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Waikato
Matamata
Famous as the home of Hobbiton, Matamata offers beautiful rural landscapes, a friendly community, and unique tourism opportunities.
Population
~8,000
Quick Facts
Annual Rainfall
1,250mm annually
Annual Sunshine
1,950 hours annually
Climate & Weather
Understanding the local climate helps you prepare for your new life in Matamata.
Summer (Dec - Feb)
Warm, pleasant summers
24°C
Average High
12°C
Average Low
Winter (Jun - Aug)
Cool winters with regular frosts
15°C
Average High
3°C
Average Low
Monthly Weather Overview
Temperature and rainfall patterns throughout the year
Jan
High/Low
24°/12°C
Rainfall
90mm
Feb
High/Low
25°/13°C
Rainfall
80mm
Mar
High/Low
23°/11°C
Rainfall
95mm
Apr
High/Low
20°/8°C
Rainfall
105mm
May
High/Low
17°/5°C
Rainfall
125mm
Jun
High/Low
15°/3°C
Rainfall
140mm
Jul
High/Low
14°/2°C
Rainfall
145mm
Aug
High/Low
15°/3°C
Rainfall
135mm
Sep
High/Low
17°/5°C
Rainfall
120mm
Oct
High/Low
19°/7°C
Rainfall
105mm
Nov
High/Low
21°/10°C
Rainfall
95mm
Dec
High/Low
23°/11°C
Rainfall
90mm
Things to Do
Discover what makes Matamata special - from natural attractions to cultural experiences.
Hobbiton Movie Set - world-famous attraction
Firth Tower Museum - local heritage
Wairere Falls - stunning 153m waterfall
Opal Hot Springs - natural thermal pools
Rural trails - walking and cycling
Agricultural shows - community events
Teacher Stories
Hear from teachers who chose to make Matamata their home
"Teaching in Matamata is magical - literally! Having Hobbiton nearby makes creative writing lessons so much fun. The kids are proud of their town and love sharing it with visitors."
Lucy Martin
Matamata Primary School
Primary teacher, moved from Auckland in 2020
"The rural setting means smaller class sizes and more individual attention for students. The community is incredibly supportive, and the outdoor education opportunities are endless."
James Peterson
Matamata College
Outdoor Education teacher, moved from Tauranga in 2018
Ready to Explore Teaching in Matamata?
Take the next step in your teaching journey and discover the opportunities waiting for you.