The World's Weirdest Breakaway Republics - Whangamomona

For a holiday with a difference, why not try going to a 'country' that doesn't even make it on to most maps? Around the world there are a series of odd little breakaway republics, principalities and micronations that have sprung up in bizarre circumstances. Such as...

Whangamomona
Where: North Island, New Zealand.
The story: The tiny hamlet of Whangamomona's feisty inhabitants weren't having any of it when local council boundaries were shifted in 1988. The settlement was due to move from the Taranaki region to Manawutu, but the locals realised that this would mean playing rugby for the detested rivals. This was clearly not going to happen, so they decided to declare the village an independent republic. Despite having an outdoor toilet as a border guard, the 'republic' boasts its own president and even has its own national beer. That said, two of the previous presidents have been a goat and a poodle.
What to expect: Every second January Whangamomona holds independence celebrations, with the sheep races being the highlight.

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Be there: Flights to New Zealand | Hotels in Wellington | New Zealand travel guide
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