Things to Do in Matamata, New Zealand

Quick facts: The film ceremony used over 44 farm buildings and 35 Hobbit holes, which give a true impression of a small village. More than 1.2 million people have visited this place per year.

Highlights: In this location there is an old oak tree, next to which sits Bilbo Baggins's home, which actually has handmade stained glass windows. Visitors can also try the beer from the Hobbit gardens directly from the local brewery.

Quick facts: The waterfall is 153 meters high, making it the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. The track near Mata Mata is 4.5 kilometers long and can be walked in about an hour.

Highlights: After walking through forest trails, a view opens up where the waterfall gleams silver in the autumn light. The waterfall cascades stepwise down a green cliff, making this location popular among photographers.

Quick facts: The tower is a unique stone building that was originally used as a manor house and later as a fortified refuge. It was named after the local industrialist Robert Firth, whose family's stories the tower brings to light.

Highlights: The tower features original style furnishings that evoke the feeling of traveling back in time, and in the courtyard grows an oak tree over a hundred years old, which shelters true peace and a historic atmosphere. One of the pictures on the wall depicts the first inhabitant, whose story is full of exciting twists generally not found in ordinary museums.

Quick facts: A 100 km long trail runs along the riverbanks, passing through 7 small villages and over 60 bridges. The river flows through sparsely populated desert areas and offers an almost silent natural view in places.

Highlights: The biggest surprise is a 320-meter-long suspension bridge hanging about 15 meters above the water. The area has small cave systems under the rocks and you can feel splashes in the water that indicate local wildlife.

Quick facts: The nature reserve is located on the more than 3400-hectare Maungatautari volcanic mountain and is home to over 200 animal species, including rare kokako. It is the largest forest park protected in extent in New Zealand, where local species and their habitats are safeguarded.

Highlights: An approximately 47 km long protective network surrounds the mountain, keeping invasive species away and allowing local species to live and recover safely. Particularly notable here is the kiwi-crowned kaka parrot, which can be seen freely in the wild.

Quick facts: Over 50 vendors offer fresh local produce and handmade products. The market features live music at all times and a warm atmosphere from the local community.

Highlights: The market's highlight is at 10 AM, when several different bread and cheese shops open their doors, offering treats straight from the oven. One vendor sells organic strawberries picked from the garden, which visitors look forward to every year because of their unique flavor.

Quick facts: Covered with green turf, the hiking trail here has 18 routes and the course uses local mountain arnica plants as decoration. Local golf competitions are held regularly at the club, bringing together a strong sports community.

Highlights: Locals say that at sunset, the mountain arnica flowers turn golden brown, making walking on the course a magical experience. The 7th course is particularly challenging, requiring a precise shot over a small lake.