Famously known as 'Hobbiton' for its starring role in New Zealand director Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, the town of Matamata proudly displays a statue of Gollum on its main street. Daily tours are offered through the Hobbiton Movie Set where visitors can discover the hobbit holes of the Shire and hear how the set was created for the blockbuster series The Lord of the Rings.

Discover other hidden gems in the region such as the spectacular sight of the 153m high Wairere Falls and the Opal Hot Springs where you can take a relaxing soak in the naturally heated waters.

To find out more visit the official Hamilton & Waikato Regional Tourism Website »