Flush with Style: New Zealand’s 16 Most Quirky Public Toilets

Jay is pointing out to visitors NZ architectural features such as great toilet design., slightly weird and very kiwi!

Forget the view—it’s time for a "potty" selfie. Explore the absurd and artistic world of NZ public architecture.

Public toilet architecture is beautifully absurd. It takes a private bodily function and wraps it in world-class art, recycled boat hulls, and even mountain bike tracks. From the far north to the heart of the North Island, these 16 "thrones" are legitimate tourist destinations.

1. Hundertwasser Toilets | Kawakawa

The undisputed king of Kiwi latrines. Designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, these toilets feature sculptures, mosaics, and copper work. With famously "no straight lines," it’s the ultimate bucket-list bathroom.

2. "Paihia’s Wee Toilet" | Maiki Hill

Overlooking the waterfront, these toilets feature exposed aggregate, stainless steel "plant pots," and a lush rooftop garden. The sign "Paihia’s Wee Toilet" makes for a cheeky selfie that rivals the Bay of Islands view.

3. Waipu Mural Toilets | Waipu

It’s hard to believe this is a toilet block. A floor-to-ceiling mural wraps around the building, narrating the district’s history through kilted figures, Māori voyagers, and native bush in earthy "Kiwi" tones.

4. Matakana Boat Hulls | Matakana

Reflecting the town’s upmarket vibe, these toilets resemble the hulls of upturned boats. Built with recycled kauri and featuring stained-glass porthole windows, the two guardian figures at the entrance are Instagram legends.

5. Stanmore Bay Reserve Toilets | Whangaparāoa

A community effort where local schoolchildren painted a vibrant mural of the classic New Zealand summer. The flora and fauna panels breathe life into an otherwise functional beachside facility.

6. Warkworth Historic Latrine | Warkworth

Located at the Warkworth Heritage Museum, this is a "look-but-don't-use" experience. Open the door to find a Victorian lady mannequin—with her knickers around her ankles—permanently occupying the historic long-drop.

7. Grafton Bridge Tram Shelter | Auckland

History buffs shouldn't miss these Edwardian Baroque beauties. Built in the early 20th century, they served a dual purpose as a tram shelter and public convenience. They are now a Category 2 heritage-listed site.

8. Hot Water Beach Facilities | Coromandel

Stunning "see-through" architecture using wood and steel manages to handle massive tourist crowds with style. The communal outdoor hand-washing area is perfect for families rinsing off the famous thermal sands.

9. Waihi Beach "Bach" Toilets | Waihi

A mural of a classic Kiwi beach shack (bach) covers this block, complete with surfboards and flax. Pro Tip: Look for the mural of the dog wearing sunglasses on the path to the beach for the perfect photo op.

10. The Outhouse | Tirau

Tirau is the corrugated iron capital of the world, and their toilets don't disappoint. These "Outhouse" toilets embrace a deliberately shabby, humorous look that fits the town's quirky aesthetic perfectly.

11. Redwoods Shroud | Rotorua

These award-winning "shrouds" are magical at night. Laser-cut metal cylinders feature native bird imagery and Māori kowhaiwhai patterns, glowing from within to illuminate the surrounding forest.

12. Waipa Valley Bike Park | Rotorua

Function meets adrenaline here. Nestled into the hillside, a mountain bike trail actually runs over the roof. These unisex facilities include showers and changing rooms, making them a haven for muddy riders.

13. Eltham Mosaics | Taranaki

A stunning upgrade to a simple brick block. Featuring recycled vintage iron columns, leadlight windows, and intricate mosaic tiling, this is a compulsory stop for any Taranaki road trip.

14. Stratford "Tudor" Toilets | Taranaki

In keeping with Stratford's Shakespearean theme, these toilets feature a faux-Tudor exterior. Inside, the artwork depicts sketches of the iconic Mount Taranaki and scenes from the Forgotten World Highway.

15. Otorohanga Kiwiana Toilets | Otorohanga

A standard concrete block gets a makeover in deep forest green, labeled with classic Kiwi slang for "toilet." Inside, the tiles reflect the town's self-proclaimed status as the "Kiwiana Capital of the World."

16. Timber Trail Toilets | Bennettswell

Cheerful and meta! This toilet block features a mural of two cyclists taking a selfie of themselves on the trail. It’s a functional piece of art that perfectly captures the spirit of the nearby forest cycleway.