Matamata NZ

02/06/2026

Hmmm.. something seems a bit off here 😂😂

Step into a Storybook in Matamata! 🧙‍♂️✨
Ever wondered where movie magic meets real-life beauty? Welcome to Matamata, the heart of the Waikato and the gateway to Middle-earth. 🇳🇿

Beyond the world-famous rolling hills of Hobbiton, Matamata is a vibrant rural town full of hidden gems. Whether you’re stopping for a coffee at a cozy local cafe, exploring the towering Wairere Falls, or just soaking in those endless emerald-green vistas, there’s a sense of wonder around every corner.

It’s more than just a film set—it’s a piece of New Zealand paradise that feels like home from the moment you arrive. 💚

Who would you take on a journey here? Tag your fellowship below! 👇

04/05/2026

🎉We've got some great events on this May in Matamata!

Shows 🎬
The wonderful Matamata Musical Theatre presents Olivia! A sequel to Oliver and prequel to My Fair Lady. This is bound to be an amazing show so make sure you get your tickets!
👉 https://www.matamatamusicaltheatre.co.nz/tickets/

Markets and Events 🎉
Matamata Market is on this month on Saturday the 9th of May.
Located at the Matamata Primary School this is a market not to be missed!
For the sustainability lovers, Sustainable Matamata has got a free Home Composting Workshop on Saturday the 16th of May
👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/4376490779229195

Te Poi School is hosting a QUINGO Night: Music Legends on the 22nd of May. This is their major fundraiser for the year, and you can learn more info here
👉https://www.facebook.com/events/1674420497212348

The Kings Birthday Bake Off is back for another year at Firth Tower Reserve and Museum on the 24th of May
👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/1999404914271005

Firth Primary School is hosting a Classic and Custom Car Show this Saturday at the school. Head along for a great day out with fun for the whole family!
👉https://www.facebook.com/events/1430885698092117

Rock Me Revamp is hosting an Evening with The Artisan Company on the 7th of May. With live demos and 10% off in store, it's bound to be a great night!
👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/2863623330636137
For those in Business 💼
Matamata Chamber of Commerce have their monthly Business After 5 on the 20th of May - If you're keen to come along get in touch with the Matamata Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is also hosting their monthly Business Brews at 10am on Thursday the 7th of May - Pop on down to Pepper St Kitchen to catch up with the Chamber and see what it's all about.

Women in Business are hosting their monthly Coffee Connections on the 13th of May - Any Women in business are welcome to come along for a chat with other like minded woman
👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/3016127555247065

01/04/2026

We've got some great events on this month in Matamata!

Markets and Fairs
11th April - The Matamata Market is back for another month. Head along to explore yummy food, homemade creations and more!
- The Market is held at Matamata Primary School, 7.30am to 12.30pm

Lets get Crafty!
10th April - Pottery Workshop! Have some fun and make something at the same time!
Learn more info here 👉https://www.facebook.com/share/18XCbunh5j/

Nights Out
11th April - Neil Diamond Tribute Show! Hosted by Matamata Club it is sure to be a great night!
- Learn more info here 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQ7apLiog/

15th April - Ladies Night at the Matamata Club. Bring along the girls for a great night learning how to make a range of cocktails!

16th April - The Great Celebrity Debate! Come along to a great evening filled with debate and laughter, Tickets $95 and include dinner, R18!
- Learn more info here 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/18FVGFntAh/

23rd April - Mission Estate Wine Tasting. Hosted by Matamata Club this event is limited to 40 tickets so will be sure to sell out!
- Learn more info here 👉https://www.facebook.com/share/18A3qCQtLs/

16/03/2026

🍀 What better day to celebrate some of our history than St. Patrick’s Day! Today we tip our hats to the Irish settlers like Robert Kerr, whose energy, resilience, and community spirit helped lay the foundations for the town we love.

Among the many pioneers who helped shape the Matamata district were settlers with Irish roots who arrived in New Zealand looking for opportunity and land.

One early resident was Robert Joseph Kerr, who was born in Dublin in 1847 and came to New Zealand as a young child. By the late 1890s he was living and working on the Matamata Estate as a carpenter, helping build the infrastructure needed for the growing settlement around the railway station. In 1899 he established one of Matamata’s early boarding houses, providing accommodation for travellers and workers arriving in the developing township.

At the time, Matamata was still little more than a small cluster of buildings near the railway line. The real growth came after the large Matamata Estate was broken up into farms in 1904, attracting settlers from across New Zealand and the British Isles who wanted to try their hand at dairy farming. Over time these pioneering families transformed the surrounding plains into the rich farming district we know today.

Stories like Kerr’s remind us that Matamata’s history is built from many journeys - Māori history, early missionaries and explorers, and the settlers from places like Ireland who helped build homes, businesses, and farms in a brand-new community.

🍀 Do you have Irish heritage connected to Matamata or the surrounding farms? Share your family stories in the comments — we’d love to hear them!

Photo credit: https://imagingmatamatanz.blogspot.com/2016/08/matamata-railway-station-with_18.html
Matamata Railway Station pre-1919

12/02/2026

Tomorrow is the day for the JSwap Contractors Matamata Breeders Stakes Day!

Free general admission for the whole family, this day is a great event for all in Matamata 🐴🐴🐴

You can check out more info here: https://matamataracingclub.co.nz/j-swap-contractors-matamata-breeders-stakes-raceday-0

10/02/2026

🌳 Take the Scenic Route at Centennial Drive, Matamata 🌳

Looking for a peaceful place to stretch your legs, clear your head, or enjoy a quiet moment together? Centennial Drive is one of Matamata’s hidden gems — a leafy, easy walking track right on the edge of town.

Perfect for a morning stroll, an afternoon wander, or a golden-hour walk, Centennial Drive offers a calm escape surrounded by nature, birdsong and fresh country air. It’s ideal for couples, families, and anyone wanting to slow the pace and soak up Matamata’s relaxed charm.

✨ Easy access
✨ Flat, gentle track
✨ A local favourite for peaceful walks

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or live just around the corner, Centennial Drive is well worth adding to your Matamata must-do list.

📍 Centennial Drive, Matamata

04/02/2026

Have you seen the amazing write up in this weeks Scene Newspaper about our amazing Piarere Young Farmers ?

What a great bunch of young people in our community, not afraid to get their hands dirty and help out the town. 👩‍🌾👨‍🌾🍂

If you're local and farming, definitely head along to a meeting - They are an awesome group to catch up with each month.

02/02/2026

What's on this Month! 📆

We've got some great events in town this month - Check out a selection of these below or for more events and updates on the town follow Matamata Information Centre

Markets and Events
- Head on down to Railside on Sundays for the Matamata Farmers Markets from 8am
- Our monthly Matamata Market is on at the Matamata Primary School on the 14th of Feb
- Tower Run is back for another year on the 27th - Register now or late registrations are available on the day
- The Summer Harvest Festival is on at Hobbiton Movie Set on the 20th - We hope all those who managed to get tickets have a great day!
- Breederstakes Races are on 14th of Feb - One of Matamata's best race days!
- Matamata Dramatic Society is showing Love in the Time of Cholera as their monthly movie

Sustainability and Outdoors
- Check out the free composting workshop by Sustainable Matamata
- The NZ Dairy Expo is on the 18th and 19th of Feb at Bedford Park

Staying Safe
- Age Concern and NZTA are hosting a free workshop for the older members of our community to refresh their road code knowledge

Have you got an upcoming event? Let us know and we can feature it!

15/01/2026

What a fantastic program to have in Matamata!

✈️ Do you know anyone who has been through Walsh Flying School?

13/01/2026

Blue skies over The Gatehouse on a classic Matamata day ☀️💛

This little spot has welcomed visitors, answered questions, and helped people find their way around town for years. Whether you’ve popped in for directions, local tips, or just to say hello, chances are you’ve got a Gatehouse memory.

What’s the first place you send visitors when they arrive in Matamata? Or do you have a favourite local landmark? Tell us below 👇