New Zealand has quietly become one of the most exciting gin-producing countries in the world. With access to pristine water, native botanicals found nowhere else on earth, and a culture of small-batch craftsmanship, NZ distillers are making gins that stand apart from anything coming out of the UK or Europe. This guide introduces you to the distilleries and expressions worth knowing - and drinking.
Why New Zealand Gin Is Different
The secret is in the botanicals. While classic London Dry gins lean on juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, New Zealand distillers have access to a remarkable native larder: tī kōuka (cabbage tree), kawakawa, horopito, mānuka, and harakeke, among others. These ingredients bring flavours that are genuinely unlike anything else in the spirits world - earthy, herbal, and distinctly of this place.
Add to that the quality of New Zealand water - some of the purest in the world - and you have the foundation for exceptional spirits.
Sandymount Distillery
Based in the South Island, Sandymount is one of New Zealand's most adventurous distilleries, producing a range that spans classic dry styles through to barrel-aged expressions and fruit liqueurs.
- Lovers Leap Dry Gin - Their flagship dry gin. Juniper-forward with a clean, classic structure that works beautifully in a G&T or martini.
- Tī Kōuka Forest Gin - Named after the native cabbage tree, this is a distinctly New Zealand gin. Earthy, herbal, and complex - a genuine expression of place.
- Ladybird Navy Strength Gin - Bottled at higher ABV for those who want more intensity. The botanicals hit harder and the finish lingers longer.
- Woodcutter Barrel Aged Gin - Rested in oak, this sits somewhere between gin and whisky. Warm, spiced, and ideal for sipping neat or in an Old Fashioned riff.
- Blackberry Gin Liqueur - Rich, fruity, and deeply coloured. Excellent over ice, in a spritz, or as a dessert pour.
Papaiti Gin
Whanganui-based Papaiti is one of the most prolific and creative gin producers in the country, with a range that covers everything from navy strength to fruit-forward pink gins and garden-inspired expressions.
- Whanganui Dry Gin - The classic from Papaiti. Crisp, juniper-led, and grounded in the Whanganui River region's character.
- Navigator Navy Strength - Bottled at 57% ABV in the traditional navy strength style. Bold, assertive, and built for cocktails that need a backbone.
- Mountains to Sea - Inspired by the journey of the Whanganui River from the volcanic plateau to the Tasman Sea. Layered and evocative.
- Potager Gin - Potager means kitchen garden in French, and this gin delivers on that promise: fresh, herbaceous, and garden-bright.
- Orchard Gin - Fruit-forward and approachable, with orchard notes that make it a natural match for lighter tonic and fresh garnishes.
- Rogue Coco Pink Gin - A playful, coconut-tinged pink gin. Vibrant and fun - perfect for those who like their gin with personality.
Humdinger Gin
Humdinger has built a loyal following with a range that balances accessibility with genuine craft. Their gins are approachable enough for newcomers but interesting enough for enthusiasts.
- Humdinger Dry Gin - The entry point to the range. Clean, well-balanced, and endlessly versatile.
- Citrus Gin - Bright and zesty, with citrus botanicals that make it a natural match for a simple tonic and a slice of orange.
- Rangpur Lime Gin - Rangpur limes bring a sharper, more complex citrus note than standard lime. Refreshing and distinctive.
- Pink Gin - Soft, berry-forward, and beautifully coloured. A crowd-pleaser that works as well in a spritz as it does in a G&T.
- NZ Sloe Gin - Made with New Zealand sloe berries, this is a rich, slow-sipping liqueur-style gin. Excellent over ice or in a Sloe Gin Fizz.
- Pekapeka Gin - Named after the native long-tailed bat, this expression leans into native botanicals for something genuinely local in character.
- Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin - Aged in ex-bourbon casks, this brings vanilla and caramel warmth to the gin base. A crossover expression for whisky lovers.
Can't Decide? Try a Curated Selection
If you're new to New Zealand gin or want to explore the range without committing to a single bottle, our Ginny's Monthly Gins subscription is the perfect starting point. Each month we curate a selection of the best NZ gins - a guided tour of the country's craft distilling scene, delivered to your door.
How to Drink NZ Gin
Most of these gins shine in a simple G&T - good tonic, plenty of ice, and a garnish that complements the botanicals (citrus for dry styles, berries for fruit-forward expressions, fresh herbs for the more botanical ones). The barrel-aged expressions are worth trying neat or on a large ice cube first, before you reach for the mixer.
For the tonic, we'd strongly recommend Veranda Citrus Maxima Tonic as the ideal local pairing. Made in New Zealand, its bright citrus character and clean finish let the botanicals of these gins do the talking - without overpowering them. It's the kind of tonic that was made for gins like these.
Whatever you choose, you're drinking something made with genuine care, from a place with a lot to say.