The relationship between Australia and New Zealand is an especially close one. Like siblings with love and tease each other, and nothing feels better than beating each other at a sporting match!

The Kiwis are a long way from most places, and I think that’s fostered their self reliance, global world view, and a pursuit of excellence in pretty much everything.

The evolution of craft gin has been a recent development for the country, and has been approached with professionalism (after all their wine and beers are world class) and polish, thoughtfully informed by unique local botanicals.

Here’s a list of the current distillers.

For the most part, production is small batch, and availability outside NZ can be a challenge, but I do recommend you seek them out, they offer a distinct and polished gin expression.

Updated 15 September

1st Cut Gin, Nelson

1919 Distillery Gin, Auckland coming in 2018

Ariki Gin, Auckland

Blenheim Bay Gin, Blenheim

Black Robin Gin, Auckland

Broken Heart Gin, Queenstown

Cardona, Cardona, South Island

Curiosity Gin,Christchurch

Dellows Distillery, Waiheke

First Cut, Nelson

Hidden World Gin, Auckland

Juno Gin, New Plymouth

Karven Gin, Auckland

Lavender Hill, Coatesville

Lighthouse Gin, Martinborough

Matakana Moonshine Gin, Matakana

Mahurangi Gin, Waiwera

Puhoi Organic Distillery, Puhoi

Rogue Society Gin, Auckland

Reid & Reid, Martinborough

Revenge Gin, Auckland

Roaring Forties, Nelson

Riot and Rose, Marlborough

Sacred Spring Gin, Takaka

South Gin (out of production)

The Source Gin, Cardrona

TeKiwi Unique Gin, Takaka

Vaione Gin, Auckland

Waiwera Mahurangi Gin, Waiwera