Kiwiana – “big” things to see in New Zealand.
While I was researching information for my previous blog it dawned on me that we as a country do seem to honour our Kiwiana and things which make us kiwis’ by making “big things” to pay them homage.
New Zealand may be a small country but we compensate with a whole bunch of very BIG things!
New Zealand is about 2.5 times smaller than the state of Texas (USA) alone, however, our huge volcanoes, mountain chains and love for the outdoors inspires us to create big things. Huge things even! If it was ever on your bucket list to see a giant trout or even a humongous soda bottle, then New Zealand is the place to do it. Artists have created enormous sculptures all around the country to promote movies or a local beverage to attract tourists or simply for the love of art. Here are just a few of them to give you an idea of what I mean.
GORE’S TROUT
Being one of the southernmost towns in New Zealand, Gore is the official home of New Zealand Country Music. However, perhaps more importantly, it is known for its fantastic fly-fishing.
Renowned as the Brown Trout Capital, Gore is on the Mataura River, one of the best trout fishing rivers in the world. It’s no wonder, then, that 7 meter brown trout was erected among a pile of large rocks at the entrance of the town. Proudly situated by the Welcome sign, you can’t miss it as you drive into this Southland fishing-frenzied community.
Much like the giant salmon in Rakaia, Gore’s trout’s meaning cannot fool anyone. It is what it is, and it means what you’d think it should mean: ‘We have trout here. And it’s good trout.’ Nevertheless, as silly as it may be, it is definitely an icon to both the people in Gore and in the wider Southland region.
