Matamata Information Centre

28/05/2026

This month, we had the pleasure of attending an Information Centre meeting at the beautiful Hamilton Gardens — and what an incredible setting it was! 🌿✨

Pictured here are local Information Centre representatives exploring the stunning Egyptian Garden, one of the many unique themed gardens that make Hamilton Gardens such a special destination.

If you haven’t visited lately, it’s absolutely worth the trip. From the internationally inspired gardens to the peaceful walkways and amazing atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just passing through the Waikato, make sure Hamilton Gardens is on your must-visit list! 🌺🏛️

A huge thank you to the team at Hamilton Gardens for hosting us this month

27/05/2026

Heads up team, Freedom Camping Rules are changing next week!

Freedom camping rules are changing from Saturday 7 June 2026, as the transition to the new self-contained vehicle standards comes to an end. From this date, blue sticker certifications will no longer be valid, and all vehicles will need to meet the updated national requirements.

The new standards now require:
• a fixed toilet
• a water supply system
• a ventilation system

These changes help reduce environmental impacts and support us to better manage freedom camping in our districts.

Please note that these rules do not apply to people experiencing homelessness. In these situations we always try to engage with the people involved, and connect them to support and housing services. We work closely alongside Police and other agencies, and take enforcement action only where the law allows.

Read more about freedom camping and homelessness here. 👉

New self-contained rules enforced  With changes to freedom camping rules coming into effect next month, we’re sharing a reminder of what this means for our community. On Tuesday 6 June 2023, the Government passed the  Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023. This law updated.....

04/05/2026

Check out some of the great events we've got in Matamata this month! Lots of amazing things to see and do 🎉🎉

01/04/2026

Heads Up Team!

We will be CLOSED Good Friday (Tomorrow) but open the rest of Easter Weekend! 🙉

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter 🐰🐣

31/03/2026

🚍✨ School Holiday Fun – FREE Bus Travel for Families! ✨🚍

Looking for an easy (and budget-friendly!) way to get out and explore these school holidays? Check out the details below! 👇

From Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April, families can hop on board BUSIT’s regional buses for FREE! 🙌

💡 How it works:
Simply show the driver your pass (on your phone or printed) and your whole family can travel on regional (blue) services at no cost. Easy as that!

🌟 Why not make a day of it?
With fuel costs on the rise, this is the perfect chance to leave the car at home, try something new, and explore our region without spending a cent on travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good to know:
• Only one pass per family/group is needed (covers up to 2 Adults and 4 Kids - You can also have more than one pass if needed!)
• Just show it to the driver – no need to hand it over
• Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

So pack some snacks, grab the kids, and let the bus take you on your next adventure these holidays 🗺️💙

📍 Pop into the Information Centre to grab your printed pass or find out more!

You can learn more online here 👉https://www.busit.co.nz/travelling-with-us/freefamilypass

25/03/2026

It's pretty wet out there and we've got some strong winds forecast! 🌧🌧

Make sure that you have secured your property for high winds (we're looking at you Trampolines!) and that you keep safe out there.

🌧️ SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE @ 9.30PM WEDNESDAY 🌧️

MetService has issued multiple severe weather watches and warnings across the Waikato region covering Thursday and Friday this week. Heavy Rain Warnings – Orange – have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Hunua Range and Bay of Plenty (which includes eastern catchments of the Waikato region). There is a high chance of being upgraded to an extreme Red Warning for Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. A Heavy Rain Watch covers the remainder of the Waikato region with a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

In addition, Strong Wind Watches – Yellow – have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Taupō districts, with moderate chances of being upgraded to Orange warnings.

Areas west of the Kaimai Range are forecast to be impacted by gale east to northeast winds, likely to produce favourable conditions for what’s colloquially known as the ‘Kaimai Buster’. The Buster occurs when the aerodynamic effect of the Kaimai Range turns strong easterlies into gales. Please prepare your property for high winds and keep up to date with MetService forecasts.

This event has the potential to cause significant impacts across affected areas – particularly on Friday – and catchments in the Coromandel, Hauraki, Waipā and Ōtorohanga areas remain vulnerable following significant weather events in January and February. Of concern is the likely increased susceptibility of landslips and ‘flash’ flooding.

➡️ www.metservice.com
➡️ https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

25/02/2026

🎉📚 Library Collect-A-Thon End of Season Party! 📚🎉

What a fantastic afternoon we had on Tuesday celebrating the Collect-A-Thon superstars at the end-of-season party, held at the Library / Memorial Centre!

Organisers Rachel and Phillippa from the Library were there, along with Kiwanis members Sally and Garry - and yes… I (Kathy) took one for the team and joined in the fun too! 😄🙌 It was so special to see our tamariki enjoying themselves and giving every activity a go.

Each organisation created a game connected to their industry:

📖 Library – Tamariki put Piakomon posters into alphabetical order (future librarians in the making!).
🌏 Tourism (that was me!) – We played “A Tourist from Australia Says…” (a twist on Simon Says). Hands on hips, touch your toes, spin around — you name it!
🏊 Swimming Pools – A Pictionary-style drawing and guessing game based on pool themes.
🏛 Firth Tower – Stilts and wooden block walking, bringing back games of old!
🌳 Parks – A fun questionnaire challenge.

There were spot prizes, drinks, and nibbles to keep everyone fuelled, and the smiles said it all — our tamariki had an absolute blast! 💛

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this such a fun and memorable way to wrap up the season. It’s always so special to see our community organisations working together to create moments like this. A massive thank you to the Matamata-Piako Libraries for organising this great event and we look forward to being involved again next year!

12/02/2026

It's a weekend of love in Matamata! 💕💕

Check out what great events we've got on this weekend for a special day out

🐴Breeders Stakes Day is back for another year! This is always a fantastic day out with Free General Admission and Catered Options available too.
Learn more here 👉 https://matamataracingclub.co.nz/j-swap-contractors-matamata-breeders-stakes-raceday-0

🎉Follow it up with the Afterparty at the Merchant of Matamata from 8pm

🎨The Matamata Market and Craft Fair is on this weekend - Head on down to Matamata Primary from 7.30am for a great market filled with goodies

🌽Then get your fill of locally grown goodness at the Matamata Farmers Market on Sunday at Railside Green!

🚂The Tokoroa Express will be departing Matamata at 11.40am for a unique day out travelling on Train Tracks that normally freight trains only see.
Learn more here 👉 https://www.gvr.org.nz/event/toke

So many great events on this weekend! What's your favourite thing do for a special day out in Matamata?

11/02/2026

💕Love is in the air in Matamata this Valentine's week and we are highlighting our favourite itineraries for a romantic day in Matamata

Date idea number three! Nature and Views

For couples who love the outdoors, start the day with the Wairere Falls walk — one of the Waikato’s most breathtaking experiences. The falls themselves are currently closed, but you can still enjoy a walk into the lower bush, exploring the mossy rocks and swim spots.

Take the afternoon slow by heading to Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park for a long, relaxing soak. Warm mineral pools, peaceful surroundings and time to truly unwind together.

Finish the day with a romantic dinner at Osteria Matamata - the perfect place to recreate that iconic Lady and the Tramp moment! 🍝

✨ Because romance doesn’t have to be rushed.

10/02/2026

💕Love is in the air in Matamata this Valentine's week and we are highlighting our favourite itineraries for a romantic day in Matamata

Date idea number one! Countryside Connection

Start the day with a coffee from New World Matamata and while you're there, grab some of their yummy in store treats for a mid-day picnic!

Head out for a peaceful wander or cycle along the Hauraki Rail Trail . Surrounded by open farmland and fresh country air, this is the kind of date where time seems to slow down, find a quiet spot to sit together and enjoy your picnic lunch.

Then return to Matamata for an early dinner at the Merchant of Matamata and cool off with one of their amazing slushies! Finish the night with a stroll through the quiet streets or Matamata, getting in some window shopping.

🌾 Simple. Scenic. Perfectly Matamata.