Anyone who has driven through Ohakune has probably seen the giant carrot standing proudly beside the road at Carrot Park. It’s a quirky landmark, but it represents something very real about the town’s history.

Why carrots grow so well in Ohakune

For decades the fertile volcanic soils around Ohakune produced some of the best carrots in New Zealand. Fields across the Waimarino plains supplied markets throughout the North Island, helping earn the town its reputation as the country’s carrot capital.

The giant carrot at Carrot Park, Ohakune

The giant carrot that greets visitors to Ohakune began life as a prop in a television advertisement. Today it stands as a reminder of the town’s market gardening roots and its long association with New Zealand’s favourite root vegetable.

The bright orange landmark stands over 7 metres tall and is a popular photo opportunity for tourists passing by.

Ohakune's Carrot Festival

In June each year,  the carrot legacy continues with the Ohakune Carrot Festival.  Held at Ohakune’s Junction end of town, carrots are celebrated with market stalls, local entertainment, great food and it attracts visitors from far and wide.

Today the heritage of carrots still lives on in an unexpected way. At Ruapehu Distillery, carrots have found their way into the still.

Inside the working distillery in Ohakune

We’ve taken that familiar local ingredient and given it a new expression in our Straight Up Carrot Gin. The carrot contributes a subtle natural sweetness and gentle earthiness that helps round out the botanicals and gives the gin a smooth texture. It anchors the brighter notes of juniper, citrus and the gentle horopito heat, creating a spirit that feels both distinctive and grounded in the place it’s made so that people can Taste the Adventure in Every Sip.

The local bars and restaurants have embraced Straight Up Carrot Gin with many creating unique cocktails to showcase the gin.  You’ll find it in most bars, restaurants and bottle stores in and around Ohakune.