Make Your Own Gin at the Matahui Gin Lab

If you’re on the hunt for a truly hands-on activity in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, the Make Your Own Gin at Matahui Gin Lab offers a delightful mix of creativity, education, and authentic local flavor. This experience promises more than just sipping spirits—it’s about understanding the art of gin-making, customizing your own unique bottle, and gaining insight into sustainable distilling right from a micro-distillery.

What we love about this experience is the personalized approach—being able to craft a 500ml bottle of gin tailored to your palate—and the on-site permaculture garden that supplies many of the botanicals. Plus, the award-winning tastings at the end add a satisfying finishing touch. One possible consideration is the slightly remote location, which might add to travel time but often rewards with peaceful, scenic surroundings.

This experience is perfect for gin lovers, curious travelers wanting a tactile activity, or anyone interested in eco-friendly distilling. It’s suitable for most people, and with a small group of just 10 participants, it feels intimate, friendly, and engaging.

Key Points

• Personalized Gin Creation: Design your own 500ml bottle with botanicals from Matahui’s permaculture garden.
• Educational Experience: Learn about sustainable distillation practices from a knowledgeable guide.
• Award-Winning Tastings: Enjoy complimentary samples, including New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 travelers, making it personalized and engaging.
• Value for Money: At $58.95, it offers a full hands-on activity plus tasting—good value for enthusiasts.
• Beautiful Location: The drive and setting are peaceful and scenic, perfect for a relaxed day out.

Introduction: What makes this Gin Lab experience special

Our review of the Matahui Gin Lab is based on positive feedback and detailed descriptions available from travelers who’ve enjoyed this activity. It’s a standout for anyone curious about how gin is made—and how you can make your own.

Two features that really shine are the bespoke nature of the gin and the educational aspect. You get to select botanicals, many grown right on-site, which means your gin benefits from fresh, local ingredients and a sustainable approach. Plus, the guide, Paul, is described as both knowledgeable and friendly, making the craft feel accessible and fun.

That said, a small potential drawback is the location’s somewhat out-of-the-way position—think of it as a scenic drive rather than a quick trip. However, many visitors find that the journey through New Zealand’s lush countryside is part of the charm.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy interactive, craft experiences, especially those with an interest in spirits, sustainability, or local food and drink culture. It’s also great for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to learn something new and take home a tangible souvenir.

What to Expect from the Matahui Gin Lab Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It begins at the Matahui Distillery, located at 270 Matahui Road in Aongatete, a peaceful spot surrounded by natural beauty. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted and introduced to the distillery’s eco-friendly approach, which emphasizes sustainable practices and home-grown botanicals.

The core of the workshop is the hands-on gin-making session led by Master Distiller Paul. You’ll learn about the distillation process, the importance of balance in flavors, and how plants contribute to gin’s complexity. As you craft your blend, you’ll choose from an impressive selection of botanicals, many cultivated in their permaculture garden. This adds an authentic touch, emphasizing local and organic ingredients.

The Botanical Selection and Tasting

You’ll have access to New Zealand’s only Flavour Library, offering a wide array of botanicals. This part is where your creativity shines—whether you prefer a floral, citrusy, spicy, or herbal gin, the choices are yours. Paul guides you through blending to ensure your final product is well-balanced.

After your creation, the focus shifts to tasting. You’ll enjoy a complimentary tasting at the Cellar Door, sampling Matahui’s award-winning spirits, including the prestigious Best Botanical Spirit. These tastings are educational, teaching you about tasting notes, pairings, and how different botanicals influence the flavors.

The Micro-Distillery Tour

A guided tour of the micro-distillery showcases the eco-friendly equipment and techniques used to produce the spirits. It’s a chance to see how craftsmanship and sustainability meet in the distilling process—adding depth and context to your gin-making experience.

The Takeaway

At the end, you’ll leave with your own 500ml bottle of bespoke gin—a tangible reminder of your creative effort and new knowledge. It’s a personalized souvenir that can be enjoyed at home or gifted to friends.

Pricing and Value

At $58.95 per person, this activity offers significant value. It includes the full two-and-a-half-hour guided session, your custom gin bottle, and tastings of award-winning spirits. Compared to many other boutique distillery experiences, it’s a reasonable price, especially considering the personalized aspect and the educational component.

Many reviews highlight the good value for money, noting that the experience is both fun and informative. One traveler praised the “delicious gin” and the ample tasting, adding that it’s a “must-do for gin lovers.” The small group size ensures attention from the guide and a more relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

Practical tips for visitors:

• Book at least three weeks in advance to secure your spot, as it’s popular.
• The activity is suitable for most, but consider your comfort with DIY mixing and alcohol.
• The location is a bit remote, so plan your drive accordingly, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for a relaxed, informal environment.

Final thoughts: Who will love this experience?

This gin-making session is best suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn about spirits in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or individuals curious about craft distilling or seeking a unique Kiwi souvenir.

Those with an interest in sustainability will appreciate the on-site permaculture garden and eco-conscious approach. Spirits enthusiasts will enjoy sampling award-winning spirits and discovering new flavor combinations.

If you’re looking for a fun, informative, and memorable activity that combines education, creativity, and local flavor, this experience hits the mark. It offers a genuine taste of New Zealand’s burgeoning craft spirit scene, making it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.

FAQ

How long does the gin-making experience last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time for hands-on mixing, tasting, and a distillery tour.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided gin-making session, your 500ml personalized gin bottle, and complimentary tastings of Matahui’s award-winning spirits.

Can I book this activity last-minute?
Most travelers book about 3 weeks in advance; last-minute bookings might be difficult due to popularity.

Is the location easy to find?
The distillery is at 270 Matahui Road, and while it’s slightly out-of-the-way, the scenic drive is considered part of the experience.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the activity is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized, engaging experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly mentioned, alcohol-related activities typically require participants to be at least 18 years old.

Is the experience suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Since it involves alcohol tasting, it’s best suited for adults. However, the distillery tour and botanical exploration might appeal to those interested in sustainability and local flora.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a relaxed, hands-on activity. Expect to handle botanicals and possibly get a little messy—but nothing too formal.

In summary, the Make Your Own Gin at Matahui Gin Lab offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines learning, creativity, and local flavor. For travelers keen to go beyond just tasting spirits and want to craft something personal, this activity delivers genuine value and memorable Kiwi hospitality. Whether you’re a gin aficionado or a curious traveler, it’s a playful, educational day out that’s worth the scenic drive.