Visit These Weird But True Attractions In New Zealand This Year

With its North and South Islands, New Zealand is a startlingly beautiful country with exciting cities to explore. Moreover, the country is famous for being the film set for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies based on the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. However, the country is also known for its weird but true attractions that will make you look twice. Read on to find out about three of these unusual locations to visit on a vacation in New Zealand.

Wai-O-Tapu – Devil’s Bath, North Island, New Zealand

Visit Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island to experience the intriguing geothermal phenomenon named Wai-O-Tapu, or Devil’s Bath. Seeing the rather lurid green color of this sulfur lake you might think it is a radioactive dump site from a dystopian science fiction show. However, the color of this strange attraction is wholly natural.

The Devil’s Bath is set in a slight depression, likely caused by an underground eruption. For this reason, visitors can’t actually get down to the smelly water below, which is likely a good thing. This is definitely not a good place to take a dip. However, it does make for great Instagrammable images when viewed from above. As can be seen from the top image and the one above, the color can also vary from bright green to a more sulfuric hue.

Meanwhile, the green color is apparently caused by the sulfur which has risen to the surface and remains floating there. While the origins of the aboriginal satanic name are unknown, just gazing upon the lake makes you almost expect the King of Hell to rise from the lurid water. Meanwhile, the Wai-O-Tapu visitors’ center offers more information about the phenomenon.

Onetahua – Farewell Spit, South Island

Onetahua, or Farewell Spit, is a fascinating place to visit on New Zealand’s South Island. However, this location has a tragic tale to tell. It turns out that since records began to be kept, around 700 whales have run aground here over the years. Seemingly, the ocean mammals commit suicide by beaching themselves on Farewell Spit and no one really knows why.

However, while the reason behind Onetahua is tragic, the sandy beaches and beautiful scenery in this remote nature reserve are definitely worth the visit.

Hundertwasser Toilets, Kawakawa, North Island, New Zealand

After those strange and intriguing landscapes, a visitor wouldn’t normally think of public toilets being a tourist attraction. However, the Hundertwasser Public Toilets in Kawakawa is definitely a worthwhile destination. In fact, they are likely the most architecturally important bathroom in the world.

The Hundertwasser Toilets are the creation of the world-famous, Vienna-born Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It seems the artist spent his final years in Kawakawa, and the unusual bathroom was his final project. While the Hundertwasser Toilets opened in 1999, Hundertwasser passed away in 2000 while on a cruise on the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2.

The design is created with multi-colored tile collages, emblazoned with the artist’s signature and is similar to his other works. Meanwhile, set in the concrete itself are recycled bottles and tiles placed to create a psychedelic appearance.

As with ordinary bathrooms, there are separate toilet stalls for men and women, but in the center stands a living tree, growing up through the roof. Hundertwasser’s final project is a worthwhile visit and the fact that the bathrooms are fully operational somehow adds to the psychedelic atmosphere.

Make time to visit these three weird but true attractions on a vacation in New Zealand. These and other fascinating sights in the country are sure to make any visitor return.