Firth Tower & Open Air Historical Village Guide
- Sarah-Jane Lee
- May 5
- 1 min read
Updated: May 12
A standout heritage attraction in the Waikato, Firth Tower offers a deeper look at New Zealand’s rural past just minutes from Matamata. Set on a quiet rural site, this open-air museum features over 13 heritage buildings, showcasing early farming life, local history, and community stories. It’s one of the most complete heritage collections in the region.
Top sights include:
Early New Zealand cinema collection, including links to Waharoa’s film history
Exhibitions on war, local settlement, and pre-European Māori life
Extensive farming equipment displays reflecting Waikato’s agricultural roots
Heritage gardens and shaded picnic areas
Direct access to the Te Aroha shared trail (2km walk from town)
Seasonal programmes and family-friendly activities
Firth Tower is best visited as part of a wider Matamata stay, adding depth beyond Hobbiton and connecting visitors to the region’s history and landscape.Matamata is also a convenient base for visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.
✈️ Final Thought
Firth Tower isn’t a headline attraction. That’s the point. It adds context to the region, grounding the Waikato’s landscapes in real stories of farming, settlement, and community. Paired with a stay in Matamata, it turns a single-stop visit into a more complete experience; one that’s less about ticking off sights and more about understanding the place.
