How to Plan Your Matamata Tour: From Auckland Day Tour to Hobbiton and Rotorua
Are you a fan of J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies? If your answer is a big YES, then you should not miss the chance to visit Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata in New Zealand’s North Island. This unbelievable attraction is located on a picturesque 1250-acre sheep and beef farm that has been transformed into a living being that features the hobbit village in amazing detail. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your Hobbiton and Rotorua Tour from Auckland and what to expect during your trip.Highlights of the Tour
- A guided tour of the famous Hobbiton movie set
- A banquet feast fit for a hobbit at The Green Dragon Inn
- Free wifi onboard coaches
- A coach ride down to Rotorua
Full Tour Description
Your journey to the magical world of Hobbits and stunning natural wonders starts with a pickup from your hotel in Auckland in a comfortable coach. From there, your tour will take you on a scenic trip to Hobbiton Movie Set, located near the town of Matamata. Once you arrive at the site, you will be welcomed by experienced tour guides who will take you on a magical journey through the lush green hillsides of Matamata. You will learn about the history of the farm, how it was chosen as the location for the Hobbiton movie set, and how various scenes were shot there. The guided tour of Hobbiton will take you to various iconic locations, including 44 different hobbit holes, the Party Tree, Bilbo Baggins’ front door, and more. You will see how each Hobbit Hole was constructed and decorated to look like the homes of Bilbo, Gandalf, Frodo, and Samwise Gamgee. This part of the tour is a must-see for all movie lovers and Tolkien fans. After a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, you will be invited to The Green Dragon Inn to enjoy a delicious lunch, which is part of the tour package. The inn is located in the heart of the Shire and provides stunning views of the surrounding farmland. This is the perfect place to unwind after an exciting tour of the Hobbiton movie set. The next part of the tour will take you to Rotorua, a city that is located about an hour and a half’s drive away from the Hobbiton Movie Set. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and Māori culture. On the way to Rotorua, you will pass through the stunning countryside and lush forests of New Zealand’s North Island. During your journey, you can access free wifi onboard the coaches and stay connected with your friends and family. Once you arrive in Rotorua, you will learn about Māori culture that is unique to New Zealand. You will also see the geothermal activity that makes Rotorua famous all over the world. One of the most popular attractions is the Pohutu Geyser, a natural wonder that erupts up to 20 times a day. You can also visit the Whakarewarewa Forest, which is home to the giant Californian Redwoods, or try some of Rotorua’s amazing thrill activities, such as zorbing, luge, rafting, and more. After exploring Rotorua, you will head back to Auckland in the evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel as part of the tour package.What’s Included
- A guided tour of Hobbiton
- Entry fees
- Full buffet lunch
- Wifi onboard coaches
What’s NOT Included
- Alcoholic Drinks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Any optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Who Should Avoid This Tour?
This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments as it involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs.Book Your Hobbiton and Rotorua Tour from Auckland
Book your Hobbiton and Rotorua tour from Auckland now and enter the magical world of Middle Earth. Just click the link to book the tour here and confirm your booking today. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable memories from your trip to Hobbiton and Rotorua.
FAQs About Matamata – Must Read Before You Visit!
If you are planning a trip to Matamata, then there are plenty of things to see and do in this charming rural town in New Zealand. To make the most of your visit, you might have several questions related to accommodation, transport, best time to visit, or popular tourist attractions. In this post, you will find all the answers to your frequently asked questions about Matamata that will help you to plan your trip better.1. What is Matamata, and where is it located?
Matamata is a small picturesque town located in the Waikato region of New Zealand North Island, about 90 minutes drive from Auckland. It is situated in the rural area surrounded by mountains and scenic farmland that reflects the country’s natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for visitors who want to experience the peaceful countryside life.2. What are the popular tourist attractions in Matamata?
Matamata is famous for its Hobbiton movie set, where the Hobbit’s fictional village was created for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. This movie set is the main attraction that draws thousands of tourists from around the world every year. Apart from that, there are several other tourist attractions in Matamata that you can explore, such as:- Firth Tower Museum
- Wairere Falls
- Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park
- Matamata i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
- Matamata Racing Club
- Te Waihou Walkway
- Okauia Springs
3. What is the best time to visit Matamata?
The best time to visit Matamata is during the summer season (December to February) when the weather is warm and pleasant, and there is less chance of rain. You can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the beautiful countryside without any hassle. However, it is also the peak season, and the Hobbiton movie set might be crowded with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowd and save money, you can visit Matamata during the shoulder season (March to May and September to November) when the weather is mild, and accommodation and travel costs are comparatively lower.4. How can I get to Matamata?
Matamata is well-connected to major cities in New Zealand, and you can easily reach there by road or air. The nearest airport is Hamilton International Airport, which is about a 35-minute drive from Matamata. You can hire a taxi, shuttle bus or rental car to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Auckland or Hamilton, which operates on daily basis.5. Where can I stay in Matamata?
Matamata offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels and lodges. You can choose from a variety of places to stay, depending on your budget and requirements. Some of the best accommodation options in Matamata are:- Hobbit Motorlodge
- Buckland BnB
- Rosemount Boutique Motel
- Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park
- Firth Street Mews BnB
- Burgess Farmstay
6. What are the popular activities to do in Matamata?
Apart from visiting the Hobbiton movie set and other tourist attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Matamata that you can enjoy, such as:- Hiking at the Wairere Falls
- Horseback riding
- Visiting local farms and orchards
- Hot air balloon rides
- Kayaking and rafting
- Golfing at the Matamata Golf Course
7. What is the climate like in Matamata?
Matamata has a temperate climate, and the temperature varies throughout the year. The summer season (December to February) is warm and humid, with an average temperature of around 25°C. The winter season (June to August) is mild, with an average temperature of around 10°C. It can rain at any time of the year, so it’s always best to carry rain gear while you visit.8. Do I need to pre-book the Hobbiton movie set tour?
Yes, it’s always best to pre-book your Hobbiton movie set tour to avoid the long waiting lines and ensure your entry to the movie set. The tours operate on a scheduled basis, and you can book your tour online or through a local tour operator in Matamata. The tours usually run for 2 hours, and you can explore the Hobbiton village, gardens, and hobbit holes created for the movies.9. What are the traditional dishes to try in Matamata?
Matamata offers a variety of cuisine options for food lovers, ranging from traditional New Zealand dishes to international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes while you are in Matamata are:- Hangi – A traditional Maori dish cooked in an earth oven
- Crayfish – a local seafood delicacy
- Kiwi-style fish and chips
- Beef and lamb roast
- Pavlova – A meringue-based dessert that originated in New Zealand
10. Is Matamata a wheelchair friendly destination?
Matamata offers accessibility options for visitors with special needs or mobility issues. Most of the major tourist attractions, hotels, and public transport have wheelchair access, and the streets are well-paved that makes it easy to move around. However, it is advisable to check with the respective service provider for accessibility options before you plan your visit.Book Your Tour Now
Matamata is a charming rural town in New Zealand that offers a unique experience to its visitors. This post discussed some of the frequently asked questions about Matamata that will help you to plan your trip better. By reading this post, you will have a better understanding of how to reach, where to stay, what to see and do, and what to eat while you are in Matamata. With this information, you can make the most of your trip and experience the natural beauty and charm of a rural town in New Zealand.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Matamata
If you’re planning to visit Matamata, a small town in New Zealand, you’ll want to make the most of your time there. Matamata is known for being the filming location of the Hobbiton movie set in the Lord of the Rings series. However, there’s more to the town than just this. Here’s a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Matamata.1. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set
The Hobbiton movie set is the most famous attraction in Matamata. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site, which was used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. The tour includes a visit to the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. We recommend booking your tour in advance to secure your spot.2. Explore Matamata town center
Matamata may be a small town, but its town center is worth a visit. There are several boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that you can explore. Take a walk around the town center and you’ll find several murals and sculptures that are a tribute to the Hobbiton movie set.3. Take a scenic drive through the Kaimai Ranges
The Kaimai Ranges are a mountain range that stretches from the Bay of Plenty to the Waikato region. You can take a scenic drive through the ranges from Matamata to Tauranga. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the mountains, forests, and waterfalls. We recommend taking the drive in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.4. Go hiking in Wairere Falls
Wairere Falls is a stunning waterfall located about a 20-minute drive from Matamata. Visitors can take a 1.5-hour hike to the top of the falls, which offers panoramic views of Matamata and the surrounding areas. The hike is suitable for people of all fitness levels and can be done at any time of the year.5. Visit the Firth Tower Museum
The Firth Tower Museum is a historical site located in Matamata. The museum is housed in a 25-meter high historic water tower, which was built in 1902. The museum displays a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Matamata’s history. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are accepted.6. Take a walk in the Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park
Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park is a natural hot spring located just a 5-minute drive from Matamata. The hot spring is surrounded by native New Zealand plants and offers visitors a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. You can take a walk in the park or soak in the hot spring. The park also has several cabins and camping facilities for visitors who want to stay overnight.7. Attend a local festival or event
Matamata is known for hosting several festivals and events throughout the year. These events include food and wine festivals, music festivals, and art exhibitions. Check the local events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.8. Go on a farm tour
Matamata is located in the heart of New Zealand’s farming country. You can take a farm tour and see how some of New Zealand’s top products are produced, including dairy, beef, and kiwifruit. On a farm tour, you’ll learn about the local agriculture industry and see firsthand how the products are harvested.Book Your Tour Now
Matamata is a charming town that offers visitors a unique mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. From hiking in waterfalls to exploring the Hobbiton movie set, there’s something for everyone in Matamata. Make sure you plan your trip in advance and book your tours early to make the most of your time there.Table of Contents
