Experience New Zealand
There´s a reason that New Zealand is on the top of many peoples bucket lists, this island-country is packed with stuff to do and whether you're looking for beaches, waves, adventures or beautiful scenery, you will not be disappointed. Being located where it is, YWAM Matamata is ideal for discovering the North Island during your time at the base. Here we have highlighted some of the attractions within a 2 hour drive. This is only a small amount, there's tons of more stuff to do!
Wairere Falls – 10 minute drive
Being the North Islands highest waterfall (152meters) – Wairere Falls is well worth a visit whether you want to go for a swim in the river coming from the waterfall or hike to the very top.
Matamata – 10 minute drive
The YWAM-base is located within a 10 minutes drive from "downtown Matamata". Here you find tourist information, public pools, restaurants, cafés, churches, supermarkets and several different op-shops for the one searching for the unique stuff.
Hobbiton – 20 minute drive
If you are a Lord of the Rings-fan - this is a must see. Buses (price included in entrance-fee) departs regularly from the tourist centre.
Te Aroha - 30 minute drive
Just 35km from Matamata, it is a dairy farming town with lovely walks and hot pools.
Tauranga and Mount Manganui – 45 minute drive
Within a 45 minute drive from the base – beautiful Mount Manganui is our closest beach. Go for a surf, have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or hike with your family around or to the top of the mountain – which is actually an extinct volcano.
Rotorua – 1.5 hour drive
This place is literally boiling. The air is filled with the scent of sulfur, street cracks hiss with the boiling heat, backyard cauldrons plume with steam, all while playgrounds share carpark space with boiling mud pits and sulphuric sinter terraces. Rotorua is unique – go and have a look for yourself!
Coromandel – 2 hour drive
The Coromandel peninsula is (according to many) one of the most beautiful spots on the North Island. See the famous kauri trees, visit the beautiful Cathedral Cove where the Pevensie siblings entered Narnia in the movie Prince Caspian or create your own hot bath at Hot Water Beach.
Raglan – 1.5 hour drive
The "wild" west coast have dramatic scenery, black sand and a laid back coastal lifestyle. If you like to experience (or watch) world class surfing, Raglan (famous from the surf movie "Endless summer") is the place to go. On a good day you could have a 200 meter long ride of your life.
Hamilton – 40 minute drive
With award winning Hamilton Gardens and a really family friendly Zoo, Hamilton is well worth a visit.
Blue springs – 30 minute drive
The crystal clear water of the blue springs make up a good amount of New Zealands bottled fresh water. A trip to the springs or a hike along the river bed is a perfect adventure for the whole family.
Tongariro National Park - 2.5 hour drive
The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage listed area. With active volcanoes, the world famous day hike called the Tongariro Crossing and two of New Zealand's largest ski fields, there is plenty to do in both summer and winter.
More (and really useful) information can be found on: www.newzealand.com
Being the North Islands highest waterfall (152meters) – Wairere Falls is well worth a visit whether you want to go for a swim in the river coming from the waterfall or hike to the very top.
Matamata – 10 minute drive
The YWAM-base is located within a 10 minutes drive from "downtown Matamata". Here you find tourist information, public pools, restaurants, cafés, churches, supermarkets and several different op-shops for the one searching for the unique stuff.
Hobbiton – 20 minute drive
If you are a Lord of the Rings-fan - this is a must see. Buses (price included in entrance-fee) departs regularly from the tourist centre.
Te Aroha - 30 minute drive
Just 35km from Matamata, it is a dairy farming town with lovely walks and hot pools.
Tauranga and Mount Manganui – 45 minute drive
Within a 45 minute drive from the base – beautiful Mount Manganui is our closest beach. Go for a surf, have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or hike with your family around or to the top of the mountain – which is actually an extinct volcano.
Rotorua – 1.5 hour drive
This place is literally boiling. The air is filled with the scent of sulfur, street cracks hiss with the boiling heat, backyard cauldrons plume with steam, all while playgrounds share carpark space with boiling mud pits and sulphuric sinter terraces. Rotorua is unique – go and have a look for yourself!
Coromandel – 2 hour drive
The Coromandel peninsula is (according to many) one of the most beautiful spots on the North Island. See the famous kauri trees, visit the beautiful Cathedral Cove where the Pevensie siblings entered Narnia in the movie Prince Caspian or create your own hot bath at Hot Water Beach.
Raglan – 1.5 hour drive
The "wild" west coast have dramatic scenery, black sand and a laid back coastal lifestyle. If you like to experience (or watch) world class surfing, Raglan (famous from the surf movie "Endless summer") is the place to go. On a good day you could have a 200 meter long ride of your life.
Hamilton – 40 minute drive
With award winning Hamilton Gardens and a really family friendly Zoo, Hamilton is well worth a visit.
Blue springs – 30 minute drive
The crystal clear water of the blue springs make up a good amount of New Zealands bottled fresh water. A trip to the springs or a hike along the river bed is a perfect adventure for the whole family.
Tongariro National Park - 2.5 hour drive
The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage listed area. With active volcanoes, the world famous day hike called the Tongariro Crossing and two of New Zealand's largest ski fields, there is plenty to do in both summer and winter.
More (and really useful) information can be found on: www.newzealand.com
