Wanaka does quirky!

What I love about NZ, is the quirky factor you find tucked away in little places here there and everywhere. Quirky has always appealed to me! It the little something that can give a place it's edge. It may not be anything big or flashy, just something a little out of the ordinary that catches your attention and appeals to your senses in some way.

There are a few things to appeal to the quirky senses in Wanaka, some more obvious than others. Out near the airport, there are two museums. One is the Warbirds and Wheels Museum which as the name suggests, has a great collection of historical fighter aircraft, a private collection of over 30 classic cars and motorcycles, and also some wearable art. 

Interesting probably fits this collection more than quirky, however, I thought this one was worth the mention due to the fascinating wearable art that holds it's place in the building.

There are also two walls dedicated to the pilots of World War I and World War II. One of these displays is a Roll of Honour Wall, the other a Fighter Ace Wall that displays biographies.

The other museum is the National Transport and Toy Museum which is one of the largest private collections in the world and has to be seen to be believed. I was gobsmacked at just how much was jammed into the spaces they have there. I thought this place definitely fitted the quirky factor for the sheer number of items fitted into four huge sheds. Toys, vehicles of all descriptions, motorbikes, aircraft - absolutely incredible! Make sure you have a few hours or more if you're an enthusiast and you want to make the most of this.

Puzzling World is known as Wanaka's World of Weirdness and is a popular tourist attraction. They take pride in messing with your head through a bunch of 'bizarre buildings, rooms of illusion' and their world famous maze. Their gift shop is full of wonderful weird and strange things and plenty of puzzles that make fantastic gifts for family and friends who love anything that stretches their mind. I usually find myself having a wander through their gift shop at some point during my visits. Please note that the pics following are online pics, not mine.

My favourite place though is Cinema Paradiso. It lives in a regular building where nothing seems particularly out of the ordinary until you go into the cinema itself.  You then have collection of random couches, recliners and even an old car body with seats to watch your movie from. Again, the pics following from Cinema Paradiso were sourced online and are not mine.

You can have a light meal at the cinema as well, either eating before the movie or ordering beforehand and it will be ready for you at the intermission. Yes, they have an intermission!! And for a short time before the intermission, your nostrils are tantalised by the delicious aroma of home baked chocolate chip cookies. Huge cookies, that are ready hot and irresistibly waiting when you come out.

It's an experience that's worth the effort and a great way to wind down at the end of a day exploring or on the slopes. Do yourself a favour and check it out if you're ever visiting Wanaka and are in need some chill out time.