CulturaFest 2026

Set on six hectares of peaceful, park-like grounds, Opal Hot Springs offers a relaxing escape for families, couples, and groups. Enjoy naturally heated mineral pools, private soaking options, open green spaces, and a fun waterslide for kids. Accommodation includes cosy cabins, modern motel units, and powered or non-powered campsites. Just 6km from Matamata, it’s an ideal base for exploring Hobbiton, Wairere Falls, local trails and the wider region. From peaceful morning dips to golden hour soaks, Opal Hot Springs invites you to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy genuine Kiwi hospitality.

Tower Road Motel can offer clean, quiet and a garden setting motel for guests to enjoy and relax. Five studio units and Two 1 bedroom units make the motel ideal for groups to book the whole complex. Free WI-Fi available in every unit. Tower Road Motel is ideal for use as a base to visit other NZ destinations. Visit our website, or find us on Tripadvisor, TravelBug or our Facebook page. There are many attractions to visit while in Matamata including the Firth Tower Heritage Museum the Wairere Fall, Hobbition Movie Set to name a few. We can offer 7 golf courses within a 30 minute drive from Tower Road Motel and some great shops. Matamata is a growing town, so come and see for yourself!

The Oar & Paddle boasts the best view of Lake karapiro on the sunny, sheltered left bank. Ideal accommodation for family or groups of friends, wedding preparation and a honeymoon hideaway. Bike trails and walks are close at hand at Te Awa over-water boardwalk cycle way, only minutes from your door. Follow the boardwalk to the Mighty River Domain and the Don Rowlands Centre, or simply view the rowing course right from your room. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and many adventure activities are at your doorstep. The Oar & Paddle offers a grandstand view of the rowing, canoe racing, New Zealand Grand Prix (NZGP) Hydroplanes, Waterski Racing and Waka Ama. The Oar & Paddle is right in the middle of Middle Earth only 18km away from Hobbiton.

The pantry and fridge are stocked with breakfast items that were produced and harvested from the Estate's own chickens, bees, Angus beef, vineyard, olive trees and market garden, making for a truly unique and memorable experience. Whether you're looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings or explore all that the region has to offer, The Lakehouse is the perfect place to stay.

The original homestead was known in the area for the beautiful cottage gardens and specimen trees. There are some beautiful examples of a hundred plus year old Kauri, Copper beech and magnificent magnolia trees which the tui love to visit. During its history, there have been many families live in the villa with each generation adding their love and attention to the property. The bedrooms that are lovingly restored are named from the families or significant aspects of its history. There are many Victorian features in the villa including original tiled fireplaces, polished floors, leadlight windows and doors and high ceilings. Fully renovated June 2019.

14 modern and spacious fully self-contained units, serviced daily. Bubble baths in 7 units. Sauna, continental & cooked breakfast. Fully catered conference facilities for up to 30 people. O'Reilly's is located 2min from the town centre, 40min to Rotorua, Hamilton and Tauranga, and 1hr 45min drive to Auckland. Matamata is in the heart of rich fertile Waikato dairy farmland and boasts some of NZ's foremost thoroughbred horse breeders and trainers. Matamata is the location of the Hobbiton movie set which is open for tours daily. Other local activities include gliding, sky diving, hot pools, bush walks, golf, and horse racing. Check out our website for further detail and online reservations.