Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park

Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park is set across six hectares of park-like grounds just 6km east of Matamata, in the heart of New Zealand’s Waikato region. The standout feature here is the natural geothermal hot mineral pools, which are free for all camping guests to use. The complex includes a large outdoor heated swimming pool and several smaller hot pools ranging from 27°C to 40°C, plus private pools available for hire. It’s a campground where you can genuinely soak away the day’s adventures.

The park offers 80 powered and non-powered camping sites spread across flat, well-maintained grounds with mature trees providing shade. Accommodation also includes motel units, tourist flats, kitchen cottages, and standard cabins for those wanting something more solid. Communal facilities include a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, fridge, freezer, and stoves, clean toilet and shower amenities (free), a TV room with Freeview channels, coin-operated laundry, a camp store, and Wi-Fi throughout the park. BBQ areas and picnic spots are scattered around the grounds.

The location is ideal for exploring some of the Waikato’s top attractions. The Hobbiton Movie Set is just 25 minutes away, making this a popular base for Lord of the Rings fans. Wairere Falls, the North Island’s highest waterfall, is a 10-minute drive, and the historic Firth Tower museum is right next door. An 18-hole golf course sits adjacent to the property. The park is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 9pm, with check-in from 1pm and check-out by 10am.