Auckland, New Zealand -- Would you believe giant potatoes, trout and kiwis bring in big tourist dollars to New Zealand?

It's true, according to New Zealand tourist official Gregg Anderson, who says many towns in "kiwi country" tempt tourists in with large statues which honor their local products.

For instance, Cromwell prides itself on having a giant bowl of fruit, Paeroa is known for a giant soda bottle, Ohakune for a giant fiberglass carrot and Te Puke for what is believed to be the world's largest kiwifruit.

Anderson says New Zealand towns started erecting giant objects about 95 years ago, mainly as a "town mascot sort of thing."

In recent years, the trend has caught on big with tourists -- so much that towns without them are lobbying to get them, like Dannevirke, which is considering building a 30-foot tall Viking.

Still, there's no word if any towns plan to erect a giant Hobbit to honor "The Lord Of The Rings" films.

Build the heart of Ancient Persia in this engaging puzzle game and release the Genie! Four unique and entrancing ways to play, explosive new game pieces, and awe-inspiring planetary backdrops.

More Weird News From 2003-03-21 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • New Zealand: Land Of Large Fiberglass Objects • Actor: 'I Suffered From 'Nixon-Itis' • Frank Stallone Goes From Folksinging To 'Rocky' To Big Band • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs • Saddam Booted From German Park • Cannabis Cook Gets Baked While Baking • Zodiac Vibrators Give The Buzz On Astrology • Lincoln Look-Alikes To Tour President's Boyhood Home • 'Baghdad Bingo' Hits U.S. Barrooms • Petchitecture On Parade   « Current Weird News Stories