HOBBITON
501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata. +64-7-888 1505. Tours. $$$$-$+. Bookings essential. Allow at leat 3 hours.
Be transported to a world of magic and fantasy! This is the original movie set of the hugely successful ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and ‘The Hobbit’ films, and you almost expect to see Frodo and his family of hobbits frolicking here in the Shire. Enter the hillside Hobbit Holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn, enjoy a cold cider, stay for a banquet, or simply enjoy the magnificent scenery of the rolling green hills and the Kaimai Ranges. Welcome to Middle Earth – a magnificent setting that will appeal to all. The attention to detail is simply mindblowing – even the flowers are specially planted to create a living, breathing village. Go early to avoid the huge crowds. Highly recommended, even if you’re not a movie fan.
CLASSICS MUSEUM
11 Railside Place, Hamilton. +64-7-657 2230. Entrance fee. $$. Open 7 days. 9am-4pm. Last entry 3.30pm. Public Holidays 9am-3pm. Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 2 Jan.
Automobile fans will be like a kid in a candy store at this attraction. There are over 100 cars and other automotive memorabilia, all beautifully displayed. The overarching theme is the 1950’s, although some vehicles date back to the early 20th century. And if you’re not a fan, you can grab a bite to eat from the on-site 50’s style diner.
KAWHIA
The small seaside town of Kawhia is simply delightful. Located 58km/36miles north west of Otorohanga in a picturesque harbour setting, the town has a population of 650. The main road is lined with pretty old buildings and for a moment you may think that you’ve travelled back in time. There is a surprising number of accommodation options for such a small village, including two campgrounds and a backpackers. The town has a selection of eateries and a petrol station, and a pretty Museum (+64-7-871 0161. Entry by Donation. Open Summer Wed-Sun & Public Holidays 11am-4pm. Winter Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Other times by arrangement) that sits on the water’s edge right beside the old wharf. Activities in Kawhia include horse trekking on a beautiful unspoilt beach, natural hot water pools, kayaking, and heritage tours.
Kawhia is world famous for its splendid Kawhia Kai Festival, a gastronomic celebration of Māori cuisine. The festival is held in early February and draws huge crowds.
RAGLAN & BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
The seaside town of Raglan is located 45km/28miles west of Hamilton along State Highway 23. The road there seems remote and isolated, and without warning, you arrive at the bustling town with its many cafés, restaurants, surf shops, bars and holiday makers. There’s no denying that the town has a superb location at the picturesque Whaingaroa Harbour on the West Coast, and the many accommodation options and holiday parks tempt travellers to spend the night. Raglan has a long black sand beach and attracts surfers from all over the world thanks to its great surf. If you want to find out more about the history of Raglan and the region, head to the Raglan & District Museum (15 Wainui Road. +64-7-825 8925. Entry fee. $. Open 7 days. 9.30am-6pm. Closed 25 Dec and ANZAC Day morning), next to the Information Centre. If you want tranquility for the soul, head to the splendid Solscape, just outside of town. Located on a marvellous hilltop setting with superb views over the coastline, this fully functional eco retreat offers massages, yoga, surfing lessons, a vegan restaurant, and accommodation.
Raglan is surrounded by magnificent scenery and whilst there, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Bridal Veil Falls, 20km/12.5miles south of town on Te Mata Road, off State Highway 23. From the car park an easy ten minute walk through beautiful forest takes visitors to a viewing platform, and from there you can continue the short walk to the base of the spectacular waterfall.
http://www.solscape.co.nz/