From Volcanic Soil to Award-Winning Gin: The Journey Behind Straight Up Carrot Gin
September 8, 2026
A carrot grown in the volcanic soils beneath Mt Ruapehu helped us take home two trophies at the New Zealand Spirits Awards.When you put it like that, it sounds a little unbelievable.But that's exactly where the story of Straight Up Carrot Gin begins. Not in the distillery, n...
The snow is here, Tūroa and Whakapapa are well underway and winter in Ohakune is well and truly magical.For plenty of people, an Ohakune winter weekend means an early start, skis or boards in the car and a day on Mt Ruapehu. But there are plenty of things to do in Oha...
Ever picked up a bottle of craft gin, looked at the price tag, then glanced at the bottle sitting beside it that's half the price? Fair question. After all, they're both gin... aren't they? Premium craft gin usually costs more because it is produced in smaller volumes,...
Why Does Gin Taste Like Gin?
June 24, 2026
The Story Behind Juniper, Botanicals, and Flavour
Take a sip of gin and you'll probably notice it straight away.That unmistakable piney, fresh, slightly citrusy flavour that somehow tastes like a walk through a forest and a cocktail bar at the same time.But have you ever stopped to wonder why gin tastes like gin?The answer ...
Winter is one of the best times to visit Ohakune. Sitting at the foot of Mt Ruapehu and surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, the town offers much more than just skiing and snowboarding.Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer winter h...
When people think about distilling, it’s often imagined as a simple process. Heat a liquid, collect what comes out, and you have gin. In reality, it’s a far more deliberate and carefully controlled journey, where every stage plays a role in shaping the final spirit.At Ru...
Why Autumn in Ohakune hits different
Autumn is when Ohakune slows down but in the best way.The summer crowds have gone, the mountain air sharpens, and the landscape shifts into deep reds, golds, and burnt orange. It’s the kind of season where everything feels a little more relaxed… and a lot more memorable....
Ruapehu Distillery Featured in Ruapehu Bulletin | Taste Easter Ohakune | Carrot Gin NZ
April 12, 2026
Straight Up Carrot Gin grabbing headlines
Ruapehu Distillery was proud to be featured in the Ruapehu Bulletin over Easter, as part of the vibrant Taste festival in Ohakune.Easter in Ohakune is always a busy one, but Taste brings something extra. It’s where local food, drinks, and people come together. A week...
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