Thames Valley

This area is south of Thames and northeast of Hamilton. It’s primarily a dairy farming region. Its main attractions are Te Aroha, a charming town with hot mineral spas; Paeroa, home to New Zealand’s famous L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) soft drink, originally made with the town’s therapeutic spring water; and Matamata, a rural town that has re-branded itself as Hobbiton, thanks to its scenic role in Peter Jackson’s LOTR trilogy.