In New Zealand’s Cardrona Valley, a roadside fence became known for something few people would expect to see in the middle of the countryside: hundreds of bras hanging from its wire. The attraction, now widely associated with the name Bradrona, began as a small and unexplained act. Over time it attracted visitors, provoked debate and adopted a charitable mission.
The sight is unusual enough to make passing motorists take a second look. Bras in different colours and styles hang along the fence, turning an ordinary boundary into a roadside landmark. The attraction is often called Bradrona, a playful name associated with its later role as a fundraising site for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Unlike a purpose-built monument, the fence grew through public participation. Visitors added their own bras, and the collection expanded over the years.
Where Is the Cardrona Bra Fence Located?
The attraction was originally beside Cardrona Valley Road. In 2014, it was moved to a private driveway roughly 100 metres from its former location. The move helped separate the display from the roadside, where motorists stopping to look had raised safety concerns. The Cardrona Heritage Trail provides a local historical account of the fence and its changing location.
The History of the Cardrona Bra Fence
How Did the Bra Fence Begin?
The beginnings of the Cardrona Bra Fence are usually traced to the period between Christmas 1998 and New Year 1999. According to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s account, four bras appeared on a wire fence beside the road. The reason behind that first appearance remains unknown. It is tempting to attach a neat story to the beginning, but the original people and their motives have not been conclusively identified.
More bras soon appeared. By February 1999, the collection had reportedly grown to around 60. The bras were removed, but news of the fence spread through local media, and new contributions followed. The same pattern continued in the years that followed. The fence was cleared more than once, yet the display kept returning. By the early 2000s, it had become a recognisable curiosity for people travelling through the valley.
Why Was the Cardrona Bra Fence Controversial?
Not everyone welcomed the growing display. Some residents and visitors considered it a light-hearted attraction, while others viewed it as an eyesore or an inappropriate sight beside a public road. There were also practical concerns. Drivers sometimes stopped to look at the fence, creating potential traffic hazards along Cardrona Valley Road.
In April 2006, the local council ordered the bras removed after determining that the fence occupied a public road reserve and posed a safety concern. The decision marked a major moment in the attraction’s history. The Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand records the council-ordered removal and places the fence within the wider history of the Wānaka district.
The Move to Bradenton
The fence’s later chapter began in November 2014, when local tour guide Kelly Spaans and her partner took responsibility for the display and moved it to a private driveway about 100 metres from its original position. A pink sign and a collection box were added in March 2015 to support fundraising for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. The site became known as Bradrona, combining the name Cardrona with a reference to bras. The move gave the attraction a new purpose. Visitors could still see the colourful fence, but the site also became a place to contribute to breast cancer education, research, and patient support.
How the Cardrona Bra Fence Supports Breast Cancer Fundraising
The fence’s charitable role developed after years of public attention and controversy. What began as an unexplained roadside display eventually became a way for visitors to support a cause affecting families throughout New Zealand. The fundraising totals have changed over time, so older figures should not be treated as current. The foundation’s page is the appropriate place to check its latest fundraising information.
Visiting the Cardrona Bra Fence
Check the location: The display was moved from its original roadside position to a private driveway.
Respect private property: Follow any signs and instructions at the site.
Park safely: Do not stop in a way that blocks traffic or creates a hazard.
Support the cause: If a donation collection point is available, contributions can help the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Check local conditions: Road and access conditions can vary, especially in mountain areas.
The fence is best approached as a brief stop during a wider trip through the valley rather than as a large visitor attraction with extensive facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Cardrona Bra Fence located?
The Cardrona Bra Fence is in Cardrona Valley, Central Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island, near Wānaka. The display was moved from its original roadside position to a private driveway in 2014.
When did the Cardrona Bra Fence begin?
The fence’s beginnings are generally traced to the period between Christmas 1998 and New Year 1999, when four bras appeared on a wire fence. The reason for the first bras being attached remains unknown.
Why is the Cardrona Bra Fence called Bradrona?
Bradrona is a playful name associated with the fence’s later location and fundraising role. It combines the name Cardrona with a reference to bras.
Does the Cardrona Bra Fence support breast cancer fundraising?
Yes. The later site established a collection point to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, supporting breast cancer research, education, and patient services.
Why were the bras removed in 2006?
The local council ordered the bras removed in April 2006 after determining that the fence was on a public road reserve and posed a traffic hazard. The display was later re-established at a different location.
Conclusion
The Cardrona Bra Fence started with a few bras attached to a roadside fence, but nobody knows for certain who put them there or why. Over the years, the display was removed, rebuilt, and eventually moved to a new location.
Today, the attraction is known for not only its colourful display but also its breast cancer fundraising. And for those passing through Central Otago, it offers a short, memorable stop with history still being told.
References & Sources
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