Our Favourite Gin Distilleries To Visit In Auckland

Waiheke has it all; breathtaking ocean views, lush rolling vineyards and restaurants that strive for perfection. It comes as no surprise that it also caters to another taste, specifically the sophisticated spirit known as gin. Waiheke Distilling Co is an award-winning boutique craft distillery that produces three beautiful gins in a sustainable and meaningful way.

The Red Ruby Gin is the crown jewel at Waiheke Distilling Co, infused with ripe New Zealand cherries, sweetening the otherwise dry-style gin. The Spirit of Waiheke Gin is a classic dry gin that pays homage to the Island; this is a signature product and showcases the elegance of Waiheke Distilling Co. 

Finally, London Dry, is a twist on the time-honoured classic with hints of lemon. A few notable flavours found in the gins include creamy macadamia, aromatic cardamom, pink peppercorn, subtle hint of coriander, infamous juniper berries and NZ Giant kelp.

CarbonSix Distillery is a small batch, boutique craft distillery that expertly creates artisan spirits. The gin collection is comprised of various fruits and botanicals working together in symphony. The colours and flavours are a result of the natural maceration process from the ingredients. 

CarbonSix breaks the mould and redefines the definition of gin with tasty and creative flavours like the cheesecake gin that smells heavenly, a distinct cake batter aroma with a smooth cream finish. Other flavours include the dark chocolate gin, Manuka honey gin, Aotearoa dry gin, apple gin and berry pink gin. If you would like to add a splash of magic to your life, opt for the Butterfly Pea Flower gin. The naturally blue-stained gin changes to a perky pink when tonic is added!

The combination of New Zealand’s finest ingredients and kiwi ingenuity results in top-tier spirits from none other than 1919 Distilling. The name 1919 signifies a change in history when New Zealanders stood up for their rights and abolished prohibition. 

It seems only fair to introduce gin enthusiasts to 1919 gin with the classic gin, a beautiful and intricate tipple with hints of Otago cherries, Manuka honey, juniper berries, angelica root, oranges and lemons. We like our G&Ts with a Kiwiana flare; crack open a bottle of pineapple lumps gin which takes inspiration from one of our beloved chocolate treats. 

If you like to dress your gin up in something fancier than tonic, 1919 has a luxurious list of boozy recipes that are unique and amazing; our go-to is the dry mule. The bright and spicy twist on the classic gin mule is unforgettable. Pairing 1919 Dry Gin with freshly squeezed green apple juice, East Imperial Ginger Beer and fresh seasonal berries.

 Who doesn’t love a cheeky drop of moonshine? Matakana Moonshine is renowned for its award-winning gin, Damn-Fine Splendid Gin, which is a smooth and dry London-style gin. The triple-distilled spirit is pure and crisp, created with the world’s best quality mineral water from Kaiwaka. 

The rainwater is organically filtered for hundreds of years by a unique combination of volcanic sediments rich in minerals, resulting in naturally silica-rich spring water of exceptional quality and purity. After this process, Matakana Moonshine throws in an array of botanicas, citrus and fresh flavours to create a premium drop. Damn-Fine Splendid Gin is incredibly smooth and clean; it is well-suited for cocktails and G&Ts.