KawaKawa Town

KawaKawa Town

KawaKawa is a small town located in the Northland Region, known as the "train station town" because the Bay of Islands Railway passes through here. The town has gained fame for its public toilets, attracting countless visitors. It’s the first time hearing of a town renowned for its toilets—this public toilet is the masterpiece of Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Friedensreich Hundertwasser lived in the Bay of Islands from 1975 to 2000. At that time, the most pressing issue in the town was the state of its toilets. As KawaKawa lies along New Zealand’s State Highway 1, tourists heading to the Bay of Islands often passed through the town, leading to overcrowded and unappealing facilities. The toilet designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser was built in 1997. Its exterior resembles a temple, adorned with many brightly colored tiles. The columns are linear and feature creatively patterned designs, the windows are made of bottles, and many plants are grown on the roof, reflecting an environmentally friendly concept.

So far, not many people come here just to use the toilet—only about 20% of the total visitors. Most come in long queues just to admire the toilet, and they visit both the men's and women's restrooms. It’s estimated that this will boost the town’s economy.

Kawakawa

Must-visit reason: The quirkiest town famous for its toilets

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/Region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/State where the attraction is located: Northland Region