New Zealand Natural scenery is stunning and our number one bit of advice would be to stop at look outs and photograph the hell out of it… however, did you know about the quirky photo spots along the way? No? There are quite a lot so we have decided to divide these spots into North Island and South Island. So here are some ideas for your North Island “been there, done that, got the photo” list
L&P Bottle – Paeroa, Waikato
Paeroa is a cute town on the road from Auckland to Coromandel and is also known to be the place where the World famous in New Zealand L&P was originally produced. L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) is a sweet soft drink that uses Lemon Juice and Carbonated water from Paeroa – you get why it is called L&P now? There is parking close to the bottle and it is also a great spot to get more snacks (and a L&P) for the road.
Big Dog and Sheep – Tirau, Waikato
Slightly south of Hamilton is a lovely town called Tirau. Here you will find the Big Dog and Sheep buildings (yes they are buildings in the shape of these animals). The Dog house is actually the information centre and the Sheep houses a lovely wool and craft shop. What came first? Aaaah the big question… was it the chicken or the…. Oh wait… was it the dog or the sheep. It was the Sheep. Bet you feel better knowing that fact!
The Big Apple Café – Otohoranga, Waikato
Why not kill two birds with one stone. Stop off at The Big Apple Café for a bite to eat and also take a photo in front of the Big Apple shaped sign… trust me, you cannot miss it! This café is close to the Waitomo Caves as well.
The Kiwi and Kiwiana Walk – Otohoranga, Waikato
While you are in Otohoranga taking a photo of the Apple, why not also visit the Big Kiwi and while you are at it…. Take a walk along the main street and have a look at the Kiwiana displays. This is an interesting and fun way to learn what Kiwiana is and also how to speak like a Kiwi.
Mega Cow – Morrinsville, Waikato
Now Mabel the Mega Cow is definitely the main one to get a photo of, however, if you have time on your hands…. Why not go on a bit of a treasure hunt… or should we say Cow hunt. There are over 60 cows in the Morrinsville’s Herd. Each cow has been decorated/painted by Kiwi artists and they even have their own little story.
Huge Kiwifruit – Te Puke, Bay of Plenty
Te Puke grows Kiwifruit like it is going out of fashion… what better way to show the world that you are famous for the cultivation of Kiwifruit than having a huge slice of Kiwifruit for people to stop and take a photo of! Te Puke has delivered…. We MUST photograph!
The Carrot – Ohakune, Ruapehu
Since 1984 Ohakune has had a huge 7.5metre Carrot. Apparently it was actually built for a TV commercial and was then donated to the town. Interesting fact, Ohakune grows two-thirds of the North Island’s Carrot crops (also another interesting fact… I naturally spell carrot with two tt’s and have to keep deleting one after I have typed Carrott… oops I mean Carrot)
Statue of Shearer – Te Kuiti, King Country
Self-claimed Sheep shearer capital of New Zealand, Te Kuiti has an enourmous 6 metre tall statue of a shearer on its main road. Sheep shearing has become quite a sport in New Zealand and if you have a chance to witness this during your time in New Zealand then we totally recommend it.
The Giant Bike – Taupo, Waikato
You will notice when you enter Taupo that there are a lot of Cyclist… they journey many many miles to worship and give offerings to the God of Bikes (also known as T.G Bike… The Giant Bike) – Only joking… The Giant Bike is literally there because Taupo has loads of cyclists. Cyclist pretty much cycle past it…. But it is another great photo spot on any road trip through Taupo.
Bulls – Bulls, Rangitikei
You have to give it to the residence of Bulls. There town was given this name and they have decided to be loud and proud about it. Bulls has seriously become one of the most “punniest places” on earth. The Police station is named “Const-a-BULL” the Information Centre is “Inform-a-BULL” there is also the Vets that is cleverly named “Animal Hospit-a-BULL”. There are also random Bulls around the town that you can stop and have photos with… it is seriously like no “Udder” town we know!
Gumboot – Taihape, Rangitikei
The hometown of the fictional character Fred Dagg, Taihape decided to take this cling to fame and became the Gumboot capital of New Zealand. They even have a Gumboot day every year where there is a very serious contest of Gumboot throwing. At the North entry into Taihape you will find a huge iron boot which is perfect to climb and get a good photo of.
If you manage to take photos at any of these places, please hashtag #quirkyrichiereelspots as we would love to see you there… if you are awesome enough to actually get a photo of all these spots then you are a lucky winner of…. Ummm… our admiration (sorry, not the best prize but we would truly be well impressed).
If you do also venture over to the South Island (which you really should as that island is like heaven on earth) then check out the next list of quirky places to take a photo of!
