Sights in Matamata
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Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours
Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours is the country’s top attraction for LOTR -ites, and pretty interesting even if you haven’t seen the movies. Due to copyright, all of the intricately constructed movie sets around the country had to be destroyed, but Hobbiton’s owners successfully negotiated to keep the hobbit holes, albeit without their wonderful exteriors. Still, for the devotee (of which there are many), it’s an opportunity to let your imagination fly. Also on offer is a hands-on Sheep Farm Experience, explaining all things woolly. Free transfers leave from the Matamata i-SITE. Otherwise, head towards Cambridge and turn right into Puketutu Rd and then left into Bu…
reviewed
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Firth Tower
Firth Tower was built by Auckland businessman Josiah Firth after acquiring 56,000 acres from his friend Wiremu Tamihana, chief of Ngati Haua. The 18m concrete tower (1882) was a fashionable status symbol rather than for defensive purposes. It’s filled with Maori and pioneer artefacts and around it are 10 other historic buildings (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), including a schoolroom, church and jail. It’s 3km east of town.
reviewed
