Think big when making tracks
OPINION: Here I was, driving down the road to Arthur’s Pass, when we decided to stop for a coffee in Springfield.
As I step out of our green car (named Orbiter after the famous Christchurch bus), I stare in disbelief at a giant rendition of a donut. My brain is half amused at the Simpsons reference, half puzzled at the township’s decision to spend money on a giant piece of plastic dough.
As I later found out, New Zealand’s ‘‘big things’’ are a tourist staple. So, if your festival or event was cancelled by Covid, don’t let your holiday go to waste – pack up your car, and follow our NZ Big Things roadie:
BIG L&P BOTTLE IN PAEROA
What better place to start than the oldest Kiwi Big Thing itself: Paeroa’s giant L&P bottle. Kick off your roadie just south of Auckland with a fresh drink and the knowledge that you are standing in front of a statue made in 1964 – a real historical gem.
TAUPO¯ BIG BICYCLE AND TROUT
Travel down to Taupo¯ to enjoy not one but two Big Things. The giant bicycle was erected in 2012, a nod to cyclists in the region and Taupo¯ ’s value for bicycle adventures. It was badly damaged, but brought back after receiving a makeover in 2015. A big trout also welcomes you to the town’s harbour.
OHAKUNE’S BIG CARROT
Believe it or not, this big carrot was originally used in Ohakune for a TV advert in the 80s. Soon after, it was erected at the entrance of the town to celebrate the ad as well as the many carrots grown in the township and surrounding areas.
PUKEKURA’S GIANT SANDFLY
We’ve made it to the South
Island! While this one may be enough to give me nightmares for weeks, you’ve got to hand it to Pukekura – a giant sandfly is a kiwi staple. This wonder can be found at the Bushman Centre. Make sure you’ve sprayed yourself sufficiently before leaving your car . . .
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T¯IRAU/CROMWELL’S BIG FRUIT
We’re all about our five-a-day here – and Cromwell is not going to let you forget about your healthy dose of fruit! Stop in the town centre to commemorate the surrounding orchards and their delicious stone fruits. Go on, take a shameless pic of yourself eating a real fruit while standing in front of the statue.
APARIMA/RIVERTON’S BIG PA¯ UA
Well well well, we’ve ended this roadtrip at the South of Aotearoa with what may be my favourite Big Thing. The gorgeous blue pa¯ ua in Aparima celebrates the town’s fishing as well as its pa¯ ua jewellery trade.
Don’t worry, there’s plenty more classic Kiwi Big Things that weren’t featured here. If you see any on your holidays, post your best photos to your Neighbourly feed!