Big Lemon & Paeroa bottle, Visual artwork in Paeroa, New Zealand.
The Big Lemon & Paeroa bottle is a 7-meter-tall steel construction on State Highway 2 that replicates the shape of a drink container. The surface shows the green and yellow label design used for the New Zealand soft drink, and it stands freely on a brick base by the roadside.
The bottle structure was erected in 1967 as a Christmas promotion by a local company and was originally intended to stand only temporarily. After protests from Paeroa residents, it was permanently kept in place in 1969 and became a fixed landmark of the town.
The container design refers to a carbonated lemon drink from the region that is now found in many homes across the country. Travelers often stop to photograph themselves in front of the replica and acknowledge the link between Paeroa and this well-known refreshment.
Parking spaces are located directly beside the bottle on the main road and allow a quick stop for photos. It is best to visit the monument during daylight when the sun illuminates the green and yellow design and makes clear shots easier.
The bottle is considered one of the most photographed monuments in New Zealand and appears in countless travel pictures on social media. In the first years after installation, many residents visited the bottle to protest against its planned removal and demand its preservation.
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