The town’s population in 2018 was 9,340
Founded in 1857, the town was originally known as Three Mile Bush, and served as housing for workers building the road between Wellington and Masterton. It was later renamed after Charles Rooking Carter. A commemorative statue sits on the corner of Belvedere Rd & High St.
The town describes itself as New Zealand’s daffodil capital. Carterton was the birthplace of Sir Bob Charles, the first left-handed golfer to win a Major, the British Open in 1963. The Carterton District Library is the oldest purpose-built library that is still used as a library, in New Zealand.
The Matador Motel was built in 1976 and like the name suggests the exterior design has a typically Spanish theme. An additional four Superior Studio units were built in 2006.
