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Matamata has become one of the most visited Tourist Destinations in Hamilton. This town is situated at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges. It is located at the center of the Waikato region in the North Island. The town is popular for its dairy farming heritage and the historic Firth Tower Museum. Matamata features golf courses, walking and tramping options and a wide selection of cafes and accommodation.

History
The town’s history goes back to the 19th century when a British immigrant named Firth leased more than 22,000 hectares of land from Wiremu Tamihana, the local Maori chief. He also built a road to the military settlement of Cambridge, drained the swamps and made the Waihou River navigable for cargo vessels. Firth also built the three-story Firth Tower in 1881which is a Matamata Attraction. It was used as a refuge against Maori raids. His house and a number of other old buildings can be seen near the tower.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Matamata in Hamilton was that the Lord of the Rings movies was shot here. The town’s green pastures and rolling hills were ideal for filming the movie. These rolling hills were used to portray Hobbiton and The Shire in the movie. Afterthe filming of the movie, the sets were dismantled. Visitors can now take the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours to have a feel of the making of the film. Other attractions at Matamata include the Waitomo Caves which has dramatic stalactites, stalagmites and sparkling glow-worms.

Online information on Matamata is provided by travel.mapsofworld

Tourist Attractions in Hamilton
Bridal Veil Falls	Kawhia Harbour
King Country	Lake House
Lake Karapiro	Left Bank Theatre
Matamata	Ngaruawahia
Pirongia Forest Park	Rangiriri
Taharoa	Te Aroha
Te Awamutu and District Museum	Te Puia Hot Springs
Victoria Street	Waikato Museum of Art and History
Waipa Kokiri Arts Centre