Carrot gin usually gets a reaction. There’s a pause, sometimes a raised eyebrow, and then the question: does it actually taste like carrots?
It’s a fair question, and one we enjoy answering at Ruapehu Distillery. Better still, you can discover the answer yourself during a distillery tour guided gin tasting in Ohakune, with a few mates and plenty of laughs along the way.
Why carrots belong in our Ohakune gin
When we developed Straight Up Carrot Gin, we wanted to make something with a connection to where we live and work. In Ohakune, carrots were a pretty obvious contender.
Locally grown carrots sit alongside juniper, coriander seed, dried orange peel, orris root and horopito - New Zealand's native pepper tree. The carrots contribute a subtle earthy sweetness, while juniper remains at the heart of the flavour. Orange brings a citrus lift, followed by warming horopito.
If you’re imagining carrot juice, the tasting might surprise you.
Straight Up Carrot Gin went on to win two trophies at the 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards, a proud moment for our young distillery and the community supporting us.
Read more in From Volcanic Soil to Award-Winning Gin.
Gin Tour with friends; plenty of laughs included
You don’t need to know anything about gin before visiting. Come on a tour, bring your curiosity and a few mates, and we’ll take it from there.
Our guided gin tasting gives you time to focus on the flavour profiles, explore what you’re noticing and see how those flavours develop.
Comparing notes with friends is part of the fun. You might notice citrus first while someone else picks up the horopito. There’s usually plenty of discussion and laughter when everyone discovers their taste buds don’t quite agree.
We also explore how mixers change the flavour, helping you find your favourite way to enjoy the gin. Our tours are loaded with stories, questions and laughs, making them a fun addition to a weekend in Ohakune.
Meet Nigella and discover how gin is made
Behind our red roller door, you’ll meet Nigella, our copper pot still. She’s a substantial member of the team, although she leaves the carrot chopping to us.
During your distillery tour, we explain how botanicals contribute flavour, what happens during distillation and how our decisions shape the finished gin.
Standing beside the still brings the process to life. There’s science, careful measuring and patience involved, alongside stories about building a distillery and learning what works.
For a closer look beforehand, read Inside a Distillation Run.
Add a distillery visit to your Ohakune weekend
Mountain views, skiing, bike rides and local adventures regularly feature on our social pages because getting outside is a big part of life here.
As the skis make way for summer plans, a gin tasting fits nicely into a weekend of walking, biking or catching up with friends. It’s also an indoor activity when the weather has other ideas.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ohakune, come and discover what’s behind the red roller door.
Check our opening hours and book your distillery tour online.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you go gin tasting in Ohakune?
Visit Ruapehu Distillery at 8 Kōwhai Crescent, Ohakune, for a guided gin tasting and distillery tour. Check our website for opening hours and booking availability.
Does carrot gin taste like carrots?
Carrots contribute subtle earthy sweetness to Straight Up Carrot Gin, alongside juniper, orange citrus and warming horopito. It’s very much a gin, and a guided tasting helps you explore those flavours.
Do you need to know about gin before visiting?
No. We guide you through the ingredients, process and flavour profiles. Bring your questions and enjoy comparing notes with your mates.
Will the still be running during our tour?
Not necessarily, as production varies. You’ll still meet Nigella, see the equipment and learn how we make our gin.
Can we book outside normal opening hours?
Yes, tours outside advertised opening hours are available by booking online here.
Can you buy gin at the distillery?
Yes, you can buy Straight Up Carrot Gin during your visit.