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The Giant Carrot

📍 Jubilee Park, SH 49, Ohakune 4725, New Zealand

Standing 7.5 meters tall, this oversized root vegetable pays homage to Ohakune's status as the carrot capital of New Zealand. Built in 1984 as a prop for a television commercial, it was later gifted to the town and has since become one of the country's most photographed big things. It sits proudly at the southern entrance to the town, offering a fun roadside photo opportunity for travelers passing through the central North Island.

Admission
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Duration
15 to 30 minutes
Parking
Free parking available in the adjacent Jubilee Park car park.
Access
Flat concrete footpath leading from the parking area to the base of the monument, accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Read more

Standing proudly at the southern entrance of Ohakune, the Giant Carrot is one of New Zealand's most celebrated and photographed 'Big Things'. Towering eight metres into the air, this bright orange, concrete-and-fibreglass monument pays homage to the region's status as the carrot capital of the country, where the volcanic soil and cool climate produce vast quantities of the vegetable.

The landmark was officially unveiled in 1984, born from a clever promotional campaign conceived by the Ohakune Lions Club and the local Ohakune Promotion Association. Originally constructed as a prop for a television commercial, the community rallied to secure a permanent home for the prop rather than letting it be discarded. It was reinforced, mounted on a concrete base, and positioned alongside State Highway 49 to greet travellers heading towards the ski fields of Mount Ruapehu.

Today, visitors encountering the structure are met with a surprisingly detailed, oversized representation of the humble root vegetable, complete with a lush green top made of painted steel tubing. It sits in a small, well-maintained roadside pocket complete with parking space and informational signage about the local agricultural industry. Over the decades, it has become a mandatory pilgrimage site for road-trippers navigating the Central Plateau, cementing its place in the quirky canon of Australasian roadside architecture.

Ratings

attraction
Historical Significance
4/5
Cultural Relevance
4/5
Fun Factor
4/5
Accessibility
5/5
Photo Worthiness
5/5
Interactivity
3/5
Kid Friendliness
5/5
Popularity
4/5
Pet Friendly ✓Free Admission ✓Nearby Food ✓Kid Friendly ✓

Lore & References

  • The Commercial PropLocals often recount how the carrot was originally built out of polystyrene and plaster as a temporary commercial prop before being saved and rebuilt out of heavy-duty materials for permanent public display.

Visitor Tips

  • ◆ Have your camera ready as there is a dedicated pull-off bay directly beside the carrot for safe parking and photos.
  • ◆ Combine the quick stop with a visit to the nearby Mount Ruapehu walking trails or local alpine cafes.
  • ◆ Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on the vibrant orange paintwork without harsh shadows.

Heads Up

  • ◆ Be cautious when pulling in and out of the viewing bay, as State Highway 49 can experience fast-moving traffic, especially during ski season.

Common questions

Can you go inside the Ohakune Carrot?

No, the interior of the Giant Carrot is not hollow and visitors cannot go inside it. It is a solid concrete structure built primarily for viewing and photographs.

Why is there a giant carrot in Ohakune?

The carrot was built in 1984 to celebrate Ohakune's status as a major carrot-growing region in New Zealand. It also served as a prop in a local television commercial before becoming a permanent roadside landmark.

Is there parking near the Giant Carrot?

Yes, there is a dedicated parking area right next to the carrot off the main road, making it easy to pull over for a quick photo stop.

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