Beyond the Shire
Everyone comes for Hobbiton — but the locals know there's a lot more. Here's what's worth your time in and around Matamata, from thermal pools to crystal-clear springs and horse country.
Last updated: June 2026 · by the Matamata Guide team (local, Matamata-based)
Most visitors arrive for the Hobbiton Movie Set and leave the same afternoon — but Matamata sits in one of the Waikato's prettiest pockets, and it's an easy base for a fuller day or two. The town backs onto the Kaimai Range, so you're within half an hour of native bush walks, the country's clearest spring water and thermal pools, with heritage sites and parks closer still. If you're wondering what to see in Matamata beyond the Shire, or planning a day trip, this is where the locals send friends and family.
It's also working country. Matamata is one of New Zealand's main thoroughbred training and breeding centres, and the dairy farms, studs and gallops around town are a big part of its character — you'll often see racehorses out on the training tracks early in the morning.
Matamata is one of the country's leading thoroughbred towns, with training tracks and stud farms ringing the district and regular race days at the Matamata Racing Club on State Highway 27. Some studs open their gates for tours by arrangement — the i-SITE on Broadway can point you to what's running while you're in town.
Soak in natural thermal pools beside the river, with a characterful 1889 pub and a golf course next door — a relaxing way to round out a day. Read the guide →
Some of the clearest, purest water in New Zealand at Putāruru's Blue Spring, reached on the gentle Te Waihou Walkway. An easy, genuinely beautiful stop — and the pick of the local walks while the Wairere Falls track is closed.
The 1882 tower and a cluster of restored colonial buildings tell the area's pioneer story — a low-key, family-friendly stop a few minutes from the main street.
A well-regarded forest mountain-bike park on Waterworks Road at Te Miro, with trails for everyone from beginners to experienced riders — and walking trails through the bush too.
A handy green space and playground close to the centre of town — an easy spot to let the kids run around or have a picnic between stops.
The Hobbit-themed information centre in the middle of town is a fun photo stop and the spot to sort local bookings and shuttle info for your visit.
The main event, of course — the Hobbiton Movie Set is a short drive from town and visited by guided tour only. See tours, transfers & tickets →
The Wairere Falls track — usually a steep 1.5-hour-return climb to the lookout below the 153m falls — has been closed since July 2025 for major safety upgrades after serious rockfall risk, and DOC expects it to stay closed well into 2026 with no firm reopening date. Please don't walk past the closure signs. For an easy water walk in the meantime, head to the Blue Spring & Te Waihou Walkway above; experienced walkers can try the Waiorongomai Valley. Always check the DOC website for current alerts.
Matamata is best known for the Hobbiton Movie Set, the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit filming location just outside town. It's also one of New Zealand's leading thoroughbred horse breeding and training centres, and a handy base for the Kaimai Range, the Blue Spring at Te Waihou and the Okoroire hot springs.
Plenty within half an hour: soak at Okoroire Hot Springs, walk the easy Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring, visit the Firth Tower Museum, ride the Te Miro Mountain Bike Park, catch a race day in thoroughbred country, or enjoy the cafes and restaurants on Broadway.
Many visitors treat Matamata as a half-day trip around a Hobbiton tour, but there's easily a full day or an overnight in it if you add a soak at Okoroire, a walk to the Blue Spring, the Firth Tower Museum and a meal on Broadway. See where to stay if you'd rather not rush.
Family-friendly options include the Firth Tower Museum, the Bedford Park playground in town, the easy Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring, the thermal pools at Okoroire, and of course a Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
Tell us your dates and where you're travelling from and we'll send you the best Hobbiton tour and transfer options with availability — free, local and no-obligation.