Make Your Own Gin at the Matahui Gin Lab

A Hands-On Gin Experience in Tauranga: What You Need to Know

Imagine spending a couple of hours crafting your own gin, guided by an expert, in a beautiful New Zealand setting. That’s exactly what makes the Make Your Own Gin at the Matahui Gin Lab such a compelling activity for gin lovers and curious travelers alike. This tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from just three reviews, highlighting its charm, authenticity, and educational value.

What we love about this experience is its personalized approach—you get to design a 500ml bottle of gin tailored to your taste, choosing botanicals from an extensive, on-site permaculture garden. Plus, the chance to learn about sustainable distillation practices offers a rare peek behind the scenes of craft spirits.

One possible consideration for travelers is the out-of-the-way location—the tour starts at 270 Matahui Road, away from the bustle, which might require a bit of scenic driving. But if you’re after an authentic, relaxed experience that emphasizes quality over convenience, this will suit you perfectly.

Ideal for gin aficionados, curious foodies, or anyone looking for a memorable, hands-on activity while exploring the Bay of Plenty, this tour combines education and entertainment in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.

Key Points

• Personalized Gin Creation: Design your own 500ml bottle using a wide range of botanicals, many from the distillery’s garden.
• Educational Tour: Learn about sustainable distillation and how plants are harnessed for crafting premium gins.
• Award-Winning Tastings: Enjoy complimentary tastings of Matahui’s celebrated spirits, including New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit.
• Eco-Friendly Micro-Distillery: The tour includes a guided look at their environmentally conscious distillation process.
• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience feels intimate and personalized.
• Value for Money: At $58.95, the experience offers a lot of hands-on activity, education, and tasting for a reasonable price.

What to Expect at Matahui Gin Lab

The two-and-a-half-hour adventure kicks off at the Matahui Distillery, located in the scenic surrounds of Tauranga’s countryside. From the outset, you’ll notice the setting’s peaceful vibe—perfect for those looking to escape the city buzz and reconnect with nature.

The Guided Gin-Making Session

Led by master distiller Paul, you’ll start by exploring the distillery’s botanical library—a curated collection of flavors that can be used to customize your gin. With a generous selection of botanicals many grown right on-site, you’ll have the chance to select ingredients that suit your palate. The process is very hands-on, which is part of its charm; you’ll be involved in every step, from choosing botanicals to understanding how they influence flavor profiles.

Paul’s guidance ensures your gin is not only flavorful but balanced. As one reviewer pointed out, the hosts are “knowledgeable and friendly,” making it easy to ask questions and learn about the craft of distillation. You’ll feel like a mini distiller, mixing and sampling as you go, which makes the process both educational and fun.

The Botanical Garden and Sustainability

A standout feature of Matahui is its permaculture garden, where many botanicals are cultivated. This sustainable approach means you’re seeing ingredients that are grown with care and respect for the environment. It’s a nice touch that adds authenticity—your gin is crafted from plants that are fresh, local, and environmentally friendly.

Tasting and Tour of the Micro-Distillery

After creating your gin, you’ll be invited to the Cellar Door for a tasting of Matahui’s award-winning spirits. The highlight here is the chance to sample New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit, a recognition that speaks to the quality and craftsmanship involved.

The tour of the eco-friendly micro-distillery offers a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process. You’ll learn how they harness nature’s power sustainably to produce high-quality spirits, which adds a layer of appreciation for your custom bottle.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer sums it up: “Very knowledgeable and friendly. A little out of the way but like all of NZ the drive was beautiful and worth it.” This emphasizes the scenic journey and the welcoming nature of the hosts. Another notes, “The gin was delicious and there was plenty to try,” highlighting the generous tastings and the quality of the spirits.

The Practicalities: Pricing, Duration, and Booking

For $58.95 per person, you get a comprehensive, hands-on experience that combines learning, creating, and tasting. At just under three hours, it’s a substantial activity that fits well into a day of exploring the Bay of Plenty. The tour is most often booked about three weeks in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The small group size—capped at 10 participants—ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Meeting at the distillery at 270 Matahui Road, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to reach this tranquil spot.

Since the experience includes your own 500ml bottle of custom gin, the value is clear: you leave with a tangible souvenir, along with a new appreciation for gin-making.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—an excellent feature if your plans change unexpectedly.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re interested in crafting your own spirits and learning about sustainable distillation. The mix of educational insight, hands-on activity, and quality tastings makes this a memorable activity for those who appreciate authentic, small-scale craftsmanship.

The price point is reasonable considering you’re creating your personalized bottle and gaining knowledge from a skilled distiller. The relatively limited reviews keep in mind that the experience’s popularity is rising, but those who’ve done it rave about the friendly guides and the stunning drive to get there.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits gin enthusiasts eager to learn more about craft spirits, foodies who enjoy tasting and creating, and travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic activity outside the usual tourist spots. It’s also ideal for people interested in sustainable practices or those looking for a unique, hands-on souvenir of their trip.

The Sum Up

The Matahui Gin Lab offers a genuine, engaging glimpse into the art of gin-making, set against the beautiful backdrop of New Zealand’s countryside. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances education, creativity, and tasting, all guided by passionate and knowledgeable hosts.

For a fair price, you get to craft your own personalized bottle, explore an eco-friendly distillery, and enjoy award-winning spirits—all in a small, friendly setting. It’s perfect for gin lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a memorable, authentic activity during their time in Tauranga.

While the drive might be a bit out of the way, the peaceful setting, expert guidance, and the chance to take home a bespoke gin make it well worth the effort. Just remember to book in advance, especially if you want a spot during peak travel times.

FAQs

Can I participate if I have no prior experience with distilling or gin-making?
Absolutely. The experience is designed for all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned gin enthusiasts. The guide is very approachable and will walk you through each step.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including the time for crafting your gin and tasting.

What is included in the price?
You get a fully guided session, your own 500ml bottle of bespoke gin, access to the botanical library, and a tasting of award-winning spirits.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 21 days in advance, as the experience is popular and spots are limited.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 270 Matahui Road, Aongatete, in the scenic countryside near Tauranga.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the distillery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 10 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

What makes this distillery environmentally friendly?
They use sustainable practices and grow many botanicals on-site in their permaculture garden, harnessing nature responsibly.

Whether you’re a gin aficionado or just looking for a memorable, hands-on activity during your trip to Tauranga, the Matahui Gin Lab offers an authentic taste of craft spirit making, infused with New Zealand’s natural beauty and sustainability.