People we have in our car often say that Matamata has a very ‘vibrant’ feel, an energy here. And we agree. There is a lot going on in our town.
In 2018 Matamata was named the ‘most hospitable’ town in our MPDC District.
We have many new subdivisions being developed in town to cater for the flows from the bigger cities coming to live in Matamata.
Matamata has industry in racing, farming and more predominantly of late is tourism with Hobbiton being a well-known tourist spot now.
Matamata is located in a very central position to Tauranga / Rotorua / Cambridge / Hamilton /Te Aroha & Morrinsville.
Our iconic Matamata I-Site also has an equally iconic website. A real hub for locals & visitors alike. Here you will find guides on where to eat, stay & explore our region. There is a brief history of our town & information about upcoming events, schools, clubs, community groups, services & the local business community. It is well worth checking out. www.matamatanz.co.nz
For those commuting to work or School in Hamilton, BusIT now runs a regular bus service from Hamilton to Matamata. For the latest route & timetable information check out www.busit.co.nz/regional-services/morrinsvillepaeroa
Around the area:
Hiking (Tramping) in the Kaimai Ranges is good for a day trip. A favorite of locals, the tallest waterfall in the North Island, Wairere Falls is located at the base of the Kaimai Ranges, the carpark is an easy 14 minute drive from Matamata.
Wairere Falls
30 minutes north of Matamata nestled under the tallest peak in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, sits the town of Te Aroha. Originally a spa town, the domain with it’s Edwardian buildings & mineral pools is well worth a day trip.
Mount Te Aroha
Lake Karapiro a short 20 minutes away is renowned for watersports, home of the NZ olympic rowing the Lake is also home to the annual Waka Ama outrigger canoeing competition.
Lake Karapiro & Maungatautari Mountain
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
An island in the middle of farmland? Yes! This ecological island is surrounded by one of the longest pest-proof fences in the world. A sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most endangered and vulnerables species, birds such as the kaka, takahe, north island brown kiwi & kokako, along with the mahoenui giant weta, geckos, tuatara, koura and north island long tailed bats have been reintroduced and are now breeding on the mountain.
The southern entrance is about a 35 minute drive from Matamata and is located on Tari Road, Pukeatua, you can visit the information centre & take a guided or self-guided walk on well maintained tracks through 5kms of ancient forest & wetlands to see and learn more about our endangered birds and insects. There are also a series of wellbeing event options including an introduction to maori herbal medicine, forest serenity & meditation.
For serious hikers, & independent walkers (not suitable for children under 12years), the northern entrance is approximately 30 minutes drive from Matamata and is located at the end of Hicks Road, Maungatautari. It encompasses a series of return over the mountain hikes that take approximately 6-12 hours. There are minimal facilities. Parking is located directly in front of the Maungatautari Marae at the base of the mountain which is all sign posted.
For more information visit: https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/home
While Matamata has a great range of shops & restaurants on offer, a drive “over the hill” to The Crossing at Tauriko is a good option.
Beaches at Mt Maunganui, Waihi Beach, Whangamata & Pauanui are not far away to visit.
The Hauraki Rail trail and the Waikato Expressway are on-going projects and they are not far away from being finished.
Information on other activities in & around Matamata can be found at: www.matamatanz.co.nz/activities-in-matamata
We are happy to show you around our town.