Walking distance:
10 mins from Manuka Lodge
Driving distance:
2 mins from Manuka Lodge
Located just a short drive from Manuka Lodge, the
Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park is widely considered one of the very best free family playgrounds in New Zealand. Spreading out beautifully along the banks of the Mangateitei Stream, it is a fantastic, action-packed wonderland where a quick 10-minute photo stop easily turns into hours of family fun!
[1, 2, 3, 4]A Quirky Local History
The park's crown jewel is the famous
7.5-metre-tall Giant Carrot. Originally built in 1984 as a prop for an ANZ Bank television commercial, this beloved orange landmark was gifted to the town to celebrate Ohakune's rich agricultural heritage—a legacy started in the 1920s by Chinese settlers who cleared the rugged land by hand and explosives. Today, Ohakune proudly grows two-thirds of the North Island's total carrot crop! To keep the giant carrot company, a series of whimsical, larger-than-life character sculptures line the walkways, including
Muncho Manchester the Carrot,
Sir Lancelot the Brussels Sprout, and
Crimson King the Swede.
[1, 2, 3, 4]Infinite Play & The New Pirate Ship!
The park is jam-packed with world-class facilities designed to tire out kids of all ages:
[1]
- The "Treasure Island" Pirate Ship: The park's newest and most spectacular attraction is a massive, multi-level interactive pirate ship! Ingeniously crafted from a real, 100-person rescue lifeboat salvaged from the historic 1986 Mikhail Lermontov cruise liner disaster, kids can now "walk the plank", search for pirate skeletons and hidden treasure, and sail the high seas with a crew of unhinged vegetable pirates. [1, 2, 3]
- The Carrot Rocket & Mazda Car: Jump inside the 5.3-metre-high Jolly Carrot Rocket or climb behind the wheel of the custom carrot car for the ultimate holiday photo snippet. [1, 2]
- High-Energy Action: Older kids and teenagers love racing down the exhilarating flying fox, conquering the confidence/assault obstacle course, and tearing up the professional BMX and bike pump tracks. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Relaxed Family Spaces: For younger children and toddlers, there are gentle swings and play zones. Parents can unwind at the free undercover BBQ and picnic areas, utilize the outdoor gym equipment, or take a peaceful stroll through the native rhododendrons and cherry blossoms along the river. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]