Your local visitor guide
Matamata, by the locals
Famous for Hobbiton — but there's a whole town here. Where to eat, what to do, and where to stay, from people who actually live in Matamata.
The Shire, on your doorstep
Getting to Hobbiton
The Hobbiton Movie Set is about a 15-minute drive from Matamata's main street — and an easy day trip from Auckland (~2 hrs) or Rotorua (~1 hr). Access is by guided tour only, so it pays to plan ahead. We'll lay out your tour and transfer options and help you lock in dates before they sell out.
Eat & drink
The best of Broadway
Matamata's main street punches above its weight for a country town — proper coffee, great brunch and a handful of genuinely good dinner spots. We eat here every week, so these are honest local picks, not paid placements.
Beyond the Shire
Things to do in Matamata
There's more here than the movie set: the historic Okoroire Hot Springs, the Wairere Falls walk, Firth Tower and the Blue Spring are all within easy reach — perfect for rounding out a day around your Hobbiton tour.
Where to stay
Motels, holiday parks and self-contained baches in and around Matamata — handy if you'd rather not rush the drive back after a tour. Staying the night also means you can grab a more relaxed tour time and an unhurried dinner in town.
Want a hand finding a bed for your dates? Tell us your trip and we'll point you to the right local options.
Matamata & Hobbiton guides
Local, up-to-date guides to visiting Hobbiton and making the most of the town — ticket prices, day trips, what to expect and the best of Matamata.
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