Matamata

A short loop through mature kahikatea trees, a cycling route to Matamata and distinctive places connected with the town’s history offer different ways to shape a stay here. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Matamata, you might first consider whether your trip will focus mainly on nature, a bike ride or cultural discoveries. Each of these interests has specific destinations and routes that you can include in your plans.

Exploring on foot or by bike

The Hawes Bush Walk is a short, 400 m loop through a stand of mature kahikatea trees. Its manageable length makes it a distinct option for anyone planning a walk through a special tree landscape. The loop is clearly different from the longer cycling routes: it is described as a short circuit, while the Hauraki Rail Trail places Matamata on a much more extensive route.

The Hauraki Rail Trail runs from Kaiaua in the north through several towns and the Karangahake Gorge to Matamata in the south. It is classified as “Grade One – Easiest” and is considered a Great Ride for people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. This classification applies to the trail. For planning a specific day, the section between Te Aroha and Matamata is also worth considering: it is 37 km long and takes 2 to 4 hours. This lets you distinguish between following the larger route and taking this specifically described section.

Cycling enthusiasts will also find another destination in southeastern Matamata: the Matamata BMX track is located in Swap Park. The Rail Trail and the BMX track offer different ways to enjoy cycling; each is described as a separate option. The Stanley Farm Walkway also connects Peria Road with Dawson Street. The Tower Road Walkway is 2 km long and connects the edge of Matamata with Firth Tower Reserve and Museum.

Local history and green trails

Centennial Drive is a botanical park that runs through the centre of Matamata. It can be accessed from Broadway or Tainui Street. At the Tainui Street entrance to Centennial Drive, a 13-tonne boulder and a surrounding basin form a memorial to Māori, missionaries and Matamata’s early settlers. The park and memorial offer different reasons to learn about this part of the town. Tom Grant Drive can be accessed from Rawhiti Avenue or Tawari Street.

Another cultural outing takes you to Firth Tower Museum and Reserve, 2 km along Tower Road from the centre of Matamata. The museum’s exhibits are housed in 13 buildings. Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth as a lookout tower over the landscape. Visitors interested in history can explore both the tower and its original purpose, as well as the exhibits housed in several buildings.

More nearby destinations

East of Matamata are Wairere Falls, which plunge 153 m. Hobbiton Movie Set is near Matamata, about a 15-minute drive from the town centre. These two destinations offer different kinds of outings; the approximate driving time to Hobbiton Movie Set refers to the journey from the town centre.

Matamata i-SITE Visitor Centre is an information office at the western end of Broadway. It opened there as an information office on 12 May 1988. When choosing a holiday rental in Matamata, you can use your planned activities as a starting point: short walks in green spaces, cycling routes or cultural destinations each give your stay a different focus. More town pages: Te Poi, Morrinsville, Te Aroha West, Te Aroha.

For the broader travel overview: Matamata-Piako District.