Ever driven through a small town as quickly as possible enroute to your next stop – your REAL destination? (You know what I’m talking about.)
Some of New Zealand’s smaller towns, however, boast larger than life landmarks designed to make you sit up and take notice. From Ohakune’s enormous orange carrot to Paeroa’s massive L&P bottle, these sights represent something iconic about their home turf. Don’t forget to stop and snap your cheesy touristy photo with these giant attractions!
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Ohakune’s big carrot
It’s impossible to miss this oversized vegetable, first erected in 1984. Positioned firmly at the town’s entrance, the carrot is a tribute to Ohakune’s fertile soil. Carrots, which have been grown here for about a century, are the town’s claim to fame – Ohakune grows the majority of the North Island’s total crop.
Te Puke’s big kiwifruit
While the kiwifruit originates from China, it’s become a national icon of New Zealand – and Te Puke is known as the kiwifruit capital of the world. At Kiwi360, a popular tourist attraction with orchards, cafe, gift shop and theme park, you’ll find this gigantic kiwifruit beside the highway..
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A photo posted by Jodi G (@mb_farmgurl) on
Paeroa’s big L&P bottle
This is where the quintessential Kiwi fizzy drink was born. The L&P (Lemon and Paeroa) bottle on the main street is augmented by plaques elaborating on the development of the drink and how it came to be. Be sure to pick up a bottle of the actual stuff from one of the local shops and sample it if you haven’t already!
Taihape’s big gumboot
Gumboots definitely earn their keep in this agricultural region. Taihape prides itself on being the ‘gumboot capital of New Zealand’ and hosts a Gumboot Day festival each year. This corrugated iron landmark represents humility and hard work.
Otorohanga’s big apple
Unlike the other giant landmarks mentioned so far, this one has a more commercial bent. The Big Apple Cafe in Otorohanga overlooks an apple, pear and kiwifruit farm, near Waitomo Caves.
Tirau’s big sheep and sheepdog
A tourist’s first stop is often the local i-SITE and in Tirau you can’t miss the information centre – it’s shaped like a sheep and dog! The idea originally came from landowner John Drake, who envisioned the project.
Cromwell’s big fruit
This huge fibreglass fruit salad, consisting of a peach, pear, apple and orange, was constructed to honour Cromwell’s biggest industry. If you’re visiting in summer, stop at the roadside food stalls to try the real thing.
Rakaia’s big salmon
The Rakaia River south of Christchurch is home to some of New Zealand’s best salmon fishing. You can’t miss this statue – it stands 12 metres high beside the main highway.
Gore’s big trout
It’s known as the world capital of brown trout, so it’s no surprise Gore went for a giant trout as its big symbol, positioned near the town’s welcome sign. It’s famous for country and western music, too – there’s also a giant guitar on display.
(Feature image: Greg Hewgill)
