5 things to do in Otorohanga 5. Dine at The Thirsty Weta
1. See a real kiwi
The Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park is one of the best places to spy our national bird. You’ll find the brown kiwi, little spotted kiwi and great spotted kiwi here, as well as plenty of other critters, including kea, kaka and tuatara. Visit kiwihouse.org.nz.
2. See a fake kiwi
Pose for a pic with Otorohanga’s giant corrugated-iron kiwi sculptures, located at each end of the town. One is gold, with a New Zealand flag on its bum, and the other one is painted like a rainbow (though at Christmas it gets dressed up in a Santa suit).
3. Find New Zealand icons
Otorohanga is known as New Zealand’s ‘‘Kiwiana Town’’, and its main street is chock-a-block with Kiwiana memorabilia. Take a walk down the Ed Hillary Walkway, lined with display cases which tell the stories of everything from the Anzacs to Weetbix.
4. Visit the museum
Learn about the history of the town at the museum, made up of four historic buildings - an 1896 police lockup, 1912 courthouse, a police office and 1908 church building. Open Sunday afternoons, free entry. This bar and eatery is a bit of an institution, known for its friendly atmosphere and hearty fare. It also hosts regular quiz nights and live entertainment. Visit theweta.co.nz.