Unusual attractions

As well having many natural attractions, New Zealand also has its share of weird and wonderful tourist draws. Some of the most unusual include:

The Leaning Tower of Wanaka

This tower, which is part of Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World, leans at a seemingly impossible angle of 53 degrees to the ground and containings a backwards clock that was started on the eve of the new Millennium. How the tower is kept on its angle without collapsing is a well-kept secret but appears to depend on some sort of counterbalance or anchoring device.

The Kiwiana Collection of Otorohanga

The North Island town of Otorohanga lays claim to being New Zealand's home of Kiwiana - all the national icons that include buzzy bees, jandals, sheep and many others. As well as displaying large murals, the town has a series of floating models for each icon and even public toilets that have tiles illustrated with the Kiwi emblems.

The Castle Pamela, Tirau

Located in the town of Tirau, which is known for its collection of corrugated iron art, The Castle Pamela combines the traditional atmosphere of a castle with the marvel of New Zealand's largest doll, toy and train collection. Two hours from Auckland, and between Hamilton and Taupo, The Castle gives its King (Kelvin) and Queen (Pam) chance to meet their new subjects.

The Republic of Whangamomona

In 1989, two regional councils changed the local boundaries and enraged the 40 or so residents of Whangamomona. So they declared themselves a republic, putting up passport controls and asking visitors to buy visas (at the local pub). Every year, they elect a president though one was assassinated (that was the last time they chose a goat!). Thousands visit the republic every year.

Stonehenge Aotearoa

Just outside of the North Island town of Carterton is a full-scale working adaptation of Stonehenge. Called Stonehenge Aotearoa, it incorporates ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Indus Valley astronomy, Polynesian navigation, and Celtic and Maori starlore.