Matamata, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Matamata, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Matamata, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Matamata, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Matamata, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Matamata, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Matamata, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Matamata, New Zealand by month

January

January here is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

Traveling to Matamata in February, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to Matamata in March, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

In April, Matamata is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Matamata, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Matamata is chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Matamata during June, you might find that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the correct type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Matamata in July, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

In August, Matamata can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Matamata, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Matamata is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Matamata is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Matamata is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Matamata in December, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Matamata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

If you visit the Firth Tower Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Matamata, New Zealand

Matamata, a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Known for its rolling green hills and charming rural atmosphere, Matamata is also famous for being the filming location of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. Here are the top tourist attractions in Matamata:

1. Hobbiton Movie Set

The most famous attraction in Matamata, Hobbiton is a must-visit destination for Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans. The movie set, which comprises 44 hobbit holes, the Mill, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Shire's Rest, is located on a working sheep and beef farm. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and explore the charming village of The Shire.

2. Firth Tower Museum

The Firth Tower Museum is a historical complex that features a collection of museum artifacts, heritage buildings, gardens, and a working steam mill. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of antique farm machinery and tools in New Zealand. Visitors can explore the tower, walk through the vintage vehicles collection, or have a picnic in the museum's gardens.

3. Wairere Falls

The Wairere Falls are a spectacular waterfall located just outside of Matamata. Standing at 153 meters tall, the falls offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a scenic hike to the waterfall's lookout point, which takes about an hour and a half.

4. Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park

The Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Matamata. The park offers several natural hot pools, massage services, a heated pool, a water slide, and accommodation in camping sites or cabins. Whether you're looking for a day of relaxation or a weekend getaway, the Opal Hot Springs is a fantastic destination.

5. Te Waihou Walkway

The Te Waihou Walkway is a picturesque trek that covers nearly five kilometers along the Waihou River. The walkway passes through pastures, forests, and wetlands, and offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the river. Visitors can also take a dip in the river's fresh and rejuvenating spring water.

In conclusion, Matamata is a charming destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a Lord of the Rings fan or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Matamata is an ideal destination to explore. From the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set to the serene Wairere Falls, there is something for everyone in this idyllic town.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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