New Zealand may be a small country but some of its towns have rather large statues and sculptures which represent the areas local identity and what they are famous for. These interesting and quirky statues and sculptures are one of a kind and make the tourist experience when traveling through New Zealand a whole lot of fun !

From the North to the South there is a sight to be seen in towns across the country. This article will name a few of the many that you can find on your trip to New Zealand.

Otorohanga (the capital of kiwiana)

*Kiwiana – Certain items and icons from New Zealand’s heritage that are seen as representing iconic Kiwi elements. Otorohanga has many large Kiwi birds made out of corrugated Iron scattered around the town. Otorohanga is the capital of Kiwiana and celebrates New Zealand Icons.

Kiwi bird- Otorohanga

Taihape (Gumboot Capital Of The World)

Taihape is a rural New Zealand town with a strong farming community. A Gumboot Festival, which has been celebrated since 1985 celebrates the town’s rural image and all things gumboots. There is the gumboot throwing competition that aims to break the world record of the longest gumboot throw. Large crowds are attracted to the annual event. Taihape takes pride in its big gumboot just at the entrance of the town.

Gumboot

Paeora ( The Home Of Lemon & Paeroa)

The sleepy town of Paeroa is best known for the famous New Zealand soft Drink named Lemon and Paeroa. It was originally made in the town from lemon and carbonated mineral water from the town. The large brown bottle is the main attraction of Paeroa and was used in advertisements in the 90’s. Many people will stop the car and take a photo in front of it before they go to one of the local cafes and try or buy the drink.

Lemon and Paeroa

Bulls

Bulls is a small town near Palmerston North 160km north of Wellington. The town is named after James Bull, who founded the town and owned the first general store there. Bulls have embraced their name by naming things accordingly. The crèche is named The Bulls Calf Creche, they have a local publication called the bull-it-in and the policemen and woman at the station have been nicked named consta-bulls. This humor makes the small rural town famous even having a large wooden bull to landmark the quirky place.

Bulls

Gore – (World Capital of Brown Trout Fishing)

Trout Fishing

Gore calls itself the World Capital of Brown Trout Fishing. Brown Trout were introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 1860’s and rapidly established themselves. Gore lies on the banks of the Mataura River where the fish can be caught. Gores famous Brown Trout Statue is leaping up to catch a fly which they are caught with. Gores closest cities are Dunedin and Invercargill.

That is only five of the many statues that can be found in all the different towns and cities around New Zealand these unique “big Things” represent the identity of the area but also provide a novel backdrop for tourists and visitors to the areas. So on your next visit to New Zealand or a city or town within make sure you look out for the quirky landmarks!