Things to do 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…
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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.
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Workman’s Cafe Bar
Truly eccentric (one wall is lined with art-deco mirrors while another holds an impressive collection of busts of African women), this funky eatery has built itself a reputation that extends beyond Matamata. The poached salmon Benedict is quite possibly the best in the country.
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Redoubt Bar & Eatery
The sister establishment of Te Awamutu’s Redoubt, Matamata’s version is just as good: thin-crust pizzas, chowder, steak sandwiches and live music every Friday. Oh, and plenty of Monteiths!
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Opal Hot Springs
Opal Hot Springs isn’t nearly as glamorous as it sounds but it does have three large thermal pools. Turn off just north of Firth Tower and follow the road for 2km.
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Skydive Waikato
Skydive Waikato offers thrilling gravity-powered plummets from Matamata Airfield, 10km north of Matamata on SH27.
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Dropzone
Dropzone offers thrilling gravity-powered plummets from Matamata Airfield, 10km north of Matamata on SH27.
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