Matamata isite Visitor Information Centre

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

The Matamata isite Visitor Centre is part of New Zealand's official nationwide Visitor Information Network. Centrally located in the busy rural Waikato town of Matamata and nestled at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges our isite staff are local experts and can assist you with all your enquiries. As well as being a departure point for the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Matamata offers a wide range of walking and tramping options, golf courses, and an extensive selection of cafes & accommodation.

Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and continue visiting the mighty Whakarewarewa Valley, for a truly culture rich experience, the home to a living Māori village and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity where you can experience bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries. Enjoy a Hangi Pie Meal cooked in our hot pool topped with rich homemade gravy.

Our small group tour to Hobbiton starts by going South from Auckland, your guide will give you commentary with information about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the background to the movies. On arrival at Hobbiton we get a specialist Hobbiton guide to take you on your walking tour of the Hobbiton movie set. This location is the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. You can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house “Bag End” & explore inside a Hobbit home with the new interactive experience. After a visit to the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a free drink the tour includes a sumptuous lunch fit for a Hobbit in the Party Marquee.

Your journey begins with a scenic riverside walk, offering breathtaking views over Lake Arapuni. Then, effortlessly cruise along the Waikato River Trail on a state-of-the-art e-bike, soaking in the stunning landscapes before a leisurely lunch at the charming Rhubarb Café or a secluded picnic spot. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in the twilight magic of our Glowworm Kayak Tour. Drift through the serene Pokaiwhenua Canyon, surrounded by shimmering glowworms and the soft sounds of nature - a truly mesmerising experience. Tailored for those who seek premium, private, and unforgettable adventures, this exclusive, all-in-one experience is the perfect way to discover the best of the Waikato in absolute comfort and style.

The Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the country side. It was also used as the estate office and sleeping quarters for single men. The tower stands on rising ground commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. The Firth Tower Historical Reserve is administered by the Matamata-Piako District Council and museum exhibits and displays are the work of the Matamata Historical Society. The Heritage Centre houses the archives of the Matamata area.