Located 60 kms southwest of Hamilton, Matamata is the centre for many of New Zealand's throughbred horse studs and training centres and one of the most productive dairy farming areas in the world.

Activities include jet boating, canoe trips, parachuting and gliding at the Matamata aerodrome, walks in the Kaimai Ranges and hot springs 6kms from the Town

Matamata is served by InterCity Coachlines from Auckland and Tauranga.