Matamata, New Zealand, is a rural town known for its proximity to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a significant filming location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. The town offers a limited range of dining options, with the Green Dragon Inn being a popular choice for visitors to the Hobbiton Movie Set, serving traditional pub fare and local beers. Beyond Hobbiton, the Waikato region, which includes Matamata, is known for its local food scene, featuring fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce, artisanal products, and award-winning cheese, ice cream, and dairy products. The region is also home to skilled coffee roasters and top baristas offering a variety of coffee styles.
For those interested in exploring the wider food scene in New Zealand, the country is known for its fresh seafood, succulent lamb, and seasonal produce. Some of the top food regions in New Zealand include Matakana in Auckland, Fleurs Place in Moeraki, Waitaki, Bean Bags at the Winery in Marlborough, and alfresco dining in Queenstown.