Matamata Information Centre

07/09/2026

FYI Team!

Wairere Falls Track, including the carpark and toilets, will be closed from 7 September to allow for major safety and infrastructure upgrades in time for summer. The nearest alternative public toilets are at Waharoa, Firth Tower Historic Reserve, & Hetana Street Reserve.

Works will include boulder stabilisation, replacement of aging infrastructure, and general safety upgrades. We anticipate the track will be open to the public by the end of November, and will communicate timelines as work progresses.

11/08/2026

🚂 BE A TRAINSPOTTER WHEN YOU CROSS! 👀

It’s Rail Safety Week 2026 (10–16 August), and this year KiwiRail and TrackSAFE are reminding us that one of the most important things we can do around railway crossings is also one of the simplest…

Stop. Look both ways. Stay alert. 🚦👀

Whether you’re driving, cycling or walking, trains and rail maintenance vehicles can approach from either direction and may be travelling faster than they appear.

🚗 Driving?
• Slow down and be prepared to stop
• Come to a complete stop at STOP signs
• Wait for flashing lights and bells to stop
• Look both ways before crossing
• Never try to beat a train!

🚶 Walking or cycling?
• Use designated crossings, overpasses or underpasses
• Stop and look both ways
• Put distractions away and stay alert
• Only cross when you’re certain the tracks are clear

This Rail Safety Week, remember “The Essential Look When You Cross” – because being a trainspotter isn’t just fun, it could save a life. ❤️

Help us spread the message and remind your friends, whānau and visitors to Be a Trainspotter When You Cross!

Find out more about Rail Safety Week here: https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/communities/safety-in-the-community/railsafetyweek/

30/07/2026

Yum! Looking for a sweet treat this morning? Head on down and see Rotary outside Paper Plus!

We are outside Paper Plus today selling cupcakes for Red Nose Day!

Pop on down and get your sweet treat for the morning 🧁🧁🧁

27/07/2026

🎉 Local tours are back again for 2026!

Tickets are $30 per person, children under 10 are free.
Proof of address required for booking

If you've got any queries, give Hobbiton a ring on 07 888 1505 and then pop into the Information Centre to book!

03/06/2026

🎉Have you got an event coming up soon? Did you know you can advertise for free on the Matamata Notice Boards?

Just pop in to the Info Centre to book in! Spaces do fill up quickly so make sure you come in well before your event.

You can book the space for up to two weeks! 🎉

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