Puzzling World
Puzzling World celebrates fifty years of memories
One of Wānaka’s most enduring tourism businesses marked their 50th anniversary last December. In December 1973, when Puzzling World pioneers Stuart and Jan Landsborough scraped together funds to buy seven acres of barren land on the outskirts of Wānaka, many wondered if the wooden maze they’d built in 6 weeks leading up to the school holidays would survive to make the next one.
50 years later, nearly 5 million customers from around the world have enjoyed the range of mind-bending illusions, puzzles, and the world’s first two storied maze that has helped cement Puzzling World as an iconic southern tourism destination.
Now owned by their two daughters and managed by the youngest, Heidi and her husband Duncan, the innovations continued over the 20 years since Stuart retired. Extensive refurbishments throughout, additions to the illusion rooms, café and gift shop added to a large illusion room and event space named the Sculptillusion Gallery launched prior to their 40th year in business.
Visitors can experience the new courtyard and two new glowing illusion rooms Glow Safari and Paradox Lane – two totally immersive, interactive rooms designed in collaboration with Wellington-based digital artist and designer, Tim Christie.
www.puzzlingworld.co.nz
