Matamata attractions

At the Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of the Waikato region, you’ll step into the Shire as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The set sits on the Alexander family sheep farm, with the Kaimai Ranges rising in the distance. Your guide will escort you across the site, pointing out the most famous locations, showing the intricate detailing and explaining how the movie magic was made. You’ll be fully guided around the 12-acre set, walking past the colourful Hobbit Hole doors that scatter the hillsides and through the areas that bring the film landscapes to life. Along the way you’ll arrive at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. The tour ends at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you’ll receive a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your visit to Middle-earth.

On this two-hour guided tour, you’ll have the chance to discover the Hobbiton Movie Set, a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, in the heart of New Zealand’s Waikato region. Your guide will drive you across the farmland that served as the pastures of the Shire, and share stories about how the area was transformed into scenes from Middle Earth. You’ll also have the opportunity to see hobbit holes and other Hobbiton landmarks, and get to savor a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

On this popular, relaxing cruise through Tauranga's inner harbour you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Kaimai range and Mount Maunganui as a dramatic backdrop. The vessel KEWPIE offers two cruise decks with plenty of room to soak up the scenery, plus a fully licensed lounge bar where bar snacks are available if you want something to nibble while you watch the shoreline. Along the way you'll pass the Statue of Tangaroa, which stands guard at the harbour entrance, and take in a varied coastal landscape. You will see stretches of untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements set against the large, highly developed port infrastructure. Seasonal wildlife may be spotted on some trips, including blue penguins, sea birds and NZ fur seals, adding a wildlife element to the scenic cruise.

The Agrodome sits in the heart of 350 acres of lush farmland, just 10 minutes from the Rotorua city centre. This working sheep and cattle farm has welcomed visitors from around the world for over 40 years. The Farm Show introduces you to life on a Kiwi farm, with the orchard and animal areas where you can hand-feed friendly animals, taste natural kiwifruit juice and sweet honey, and learn about everyday farm activities. It is often described as New Zealand’s ultimate farm experience. The Agrodome Farm Tour begins as you climb aboard an all-weather, all-terrain vehicle. Along the way you’ll hear about the farm and its animals, with a mix of facts and light-hearted moments. You’ll have opportunities to hand-feed and take photos with Romney sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, ostrich, pigs and alpaca, and you may even spot some rare breeds of sheep. The experience is hands-on, entertaining and educational, suitable for both children and adults.

At the National Kiwi Hatchery you’ll see conservation in action and learn how a national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and chick rearing operates. During a guided tour you’ll hear about New Zealand’s kiwi conservation programme, which has successfully hatched over 2,600 kiwi chicks, and gain insight into the methods used to incubate and hatch eggs. As you move through the hatchery you’ll explore an interactive kiwi burrow and watch kiwi roam and forage in the Nocturnal House. Along the way the guides will explain the practical steps involved in chick rearing and the technologies used to support the birds, giving a clear picture of the care behind the conservation work. This hatchery is a non‑profit organisation, so your entry fee goes directly back into the kiwi hatching programme. The experience is educational and thought‑provoking, offering a close look at how experts help protect one of New Zealand’s most iconic native species.

At these pure mineral hot pools you will bathe in naturally mineral-rich water set within spectacular native bush. The pools are chemical-free and sit in a tranquil setting, so you can relax and take in the peaceful surroundings while enjoying the claimed health benefits of soaking in pure mineral waters. You will spend your time quietly soaking and appreciating the natural oasis around you. The pools are drained and refilled every day, ensuring fresh, renewed water for each visit. Along with the serene bush scenery, the emphasis here is on a simple, natural hot‑pool experience free from chemicals and distractions.

On this small-group tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit Hobbiton – an iconic location in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Hobbit' novels that was subsequently built for the films. During your visit, you'll get a chance to take photos of Hobbit holes, enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon Inn and learn more about New Zealand from an expert guide.

On this tour you'll explore Tauranga and Mount Maunganui on a fun, scenic drive. You will go around the Mount, cross the Harbour Bridge and pass heritage sites such as the Elms Mission House and the Old Post Office. Along the way you'll travel by kiwi and avocado orchards before arriving at the Scenic Lookout. The lookout is the only stop on the tour and offers a prime photo opportunity with views across to the Coromandel and White Island. After the drive you'll have free time to wander Mount Maunganui’s shops and cafés, explore the beaches or take a stroll along the boardwalks and the main beach. This gives you a chance to soak up the local atmosphere at your own pace.

Step into the world of Middle-earth on a scenic journey from the Bay of Plenty to the world‑famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Along the way you'll pass coastal viewpoints and rolling countryside that feature the kind of landscapes used in the films. You will also have chances to explore native forest areas and take short walks that bring you closer to the region’s natural scenery. As you move through the route, expect a relaxed, picture‑friendly experience that combines coastal views, native forest walks and pastoral hills with the iconic film set at Hobbiton. Please note you should not expect this tour to operate in conjunction with cruise ships docking at the port of Tauranga; on all other days it will operate as normal.

This experience takes you into Rotorua’s cultural heart with a visit to Te Puia, Rotorua’s world-class guided experience and cultural performance centre. On the drive you will enjoy an array of all‑inclusive snacks and water while you take in the scenery. At Te Puia you will attend a cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house that includes a Traditional Māori Welcome, song, traditional chant, poi and haka. You will also see Pōhutu Geyser, the largest naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, and have an up‑close experience with the New Zealand kiwi in the Kiwi Conservation Centre. You will stop in Rotorua so you can purchase lunch, and time permitting the tour may include additional local highlights along the way. As you travel back toward the Port of Tauranga, you will have time to relax and reflect on the sights and stories of the day.

In Tauranga, you’ll explore the city’s scenic coastal beauty while hearing the stories that shaped it. The experience blends coastal highlights with fascinating local history, so along the way you’ll pause at notable seaside spots and learn about the people and events that give the area its character. The pace will be relaxed, giving you time to take in views and soak up the setting as you move between locations. As well as scenery and stories, the experience includes local food elements so you’ll sample flavours that reflect the region. Along the route, expect a mix of information and tasting moments that illustrate Tauranga’s culinary and cultural connections. The combination of coastal sights, historical context and food experiences aims to give a rounded sense of the place and its traditions.

During this experience, you'll have the opportunity to join a guide on a walk through Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – a protected ecological area home to an ancient forest, wetland and endangered wildlife including takahē, tuatara and kiwi. During daytime tours, you'll be able to follow winding pathways through the forest and Tautari wetland while listening as your guide explains more about local flora and fauna as well as the sanctuary's conservation efforts. You'll also be able to take an optional walk up to the viewing tower for a look over the forest canopy.

Join this tour for a must-do, once-in-a-lifetime adventure with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat! Admire wild common dolphins from the boat and, in some cases, get in the water with these beautiful creatures. This is a half-day trip departing from Tauranga Bridge Marina aboard the comfortable catamaran The Guardian, with an expert crew providing live commentary on the animals' behaviour and life history, as well as any support you may need throughout the tour. Our summer dolphin encounter tours operate from November to May, weather and passenger numbers permitting.

Velocity Valley, located just minutes from central Rotorua, offers a theme-park experience unlike most others. Here the rides feel more like extreme sports than typical attractions. The site is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise and not for the faint-hearted. You will be stepping into a setting where intensity and speed are the defining features. Throughout your visit you can expect high-adrenaline, heart-thumping action and edge-of-your-seat thrills. The attractions share a common aim: to deliver blood-pumping excitement and continuous, adrenaline-charged fun. As you move through the park, you’ll encounter a series of high-intensity rides designed to push things up a level, combining thrills and chills with non-stop action. The overall atmosphere is geared toward those seeking extreme experiences close to central Rotorua, so you’ll feel the buzz from start to finish.

Starting from the Ports of Tauranga, you’ll travel to Okere Falls and walk down through native forest to the waterfall on the Kaituna River. Along the way you may be lucky enough to see local rafters running the drop. From there you’ll head into town and visit three lakes, stopping at the lookout between Blue and Green Lakes, taking photos at the Tarawera Lake lookout and pausing on the jetty at Rangiruru Bay. You can wander through the Redwood Forest at your own pace. At your own expense you may choose an elevated tour through the trees; the Redwoods Treewalk features suspended bridges high among the trunks, decorative wooden lanterns and interpretive panels that explain the trees’ history. The outing finishes at Rotorua Lakefront and Sulphur Point, where you can stroll through Government Gardens and wander Kuirau Park. Along the way you can soak your feet in the heated foot pools and observe the bubbling mud pools that characterise the area.