MATAMATA
Matamata is another of those towns that has a very strong connection
to the Bloodstock industry. Quite a number of famous horses have been
bred in the Matamata area.
State Highway 27 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town
and Matamata has a total population of around 12,000 (6,000 in rural
areas, 6,000 in the township.
Matamata and the surrounding hillsides featured in the Michael
Jacksons Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. There is a Museum some 6kms
from Matamata that gives a great insight into the movie. Matamata has
in fact assumed Hobbiton as the town’s second ‘official name.
A "Welcome to Hobbiton" sign has been placed on the main road. By an
unusual coincidence, the world's only other Matamata – Matamata,
Tunisia – was a site used during filming of George Lucas's Star
Wars trilogy.
Matamata is a prosperous centre and has a strong community makeup and
is well represented with churches, a high profile War Memorial and the
Matamata hotel has strong presence
that nicely covers bloodstock industry.
Some three kms south of Matamata is the Firth Tower Museum. This is a
first rate Museum that catches the mid 19th century and
early 20th century in great detail. The museum is set in
attractive garden surroundings. If visiting the Museum allow two
hours.

And just a little further south is the Opal Hot Springs, and a further
10k down the road is the walk to the Wairere Falls. Allow half a day
for the walk for the falls.
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