The town of Matamata is centrally located on New Zealand's North Island, at the western edge of the Kaimai Mountain ranges, east of Hamilton, north-east of Cambridge, and west of Tauranga.  It's a 120 mile ( 187 kms) drive from Auckland, which is to the north-west, and about the same distance up to the Coromandel Peninsula, to the north-east.

Matamata is a rural town with a population of over 12,000, and the local economy is mainly based on dairy and horticultural farming, and horse breeding and training.

The fields of one of the local farms was used to build the Hobbiton set for the Lord of the Rings film, due to the stunning views around the area.  Parts of the set have been retained after the filming was complete, and has now become a very popular tourist attraction, with daily guided tours.

Apart from the stunning countryside, the area is popular for aerial experiences, such as sky-diving, flying tours and gliding, due to the favourable up-drafts from the Kaimai Ranges.  There is also a golf course to try and the Opal Hot Springs pool complex to relax in.

Accommodation is plentiful in the area, especially farm stays, lodges and luxury B & B's, as well as more budget-conscious backpacker, camping, motel and holiday parks properties to choose from.

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