Home to some of the South Island’s most spectacular scenery and Instagram icons like ‘That Wanaka Tree‘ and Roys Peak, a stop in Wanaka is an absolute must! It’s also home to a truly unique NZ original you won’t want to miss: Puzzling World!
Guest starring: Puzzling World
“Welcome to Wanaka’s Wonderful World of Weirdness!”
Having over 45 years of experience entertaining visitors to Wanaka, Puzzling World is more popular than ever as a mentally stimulating, fun activity that will leave you scratching your head and laughing at what brain thinks your eyes can see. Whether you’re here for the attractions, the puzzles, the shopping or to enjoy the café, the guys at Puzzling World are here to help!
The first things you see as you approach Puzzling World are the eccentric buildings, namely the Tumbling Towers, featuring four Towers built on a skewed angle, and one of the most photographed Southern icons, the Leaning Tower of Wanaka.
This popular, award-winning attraction began with the Great Maze (Labyrinth) in 1973. We invented the modern-style maze with 1.5 kms of confusing passages. To make it even more challenging we made it two stories high, thus making it 3-Dimensional! (Don’t worry – we’ve also included a number of emergency doors for those with limited time, energy or patience.)
Then we have the inside Illusion Rooms. These rooms are fascinating and very amusing – enjoyed especially as a group activity!
The Hologram Hall has one of the largest displays of 3-D Holograms in the world and has recently added the latest in holographic projections that are truly trippy!
The Tilted House is full of impossible looking illusions. Can water really flow uphill? Sit on a monorail chair and ride from floor to ceiling UPHILL! Go on….show us your tilts!
The Hall of Following Faces is a world unique illusion room that we also invented. Imagine a huge gallery with 168 giant famous faces surrounding you. Walk around the room and suddenly you will be aware that they’re all rotating to track you! It’s just an illusion but incredible to experience.
The Ames Room demonstrates the illusion of Forced Perspective. Stand in one corner and you’ll be a giant, switch sides to become a dwarf! A much-used technique from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and loved by those with a Napoleon complex.
The Sculptillusion Gallery, opened in 2013, marked Puzzling World’s biggest launch in over a decade – their fifth, and by far the largest Illusion Room. Themed around an illusionary sculpture garden, the Gallery invites visitors to wander around the numerous larger-than-life exhibits that showcase visual trickery at its best.
Then we have the Puzzle Centre/Café. Sit down and try the incredible puzzles while enjoying a bite to eat. Watch the puzzles demonstrated by our skilled staff and look up to see a huge mirrored ceiling act like a giant kaleidoscope. Our Gift Shop is packed with puzzles, books and merchandise for all ages, skill level and budgets.
Last, but not least, you must visit our unusual Roman Toilets! The entry room to the main public toilet area has been created to be a replica of a 2000-year-old Roman Lavatorium – definitely worth a look!
What’s more, Stray passengers can enjoy all of this at a discounted rate so there’s even more reason to let your Drive Guide know that you’re keen to “get your weird on” and visit us when you’re in Wanaka!
