Extension plans for Puzzling World

To mark their 40th year in business Puzzling World will open a $2.5M extension to their Illusion Room complex that will be sure to impress!

To follow in the footsteps of business creator, Stuart Landsborough who has continually developed his business since opening in 1973, Puzzling World is designing an addition to their Illusion Room complex themed around an illusionary sculpture garden.

Heidi - Stuart’s youngest daughter and her husband Duncan took over the management of the tourist operation seven years ago, and while they have recently completed upgrades to the Illusion Rooms, kitchen and café, the extension will be their first major building project since their arrival.

Puzzling Worldalready has four different illusion rooms but the new project will create a room roughly the size of all rooms put together and with a mix of outdoor and indoor elements the aim is present a natural space of “surrealist wonder” while making the addition as environmentally friendly as possible. Living Walls, gardens, pathways along with a “green irrigation” scheme will be incorporated in the design to further this aim.    

Several overseas trips have inspired the couple to take what they’ve seen abroad and include their ideas in what’s believed to be the world’s first sculpture garden based on the Illusion theme.   

Well-known Wanaka architect Sarah Scott is in charge of design and Nelson sculptor, Derek Ball who made the faces for Puzzling World’s famous Hall of Following Faces, has been commissioned to create several large pieces. Local sculptors including Ernie Maluschnig, Chris Riley and Deane Weastall have also been commissioned for pieces within the room. “We want to make the garden a truly “kiwi” project by using native plants and showcasing local talent” says Duncan.

Puzzling Worldhas been intriguing people of all ages and nationalities for the past 38 years with its three-dimensional Great Maze, its mix of illusion rooms and diverse range of puzzles and games. The Illusion Sculpture Garden is seen to be - no pun intended, a natural addition to the business as it’s in keeping with their mantra of providing world unique entertainment that not only spans all age brackets but with its primarily visual appeal, all language barriers too.