower Road Motel
Another motel worth considering if you’re on a budget is the Tower Road Motel. Again, this one is a little out of town but is worth considering if you have your own transport. The older buildings here have been lovingly renovated into affordable studios sleeping up to three guests and one-bedroom units for up to four. The studios are ideal for a short stay with an ensuite, microwave and breakfast-making facilities, while the one-bedroom units have a full kitchen.
Check Tower Road Motel out:
7. Mill Corner Studios
Although a little pricier than others on this list of cheap accommodations in Matamata, Mill Corner Studios is at least your own stylish holiday apartment within walking distance of the town centre. The Airbnb-style accommodation is a standalone two-bedroom apartment on your hosts’ property with off-street parking and all your home-away-from-home essentials including a washing machine! There are some attractive outdoor spaces, including a barbecue area, swimming pool and double spa pool.
Check Mill Corner Studios out:
8. Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
If nothing suits in Matamata then consider staying in Cambridge just 30 minutes drive away. Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park offers affordable cabins for couples, a couple of friends or those travelling in groups, as well as self-contained apartments, powered sites and tent sites. There are all the essential communal facilities, including a large kitchen, as well as additional facilities like a recreation room with a TV, limited free WiFi and a children’s playground with a jumping pillow. See what to do in the area with our 10 Best Things to Do in Cambridge.
Check Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Cambridge Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Cambridge Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Cambridge Holiday Park on Expedia
9. Da Barn
Backpackers travelling in a self-contained vehicle can make use of the camping provided at Da Barn, located on the same road as the Hobbiton Movie Set (Buckland Road). The accommodation has one powered site and two unpowered sites, while breakfasts and dinners are available at an extra cost with meals cooked from farm produce. Speaking of the farm, this is also a reason to stay to enjoy the sheep and other adorable animals! Learn more about camping in a campervan with How to Plan a Campervan Trip in New Zealand.
[CLOSED] Matamata Backpackers
We told you there was a backpacker hostel in Matamata and it’s right here! Choose from dorms, female-only dorms and private rooms in this affordable and modern-style hostel. The Matamata Backpackers also has all the essential facilities such as an indoor and outdoor lounge, kitchen and laundry.
More About Cheap Accommodations in Matamata
That’s it for our list of the best hostels and cheap accommodations in Matamata and Hobbiton! For more advice for an affordable stay, take a look at these guides:
- 10 Things to Do in Matamata (That Doesn’t Involve Hobbits)
- The Lord of the Rings Vacation Guide: How to Plan a LOTR Trip to New Zealand
- 5 Best Things to Do in Morrinsville
And if there’s anything else we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Waikato – Guide for Backpackers.
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.