Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations
8 GREAT PUBLIC PIT STOPS
These 8 cool and quirky conveniences are just some of the loos featured in the book by Jo Knox. They’re definitely are worth a stop, even if you don’t need to go!
Kiwi-as Toilets
TĪRAU’S ‘OUTHOUSE’ – WAIKATO
Tīrau is known as the ‘corrugated capital of the world’, so it’s quite fitting that the toilets here are also clad in rusted corrugated iron, giving them the deceptive appearance of an old outhouse. This pit stop even has a photo opportunity that allows visitors to snap a picture ‘on the loo’. As you do!
THE REDWOOD’S ‘SHROUD’ – ROTORUA
Created from cut corten steel to resemble tree trunks, these individual toilets are nestled beautifully and sympathetically within Rotorua’s The Redwoods forest. Fusing the traditional Māori kōwhaiwhai pattern with imagery of birds, the designs focus on the fragility of New Zealand’s native bird species. They serve as a
TONGARIRO CROSSING TOILETS
Planning on doing the Tongariro Crossing this summer? You may miss the loos if you’re not looking hard enough. They have been cleverly camouflaged to blend in with the surrounding summertime landscape. But remember to bring along your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
MATAKANA’S PUBLIC TOILETS
The public rest stop in Matakana is a work of art. In fact, it was created by Elam School of Fine Arts student and local, Steffan de Haan. The project took around seven years to complete, but most will say it was worth the wait. A key element of his design includes arched rooms that resemble a boat hull – referencing the significance of boat building in the area.
KUMUTOTO TOILETS – WELLINGTON WATERFRONT
Giant worms? A scaly monster? The huge alien-like public restrooms on Wellington’s waterfront are open to interpretation. The design brief was to create a structure with a sculptural form, something iconic, highly visible and unusual that was also well integrated into the visual and historical context of the surrounding precinct. Harking back to the waterfront’s shipping past, they apparently “evoke the crusty saltiness of the sea in the smooth levelness of the precinct, clinging to its surface like barnacles to the underside of a boat.” How convenient.
Discover more characterful conveniences in Jo Knox’s handy book, (RRP $29.99), available from all good bookstores or online at kiwiastoilets.co.nz.