Matamata-Piako district is centred around three main towns that extend to include a number of rural communities. Around 40% of residents live outside the urban areas and there is continued demand for semirural lifestyle blocks and rural living.

The cost of living in Matamata-Piako is similar to other provincial areas of New Zealand and is great value compared to major centres. Matamata-Piako’s housing costs (both rental costs and purchase prices) are generally less expensive than the New Zealand average. Matamata-Piako’s lower house prices enable home ownership to be a realistic option for young families.

Matamata-Piako has a favourable climate with summer daytime temperatures ranging from 22 to 26 degrees. Winter daytime temperatures range between 10 to 16 degrees.

Education

Matamata-Piako offers excellent pre-school, primary, and secondary level education. We have 40 schools including three secondary schools in the district. The University of Waikato and private schools are located as little as a 20 minute drive away.

Health care

A range of public and private health services are available in Matamata-Piako, with access to 24 hour medical and emergency care. Waikato Hospital is located a short drive away and is a full service hospital that serves the Waikato region. Ambulance and health shuttles are available to transport people to hospital and medical services.

Recreation

Matamata-Piako’s extensive natural features create an environment where outdoor activities are readily accessible to residents and visitors. The forest-clad hills of the Kaimai Ranges and Te Miro Forest Park are ideal for walking and mountain biking, and the district offers many opportunities for camping, kayaking, picnicking and other activities. Matamata-Piako is also within easy driving distance to great skiing and to New Zealand’s most popular surf and swimming beaches.

Matamata-Piako has more than 110 public reserves, gardens and parks with a wide range of amenities, playgrounds and walking and cycling tracks to enjoy. We also provide a wide range of community facilities (e.g. pools, libraries and events centres) and tourist attractions (e.g. Firth Tower Museum, Te Aroha Mineral Spas and Hauraki Rail Trail). These all help make our community a great place to live.