Hauraki, Matamata & Coromandel – Waikato Highlights

The Waikato region is full of surprises and three of its most memorable areas are Hauraki, Matamata and Coromandel. Together, they showcase some of the best Waikato highlights from the gold-mining history and dramatic landscapes of Hauraki to Matamata’s rolling farmland and the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set and finally the coastal beauty and creative spirit of Coromandel.

These regions are close enough to connect on a road trip, yet each one has its own identity and charm. Whether you’re chasing heritage, film magic or seaside escapes, exploring Hauraki, Matamata and Coromandel in Waikato gives you a taste of just how diverse this region really is.

This area is also where we love to bike. The trails are mostly flat and often scenic, passing through beautiful farmlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of roadside stalls with fresh local produce. And just over in the Coromandel, the fishing is incredible — a spot we return to every year for our fishing fix.

Hauraki – Gorge, Gold & History

The Hauraki District is best known for the Karangahake Gorge, where rugged cliffs, swing bridges and old mining tunnels create one of the most scenic walks in the North Island. Once a hub of the gold-mining era, today it’s a place where you can bike, hike or wander through relics of the past while surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The nearby towns of Paeroa (famous for L&P) and Waihi (with its open-pit gold mine and mining heritage centre) make perfect add-ons to a trip through the gorge.

Highlights:

• Karangahake Gorge – walking and cycling trails through tunnels and alongside rivers.
• Hauraki Rail Trail – flat, easy sections from Paeroa to Waihi.
• Gold-mining heritage – relics and museums celebrating Waihi’s past.
• Paeroa – quirky L&P bottle landmark and antique shopping.
• Waihi – Martha Mine pit and Gold Discovery Centre.
• Ngātea Water Gardens – playful family-friendly gardens with ponds and sculptures.

Why visit: Hauraki blends history and nature in one place, with Paeroa and Waihi adding even more character.

Matamata – Farmland & Hobbiton Magic

Rolling green hills, horse studs and a friendly country town vibe make Matamata a highlight of the Waikato. It’s famous worldwide for the Hobbiton Movie Set but beyond Middle-earth, Matamata also offers heritage museums, waterfalls, and nearby cycling trails. Stop in the town centre with its Hobbiton-inspired i-SITE building or use Matamata as a base to explore Wairere Falls and the wider Waikato countryside.

Highlights:

• Hobbiton Movie Set – iconic tours through the world of The Lord of the Rings.
• Matamata town centre – quirky Hobbit-style i-SITE and local cafés.
• Wairere Falls – the tallest waterfall in the North Island, a short drive away.
• Te Aroha – historic hot soda springs and mountain summit walk.
• Walton – golf course and rural countryside charm.
• Okauia – Opal Hot Springs, a hidden thermal soak near Matamata.

Why visit: Matamata is a must-stop for Hobbiton but it’s also a rural hub with cafés, walks and heritage to explore.

Coromandel – Coastal Beauty & Creative Spirit

The Coromandel Peninsula offers a taste of coastal Waikato with white-sand beaches, historic towns and creative communities. Towns like Thames (with its gold-mining past and markets), Coromandel Town (a hub of art and galleries), and Whitianga (with beaches and boat trips) each bring their own flavour. Add scenic drives, fishing and laid-back villages and it’s a region that feels like a holiday within a holiday.

Highlights:

• Thames – gateway to the Coromandel, gold-mining history and local markets.
• Coromandel Town – arts, crafts and galleries with a coastal vibe.
• Whitianga & Hot Water Beach – sandy bays, boat trips and dig-your-own hot pools.
• Thames – Saturday markets, gold-mining heritage and gateway to the peninsula.
• Coromandel Town – Driving Creek Railway and artsy galleries.
• Whitianga – beaches, boat trips and base for Cathedral Cove/Hot Water Beach.

Why visit: Coromandel offers a coastal contrast to inland Waikato, where towns and beaches combine for a laid-back, creative escape.

Final Thoughts

Beyond the bigger stops of Hauraki, Matamata, and Coromandel, there are plenty of smaller Waikato towns that deserve a mention. Paeroa, known as the home of L&P, has quirky charm and makes a fun stop on the way to the gorge. Te Aroha offers hot soda springs and a mountain hike with some of the best summit views in the region. On the coast, Kaiaua is famous for its fish and chips and birdlife-rich shoreline, while villages tucked between the hills and sea bring that true small-town Aotearoa feel.

It’s these lesser-known places that often provide the most authentic moments — a good coffee, a friendly chat or a hidden view — and together they make exploring the Waikato even more rewarding.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.