(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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Matamata Travel Agent Expert

Matamata is a charming rural town on New Zealand’s North Island, best known as the gateway to Hobbiton—the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Surrounded by lush green farmland and rolling hills, it offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere with a strong farming heritage. Visitors come for the cinematic magic, but stay for the scenic beauty, warm hospitality, and relaxing pace of life.


 


Top 5 Places in Matamata:



  • Hobbiton Movie Set – The iconic film location featuring Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and lush Shire landscapes.

  • Wairere Falls – A stunning 153-meter waterfall with scenic walking tracks and panoramic views.

  • Firth Tower Museum – A heritage site showcasing local history with preserved buildings and rural exhibits.

  • Opal Hot Springs – A relaxing spot with thermal pools and family-friendly facilities.

  • Matamata Heritage Trail – A self-guided walk highlighting historical buildings and points of interest in the town center.


 


Top 10 Activities in Matamata:



  • Take a guided tour of Hobbiton – Explore the magical film set with stories from behind the scenes.

  • Hike to Wairere Falls – Enjoy a bush walk through native forest leading to an impressive waterfall.

  • Soak in Opal Hot Springs – Unwind in mineral-rich thermal pools surrounded by nature.

  • Visit Firth Tower Museum – Learn about the region’s history through interactive exhibits and restored buildings.

  • Explore local cafes and eateries – Sample hearty Kiwi fare and locally roasted coffee.

  • Cycle through the countryside – Ride quiet rural roads with views of farmlands and rolling hills.

  • Stroll the Matamata Heritage Trail – Discover the town’s colonial past on a scenic walk.

  • Enjoy a picnic at Centennial Drive – A tranquil park with gardens, streamside paths, and birdlife.

  • Shop for local crafts and gifts – Browse boutique stores and weekend markets for handmade goods.

  • Capture photos of the Hobbiton sign – A must-do for fans and travelers passing through.

My Reviews

73 of 117 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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64 of 110 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 101 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • New Orleans

Travel Specialist:

  • Luxury
  • Adventure
  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Photography

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

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