Matamata Market and Craft Fair

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.

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.

Epworth Retreat & Recreation Centre is a long-standing and unique retreat owned and operated by the Methodist Church of NZ. Epworth offers affordable accommodation and stunning surroundings allowing as many families, schools, sporting and other groups the opportunity to experience the golden summers of old and much more.. Epworth is a natural paradise that provides a peaceful break from the pressures of the city living, spread out over 12 acres nestled on the shores of the Waikato river. Kayaking, archery, flying fox on site all provided by contracted adventure company, booking essential. We collaborate with Sanctuary Mountain to offer a unique nature experience being the largest nature reserve in the southern hemisphere.

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.

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.

We are now able to offer our newly completed stand alone Chalet called The Oarhouse with a much envied aspect overlooking Lake Karapiro. It has two suites each with either one Californian bed plus one single or three single beds for up to 6 guests. Each suite has its own en-suite. There is a large lounge / dining room with schist fireplace, full kitchen, separate laundry, carport and extensive decking overlooking the lake. We feel The Oar House would not be out of place amongst New Zealand’s finest.