Make Your Own Gin at the Matahui Gin Lab

If you’re a fan of gin or curious about the craft behind New Zealand’s spirits, the Make Your Own Gin at Matahui Gin Lab offers an engaging, hands-on experience. This isn’t your typical tasting tour — it’s a chance to craft a bespoke 500ml bottle of gin tailored precisely to your palate, guided by passionate distillers in a beautiful, eco-conscious setting. Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or just want a fun, memorable activity, this experience packs a punch of flavor, knowledge, and genuine Kiwi hospitality.

Two standout features make this tour special. First, personalized gin creation allows you to select botanicals—many grown onsite—that match your taste preferences. Second, the educational distillery tour gives insight into sustainable practices and the art of crafting premium spirits. A potential snag? The location is a bit off the beaten track, so it’s best suited for those renting a car or planning a dedicated day out. But for lovers of craft spirits, nature, and unique experiences, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Design and craft your own gin tailored to your taste.
• Eco-friendly focus: Learn about sustainable distilling and see botanicals grown on-site.
• Expert guidance: Led by Matahui’s master distiller, Paul, with plenty of tips and insights.
• Award-winning tastings: Enjoy sample spirits, including New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit.
• Location and accessibility: Out-of-town but worth the scenic drive for the experience.
• Great value: At around $59, it offers a memorable activity with a tangible take-home product.

An Authentic, Practical Look at the Matahui Gin Lab Experience

If you’re looking for a unique activity in the Bay of Plenty, this hands-on gin-making experience provides a rare opportunity to go beyond tasting and learn the craft of spirit-making. It’s designed for all levels—whether you’re a gin novice or a connoisseur—offering both education and fun in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins at the Matahui Distillery, located at 270 Matahui Road in Aongatete, about a scenic 20-30 minute drive from Tauranga. The experience lasts roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, which includes time for the gin creation, a distillery tour, and tastings. Expect a small group of up to 10 participants, making it intimate enough for questions and personalized attention.

Led by master distiller Paul, the session kicks off with an overview of the distilling process. What’s particularly engaging here is the opportunity to see how sustainability influences the operation—the distillery uses eco-friendly methods and a permaculture garden where many botanicals are cultivated. You’ll learn how plants are harnessed for their flavors and medicinal properties, adding depth to your understanding of the craft.

Next, the core of the experience: designing your gin. You’ll explore the distillery’s Flavour Library, featuring an extensive range of botanicals, many grown onsite. Paul guides you through balancing your botanicals to craft a gin that suits your palate. You’ll choose from a variety of flavors—citrus, spice, floral, herbal—crafting a truly bespoke bottle to take home.

Following the creation, you’ll enjoy a complimentary tasting at the cellar door. Here, you can sample Matahui’s award-winning spirits, including the Best Botanical Spirit in New Zealand. The tasting offers a chance to compare your custom gin to the distillery’s other offerings, deepening your appreciation for the craft. Many reviews mention how generous the tastings are—plenty to enjoy and learn from.

The Value of the Experience

At $58.95 per person, this experience offers excellent value. For that price, you get personalized interaction, a handcrafted gin bottle, and a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at sustainable distilling. It’s a fun, educational activity that yields a tangible product, making it more meaningful than a simple tasting session.

The small group size makes it intimate and conversational, allowing you to ask questions and get insights tailored to your interests. Plus, the guided tour of the eco-friendly micro-distillery provides context about the importance of sustainable practices in spirits production—a topic increasingly relevant to today’s environmentally-conscious traveler.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews highlight the knowledgeable hosts and the stunning scenery—”the drive was beautiful and worth it,” as one reviewer puts it. Many express how much they learned about tasting notes, pairings, and how to identify flavors, making the experience both educational and fun. The gin itself receives high praise; many say it’s delicious and well-balanced, with plenty of variety to sample.

One reviewer emphasizes the friendly environment and the chance to learn from a passionate guide. Others appreciate the generous tastings, noting that they left with a real understanding of gin and a fine bottle of their own creation.

The Location and Accessibility

While the distillery’s location is a little off the main tourist trail, the drive itself is part of the experience—scenic, peaceful, and rural. It’s best suited for travelers with access to a car or those willing to organize transport. The activity begins and ends at the same spot, making it straightforward to plan around.

Final Thoughts: Is It for You?

This tour is ideal for gin lovers, curious travelers, or anyone seeking a hands-on activity that combines education and creativity. If you enjoy learning about local processes, want a personalized souvenir, or simply love spirits, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and valuable. It’s especially great for small groups or couples—creating a shared memory with a custom gin.

However, if you’re pressed for time or prefer activities closer to urban centers, this might require some extra planning. The remote setting ensures a peaceful, authentic experience, but it does mean a bit of a scenic drive.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Experience

For travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, sustainability, and personalization, the Matahui Gin Lab offers a genuine taste of New Zealand’s spirit-making culture. It’s perfect for those seeking a memorable, interactive activity that produces a tangible keepsake—your own gin bottle. The knowledgeable guide, eco-conscious approach, and award-winning tastings make it a standout choice for curious spirits enthusiasts.

This experience is especially well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone interested in learning about the art of distillation in a relaxed setting. The value for money is solid, especially given the quality of the experience and the quality of the spirits you’ll sample and create.

If you’re after something more than a standard tour, looking for a personal connection to the local craft scene, and want a fun, memorable activity in Tauranga, this is a great pick.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?
It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, including gin making, a distillery tour, and tastings.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the experience is designed for all levels, from gin novices to connoisseurs. The guide ensures everyone can participate comfortably.

What’s included in the price?
You get a 500ml bottle of your own bespoke gin, access to the botanicals library, a guided distillery tour, and complimentary tastings of the distillery’s spirits.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 270 Matahui Road, Aongatete. Transportation is on your own; driving directions are straightforward.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is the distillery accessible?
The tour takes place at a rural location, so car transportation is recommended. The experience itself is small-group and friendly.

Are there age restrictions?
The provided info doesn’t specify age limits, but typically, spirit-related activities are for adults only.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, tours are booked about 21 days ahead, so planning early is recommended, especially for weekends or peak times.

In short, the Matahui Gin Lab offers a balanced, authentic, and fun experience for those eager to understand and craft their own spirit. It combines education, sustainability, and personal creativity in a setting that’s as beautiful as it is informative. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply looking for a different way to experience New Zealand’s craftsmanship, this tour provides real value and memorable moments.