Before settlement, the district was covered in indigenous vegetation, most of that being the Kopuatai Peat Dome which historically stretched from the Hauraki Gulf to Matamata, and from the Kaimais to the western ranges.

The district’s natural environment contains some landscapes and features with outstanding qualities. These outstanding natural features are of regional and, in some cases, national and international significance. In the majority of cases these areas such as the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the Kaimai – Mamaku Ranges are held as reserve or in public ownership. However there are some significant natural resources held in private ownership.

The Kaimai Ranges are considered to be the most outstanding natural feature in the Matamata–Piako District and it is considered that no developmentshould be permitted on them. The Hinuera Valley is also an important regional landscape feature and fairly rare. Therefore any development in the area should be discretionary and be subject to specific design guidelines to protect the natural characteristics of this area. The Kopuatai Peat Dome is the only true peat dome/restaid bog remaining intact in New Zealand, and is the largest remaining freshwater wetland left in the North Island (1) . It is the best example of its kind in New Zealand and supports a vegetation type unique in the world.

(1) A Directory of Wetlands in New Zealand