Whangamomona
The small settlement of Whangamomona, buried in the hills of eastern Taranaki, declared itself a republic in 1989 and has since attained a sort of cult celebrity status. For Republic Day celebrations—held in summer every second year—thousands of visitors flock to the town, and are required to hand over $3 for a passport at border control points. Even those who arrive on the several special trains are required to fork out.