Matamata: More than a Film’s Background
Matamata, New Zealand is an outstanding farming community surrounded by the lush Kaimai Ranges. Its population does not exceed 8000, making it a peaceful community. The town is well-known to be the shooting locations of many Hollywood movies including the famous franchise, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (HLZ) with seasonal international flights to North & South America is just about a 45-minute drive.
Best Time to Visit
The weather over at Matamata is ideally favorable throughout the entire year. It does get cold especially during the middle months but nothing too extreme that gets below freezing point. Occasional rain showers are expected though. It is the warmest in the earliest months and towards the end of the year when there is also huge flocks of tourists coming in and out of the town. Matamata NZ hotels are also costly. Summer Harvest Festival takes place every February.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The better way to start your trip to Matamata is knowing you are in good hands and you will sleep in comfortable beds. O’reillys Motel is on the top of the list to book while you are in town. It has a sauna and barbecue facilities. The four-star Matamata Central Hotel is also an excellent choice and is only 20 minutes from The Hobbit’s filming location. If you want an accommodation with a pool, then Broadway Motel & Miro Court Villas is the place for you. Do not miss out on the enchanting view Wairere Falls will give you. It is definitely worth the 3 to 4-hour long walk. Or you can just take a walk back in the past at Firth Tower Museum. It is an area with at most 13 buildings filled with traditional and heritage artifacts and has a beautiful garden. Of course, a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set is also a must.