Getting to Matamata

Matamata sits in the heart of the Waikato, which makes it an easy drive from much of the upper North Island. Whether you're coming for Hobbiton or just passing through, here's how to get here and get around.

Driving to Matamata

The car is by far the easiest way to reach Matamata and to explore once you're here. Approximate drive times (traffic and conditions depending):

• From Hamilton: around 45 minutes east.
• From Tauranga: roughly an hour over the Kaimai Range.
• From Rotorua: about an hour.
• From Auckland: roughly two hours south.
• From Cambridge: around 30 minutes.

There's plenty of parking in town, and we offer free on-site parking for guests, so the car is a no-stress option.

Coming by bus

Intercity coach services connect Matamata with other North Island centres, which is handy if you're travelling without a car. Check current timetables before you travel, as schedules change seasonally.

Nearest airports

Hamilton Airport is the closest, with Auckland, Rotorua and Tauranga airports all within driving distance. Most visitors fly into one of these and hire a car for the Waikato leg.

Getting out to Hobbiton

The Hobbiton Movie Set is about a 15–20 minute drive from the centre of Matamata. If you'd rather not drive, you can book a tour with a shuttle that departs from the Matamata i-SITE in town. See our guide to visiting Hobbiton from Matamata for details.

Getting around town

Matamata's town centre is compact and walkable — once you're based centrally, you can leave the car and stroll to cafés, shops and a meal. That's one of the perks of staying at the Horse & Jockey Inn: you're right in the middle of it, with the restaurant and bar downstairs.

Planning your trip? Check our room rates or call 07 888 9972 and we'll help you plan your stay.