"World-famous artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s final project was a set of public toilets in the small New Zealand town of Kawakawa where he spent his final years, and those toilets are still open for “business.”
Covered in the artist’s signature multi-colored tile collages and undulating lines, the toilets resemble his other architectural works, simply in miniature. The facilities opened in 1999 welcoming waves of photo-happy tourists and art lovers who wanted not just to relieve themselves but also record the experience. Recycled bottles and tiles are embedded in the concrete of the facilities to create the psychedelic designs. In addition to the standard men’s and women’s stalls, the center of the toilets has a living tree that grows up through the roof of the pavilion and blends with the native grasses that are grown on the roof.
Hundertwasser passed away in 2000 shortly after the toilets were opened, making them the final piece of art that he would produce in his lifetime. They may be working bathrooms, but his positively pulchritudinous public potties provide a little beauty while fulfilling their duty." - ATLAS_OBSCURA
What a quirky tourist attraction but it is definitely worth a stop - great honour to the architect who has other features along the main street. Quite unique & a bit Gaudi-ish.
Behind the toilets is a beautiful gallery - not open when we visited.
The town is worth a quick walk up the street as an interesting place.
Check the steam railway timetable, as it was working on a Sunday with a number of guests aboard. Interestingly it chugs straight down the main street.
Tanziha Matin
Google
I absolutely loved it, Absolutely!
Only in Kawakawa can a toilet be this cool. The Hundertwasser Toilets are a riot of color, curves, and creativity designed by the legendary artist himself in 1999. Mosaic tiles? Check. Wavy floors? Yup. A tree growing out of the roof? Obviously.
It’s part bathroom, part art gallery, and 100% worth a pit stop. Who says nature calls can't be a cultural experience?
SARGES’ Family
Google
Something of a talking point from our tour guide so we stopped by to see for ourselves.
Interesting mosaic art making use of tile and glass bottles.
Very interesting, if not busy in its sense of style.
Either way, the bathrooms were very clean and well maintained, however the soap dispenser was empty.
Gary Brydon
Google
Must see. Truely unbelievable in a very nice way.
Ninette
Google
Just fantastic. A must experience. I have no idea how they can keep them clean!
Fiona Jordan
Google
These just might be the classiest public toilets in New Zealand. They really do have a 'Wow' factor!
Lynne Oldfield
Google
Fun and functional. The town of Kawakawa is quaint and well worth the detour. Watch out for the train chugging down the main street.
Saadia Khurram
Google
Fantastic display of Art and it's amazing to see how Artist Hundertwasser have made such spectacular use of bottles and pottery. We loved the whole street of KawaKawa
Kellie R.
Yelp
It's a bit odd to be Yelping about a restroom but honestly, it's a sight to behold and is unlike anything that I've ever seen before. I actually bought a magnet from across the street of these toilets! Ha. (If you do want a magnet, you might have to go into several stores to find it because they don't really make them).
The artwork is absolutely stunning and if you were passing by, you wouldn't even think about this building to be a public bathroom.
It's well maintained and stocked (which is important for tourists on a long drive).
There was a long line when I went but it was worth it because even the stalls were beautiful!
Bill Y.
Yelp
No trip to the Bay of Islands would be complete without a trip to the Hundertwasser toilets. They are located in Kawakawa on the Main Street. You can find plenty of parking and use the facilities while you admire the project.
Michael K.
Yelp
As far as I know the last work of Hundertwasser before he passed by It's a little highlight when you drive up to the Bay of Islands, but like already mentioned not worth a long way round.
Anyway, it's nice! Take a rest :-)
Keith E.
Yelp
Well, I must admit it was the first time I have ever taken my camera into a toilet and taken photographs. Wow, such great artwork. I enjoyed it, a must do! !
Tobias A.
Yelp
Not only for fans of Hundertwasser! Stunning design, very clean and good for a visit. Kawakawa is roughly 150 km North of Auckland. The city itself is small and Not very charming.
Qype User (berlin…)
Yelp
It's been amazing driving down the road and spotting suddenly and totally unexpectedly a Hundertwasser building. This was a great opportunity to introduce my friends to this outstanding artist which they will never forget!