Gin distilleries in and around Ōtautahi Christchurch

In recent years a selection of small-batch gin producers have made themselves at home on New Zealand’s South Island. We delve into the best of what’s on offer in Ōtautahi Christchurch and beyond.

What makes Canterbury's craft gin scene so special?

Small-batch gin producers across New Zealand's South Island are creating distinctive spirits using ingredients you won't find anywhere else. From locally foraged seaweed and fresh mountain snow to native forest botanicals, Canterbury's gin makers celebrate the region's unique terroir in every bottle.

Whether you're a gin enthusiast or curious newcomer, Ōtautahi Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region offer intimate distillery experiences where you can tour production facilities, meet the makers, and taste award-winning small-batch gins crafted with South Island pride.

Where can you do a gin distillery tour in Christchurch? Curiosity Gin

Founded in 2016 by a group of friends, Curiosity Gin operates an on-site distillery in central Christchurch where every bottle is crafted in-house. Daily distillery tours take visitors through the gin-making process, from viewing the copper stills to experiencing the aromatic barrel room.
Their Classic gin showcases crisp citrus notes, while limited-edition releases like the cult-favourite, Pinot Barrel Sloe gin, offer something truly special.

Good for:

Daily distillery tours to see the gin-making process
Viewing the stills and smelling the barrel room
Discovering unique small-batch releases like Pinot Barrel Sloe gin
Groups of friends wanting an in-depth distillery experience

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Where can you buy the best gin in Akaroa? Akaroa Craft Distillery

Akaroa Craft Distillery tells the tale of the local harbour through the taste of its gin. Set in a newly renovated tasting house, the gin features kelp gathered in Wainui, lavender from Little River, rosehips from Little Akaloa, wild thyme from French Bay and locally grown grapes, lemon and botanicals. Visitors are welcome – just book a visit, and you can sample the gin and hear more about the stories that shape its taste.

Good for:

Learning the story of Akaroa harbour through taste
Sampling gin made with hyper-local botanicals (kelp from Wainui, lavender from Little River)
Booking intimate tastings in their newly renovated tasting house
Those interested in terroir-driven spirits
Combining with a scenic Akaroa drive

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Gin bottles in front of Mt Fyffe Distillery

What award-winning gins come from Kaikōura? Mt Fyffe Distillery

Justine Schroder lives on a sheep farm in the Kaikōura foothills and makes gin under the moniker of Mt Fyffe. She forages the hillsides that surround her property to collect botanicals for her two gins, from rosehips, elderflower and kanuka, to blue borage and seaweed. The Woolshed gin and Shearwater gin are both award-winning drops and made in a converted woolshed on her farm.

Good for:

Award-winning gins made by a solo distiller
Experiencing gin made from hand-foraged hillside botanicals
Unique flavours like rosehips, elderflower, kanuka, and seaweed
Supporting small-scale, farm-based production
Pairing with a Kaikōura coastal adventure

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Which South Canterbury distillery celebrates the honeybee? Humdinger Distillery

Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Saskia Lewis founded Humdinger in late 2020 to celebrate the unsung hero of gin-making: the honeybee. Their passion for these tiny pollinators runs deep, and for good reason — the South Island botanicals that give their gin its distinctive character depend entirely on bees to keep the life cycle ticking. The Geraldine-based distillery produces two award-winning signature gins, and visitors can drop by for a tour to see the process firsthand.

Good for:

Celebrating the role of honeybees in gin production
Award-winning gins (bronze medal at 2022 International Wine & Spirits competition)
Personal tours from founders
Viewing the distillery from the shop floor
Those interested in locally sourced botanicals and sustainable practices

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Is there a gin distillery in Twizel? Resurrection Distillery

According to Resurrection Distillery, spirits are a mix of art and science. The tiny gin brand is headed up by three mates, Cody Thyne, Richard Brown and Matt Gunn, and makes one gin – Rusty Halo. The gin features smooth manuka honey flavours, as well as botanicals, maize and rye sourced locally from Mackenzie Basin in the centre of the South Island. The team offers in-person tours of their small distillery in the high-altitude town of Twizel for $20 and its gin can also be ordered online.

Good for:

Intimate tours of a small distillery ($20 per person)
Those who enjoy gin with smooth manuka honey flavours
Learning about high-altitude distilling
Botanicals sourced from Mackenzie Basin
Online ordering if you can't visit in person

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More gin options in Christchurch

Friends at Gin Gin with the Christchurch Tram in the background

Where's a good spot to enjoy a gin in Christchurch city? Gin Gin

While not a distillery, Gin Gin deserves a spot on every gin lover's Christchurch itinerary. Located on New Regent Street in the heart of Christchurch's iconic pastel-colored heritage precinct, this sophisticated cocktail bar stocks over 100 gin varieties, including exceptional local craft gins from around Canterbury and New Zealand.
Art deco-inspired interiors with velvet seating, playful pastel furnishings, and whimsical décor create a fun atmosphere to relax.

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Supporting Canterbury's craft gin movement

When you visit these distilleries, you're supporting small New Zealand businesses committed to sustainable practices, local sourcing, and showcasing South Island terroir. Many distillers forage wild botanicals, work with local farmers, and minimize environmental impact through thoughtful production methods.

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