Matamata is a rural Waikato town in New Zealand with a population of around 12,000 (6,000 in rural areas, 6,000 in the township). It is located near the base of the Kaimai Ranges, and is a thriving farming area known for Thoroughbred horse breeding and training pursuits.

It is part of the Matamata-Piako District, which takes in the surrounding rural areas as well as Morrinsville and Te Aroha. State Highway 27 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town.

Matamata is known is the farm was the location for the Hobbiton set in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy and the Hobbit movies. The New Zealand government decided to leave the Hobbit holes built on location as tourist attractions, since they were designed to blend seamlessly into the environment.

Hobbit fans can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a guided tour; seeing more than 44 unique hobbit holes, including Bag End (Bilbo's house)the double arched bridge and the famous Party Tree before stopping for a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Wander through the heart of the Shire and hear the fascinating commentary about how it was all created. Evening tours are also available, and they include a feast fit for a hobbit!

East of the town centre, is North Island’s highest waterfalls - Wairere Falls, which are a spectacular sight plunging 153m. The Wairere Falls walking track showcases a diverse range of natural scenery and from the lookout you can enjoy magnificent views over the valley and the Waikato Plains.

Matamata is served by daily bus and coach services to and from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Napier, Hastings and Wellington and the nearest airport to Matamata, for domestic Air New Zealand Link services to Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown is Hamilton.

There are no passenger train or rail services from Matamata to Auckland, Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupo, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North or Wellington. The nearest railway station for passenger train services is Hamilton.