New Zealand's Bra Fence is the major tourist attraction

June

New Zealand’s Bra Fence is the major tourist attraction

Bra Fence has become the Center of Attraction

A small place in New Zealand has become a center of attraction for tourists from all around the world. Tourists from all over the world come here to see this place known as ‘Bra Fence’. From white lace to leopard print. From 32A to 36DD. You’ll find it all at Cardrona’s controversial bra fence.

WHERE/WHAT IS IT?

The Cardrona Bra Fence was a controversial tourist attraction in Central Otago, in New Zealand. At some point between 1998 and 1999, passers-by began to attach bras to a rural fence. The fence gradually became a well known site as the number of bras grew to hundreds. The fence is located on a public road reserve, adjacent to farm property in the Cardrona Valley area southwest of Wanaka, near to Cardrona.. Despite its popularity, there was disagreement over the value of the attraction. The bra fence stands today next to the Cardrona Distillery.

Origin

The Bra Fence began at some point between Christmas 1998 and New Year 1999, when four bras were attached to the wire fence alongside the road. The original reason for the bras being attached to the fence is unknown. News spread of the addition, which was left on the fence by the local landowners, and more bras began to appear. By the end of February there were some 60 bras, but at about this time they were all removed anonymously. This was reported in the local press, and the story gained widespread dissemination through the New Zealand media, leading to more bras appearing.

The fence by the end of March 2006.

By October 2000, the number of bras had reached around 200, and again the fence was cleared of bras. This time the story spread even wider, as the fence had become to some a quirky tourist attraction, and media sources from as far afield as Europe became interested in the fence. Due to this interest, the number of bras being added to the fence personally, or sent to be added, increased dramatically. In early 2006, the number of bras attached to the fence stood at close to 800.

WHY TO GO?

There are many beautiful lookout points on the popular tourist route from Queenstown to Wanaka and this is another spot to pull in for a photo (or a Mr Whippy which is located opposite). The infamous fence was rebranded to “Bradrona” in 2015 to raise money for breast cancer and $30,000 has been raised by people leaving donations in a box at the site. Similar fences have popped up around the country with versions in Wairarapa, Tapawera and Nelson.

THE FENCE WAS MOVED

The fence eventually became so popular, it had to be moved from the main highway to the driveway entrance of Kelly Spaans and Sean Colbourne’s horse trekking and quad biking business “The Cardrona”.