Puzzling World, Wānaka

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Wānaka, New Zealand, Puzzling World offers a unique blend of bizarre buildings, puzzling illusions, and a maze that challenges the mind and delights the senses. Established in 1973, this amusement park is an iconic destination for those seeking a twist on the traditional tourist experience.

Puzzling World is renowned for its eccentric architecture, including the Tumbling Towers and the famous Leaning Tower of Wānaka, which defies gravity at a startling angle. Visitors are greeted by the illusionary façade of the park's main building, designed to disorient and intrigue from the very first glance.

Inside, the Illusion Rooms provide a series of bewildering experiences. The Ames Forced Perspective Room, for instance, plays with perception, making people appear larger or smaller depending on their position. The Hologram Hall showcases a collection of 3D images that seem to float in mid-air. The Sculptillusion Gallery, filled with mind-bending sculptures and interactive exhibits, further challenges visitors' grasp on reality.

The centerpiece of Puzzling World is the Great Maze, a large-scale labyrinth that invites guests to navigate its complex network of pathways. The challenge is to reach the four corner towers and find the way out, a task that can easily consume an hour of twisting and turning through the carefully designed puzzle.

Puzzling World is not just a playground for the mind; it also offers a range of amenities, including the Puzzle Café and Gift Shop. The café serves refreshments perfect for recharging after an intense session of puzzle-solving, while the gift shop offers an array of brain teasers and puzzles to take home.