Nearby Activities | Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel

Guided Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set

One such popular attraction is the Hobbiton Movie Set – famed for hosting The Shire in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord Of The Rings” international blockbuster films. You can see the beautiful Bag End of Middle-Earth in all its glory with a guided tour of the set, and the picturesque property it was hosted on. You’ll see the rich depth and attention to detail Peter Jackson and his team put into this set, and see why it remains such a famed destination for many international tourists and New Zealand locals alike.

Each day, the Hobbiton tour departs from the local Shire’s Rest Cafe, in Matamata.

It’s ideal to book your tour ahead of time, to make sure of availability.

Tours can be booked at www.hobbitontours.com/en/

Blue Springs Track – Te Waihou River Walkway

Another worthwhile activity while enjoying your stay at the Okoroire Hotel is to make a visit to the nearby Blue Springs walking track – a 10 minute drive away, in Putaruru. Experience the crisp, clear blue waters of our local Waihou River, along a scenic 4.7km long track. Walk as long as you like on this track – with the full walk from end to end taking around 3 hours. Its double-back layout means that you can choose to turn back whenever you feel the need.

The Blue Spring walkway is an easy going track to walk – so it’s a great activity for casual walkers and families alike.  It’s also well equipped – with 4 toilets on site, and a well maintained track. It’s worth noting that dogs are not permitted on this track, to preserve the landscape and ecosystem.

Whether you love to get out and experience nature, exercise, or even just enjoy taking beautiful photos, Putaruru’s excellent Blue Springs walk is one you don’t want to miss while staying at the Okoroire Hotel.

Experience Specialty Shopping in Tirau

Tirau is easily one of New Zealand’s most memorable towns – partly because of the giant corrugated iron dog and sheep visible from the main road, but also because of the reputation Tirau has built for its rich niche specialty shopping, and antique hunting experience. 

A walk along the various shop fronts on the main road will reveal a wealth of interesting shops to visit. Tirau has a shop to please any visitor. It features a novelty sweet store, stocked with specialty UK and European lollies, licorice, and snacks. It has an array of high quality niche cafes – ranging from Italian to Swiss cuisine. If you’re passionate about Christmas, Tirau even has a Christmas specialty shop – open all year.

There are still a number of great collectible and antique shops in Tirau too – selling the weird, wonderful, and beautiful items collected from a range of generations. Much of what is in these stores is not available online, so if you have an interest in vintage shopping, you will want to give these Tirau stores a visit. 

It’s easy to spend hours in Tirau just exploring its offerings, and enjoying a unique shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else.

If this appeals to you, you’ll be glad to learn that Tirau is just 6 minutes from the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel.

We look forward to seeing you

Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is central to a hot spot of exciting attractions in the area. In addition to our natural hot springs, golf course, and fly fishing, you’ll be well entertained for each and every day of your stay with us.