Matahui Distillery
Matahui Distillery

Matahui Distillery

Bay of Plenty, Tauranga

About

Nestled in rural Aongatete, Bay of Plenty, Matahui Distillery crafts award‑winning small‑batch gins and liqueurs using permaculture‑grown botanicals. It offers immersive tasting experiences, cellar‑door visits, and hands‑on gin-making adventures.

Matahui Distillery is a boutique, family‑run micro‑distillery set amid the rolling hills of the Bay of Plenty. Founded by passionate distillers Paul, Angela, and Shelley, it’s dedicated to producing luxury gins and liqueurs from garden‑to‑glass. Many botanicals are grown organically on-site using permaculture principles, lending each spirit a true taste of local terroir.

Visitors can explore the lush botanical garden, observe the distillation process in the Flavour Lab, and enjoy free tastings at the cellar door (open Wed–Sun, 11 am–6 pm) The distillery hosts two standout experiences:

  • Gin Tour & Tasting: A one-hour guided tour through the distillery and gardens, with tastings of flagship gins and liqueurs*
    *Check distillery website for price and availability 

  • Gin Lab – Craft Your Own Gin: A 2–3‑hour interactive workshop, where participants sample 20+ botanicals, blend a unique recipe, and take home a 500 ml personalised bottle*
    *Check distillery website for price and availability 
     

Tours and the Gin Lab require booking, and the venue supports wheelchair access via a ramp (though toilet facilities may not yet be fully accessible)

Details

Region Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Address 270 Matahui Road, Aongatete, Bay of Plenty
Has Cellar Door? Yes
Has Distillery Tours? Yes
Website matahuidistillery.com/

Not yet reviewed

Adventurers Gin is a juniper‑led London Dry crafted from ten botanicals, blending bright lime, aromatic fennel, warming coriander, horopito and orange into a balanced, mouth‑filling spirit.

Category London Dry
ABV % 42%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $85.00
Botanicals Used The blend unites ten botanicals including lime, fennel, coriander, horopito and orange with baobab, sage, lemongrass and orris root to deliver a zesty citrus opening, layered with herbal warmth, juniper brightness and a lingering earthy spice.
Recommended Mixers

East Imperial Classic Tonic

Recommended Garnishers

Use a twist of lime or orange peel, or a stalk of lemongrass for a visually appealing and aromatic finish.

Berry Adventurers Gin

Not yet reviewed

Berry Adventurers Gin is a vivid deep‑pink gin infused with fresh blackberries and the signature blend of juniper, lime, fennel and horopito from the original Adventurers Gin, offering a subtly fruity twist.

Category Flavoured Gin
ABV % 42%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $90.00
Botanicals Used Made by infusing the deep, fruity sweetness of fresh blackberries into the zesty juniper, citrus, fennel and spicy horopito framework of Adventurers Gin, this vibrant spirit carries layered berry aromas that unfold over a clean, herbaceous finish
Recommended Mixers

East Imperial Yuzu Tonic, Bootleggers Hibiscus Tonic, Quina Fina Classic Tonic

Recommended Garnishers

A twist of lemon peel enhances its bright, fruity profile.

Not yet reviewed

Coffee Martini is a rich, ready-to-serve cocktail crafted with locally roasted New Zealand espresso, delivering vibrant coffee intensity softened by a smooth blend of sweet, creamy liqueur for an indulgent sip.

Category Cocktail
ABV % 15%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls, 500mls
Price % $65.00, $55,00
Botanicals Used Using freshly roasted espresso beans from a local Kiwi roastery, Coffee Martini delivers an aromatic burst of dark roast coffee that unfolds into a creamy-sweet finish with lingering mocha richness.
Recommended Mixers

Best enjoyed chilled straight from the bottle, Coffee Martini also works beautifully when topped with cream or paired with soda water for a lighter variation.

Recommended Garnishers

Serve with a few coffee beans or a twist of orange zest to enhance its aromatic profile.

Not yet reviewed

Fennel Liqueur is an intensely aromatic, award‑winning liqueur boasting rich anise flavours balanced with natural sweetness and warm fennel notes - ideal as an after‑dinner digestivo or a standout cocktail ingredient.

Category Botanical Liqueur
ABV % 50%
Bottle Size/s: 500mls
Price % $55.00
Botanicals Used Made from fennel fronds and seeds grown on-site, this liqueur delivers a bold anise-forward profile balanced by a gentle natural sweetness, with lingering herbal warmth reminiscent of traditional liquorice.
Recommended Mixers

Soda water or tonic for a refreshing spritz, 
Use in herbaceous cocktails like a Fennel Negroni twist, 
Blend with sparkling wine for a refined aperitif

Recommended Garnishers

Fresh fennel frond, Orange twist, to complement the liqueur’s herbal notes

Not yet reviewed

Grapefruitcello is a hand-crafted, Italian-style liqueur made from ripe New Zealand grapefruit, presenting deep, bright citrus flavour balanced with floral sweetness for a refreshing after-dinner sip.

Category Citrus Liqueur
ABV % 28%
Bottle Size/s: 350mls
Price % $45.00
Botanicals Used Infused with red grapefruit zest picked at peak ripeness, this liqueur reveals intense citrus purity with floral aroma and zesty tang, softened by natural sweetness and finishing with refreshing clarity.
Recommended Mixers

Over Ice or with Soda

Recommended Garnishers

A rind spiral of grapefruit enhances its bright, citrus bouquet.

Not yet reviewed

Matahui’s Limoncello is a handcrafted, small‑batch Italian‑style liqueur made from ripe New Zealand lemons, delivering vibrant citrus zest balanced with refined sweetness for a refreshing, after‑meal treat.

Category Citrus Liqueur
ABV % 28%
Bottle Size/s: 350mls
Price % $45.00
Botanicals Used Made using New Zealand lemons harvested at peak ripeness to maximise zest oils, Limoncello brings forward a bright, sherbety lemon tang balanced by smooth sweetness and a clean, digestive finish.
Recommended Mixers

East Imperial Yuzu Tonic, or Soda Water

Recommended Garnishers

A thin twist of lemon peel heightens its citrus brightness.

Spiced St Clements Liqueur

Not yet reviewed

Spiced St Clements Liqueur is a zesty citrus liqueur crafted from New Zealand oranges and lemons with a gentle warming spice, delivering a unique twist on the classic limoncello style.

Category Citrus Liqueur
ABV % 28%
Bottle Size/s: 350mls
Price % $45.00
Botanicals Used Made using hand‑zested orange and lemon peels infused in neutral spirit with a hint of spice, this liqueur delivers bright citrus oils balanced by a soft warming spice note and finishes clean and refreshing.
Recommended Mixers

Over Ice or with Soda

Recommended Garnishers

A twist of orange or lemon peel enhances its vibrant citrus flavour.