Craft spirits have found a home in the Bay of Plenty, and the Matahui Gin Lab lets you take part rather than just taste. In this workshop you learn how gin is made, handle a range of botanicals, from juniper and citrus peel to local herbs, and then design your own blend before it is distilled and bottled. The session is led by a host who explains the chemistry in plain language and encourages experimentation, so you do not need to know anything about spirits to enjoy it. Most people leave with a personalised bottle, a better understanding of flavour and a story to tell. It suits couples, friends and small groups who like their holidays with a creative twist, and it works as a rainy-day plan.
The workshop usually begins with an introduction to gin: the role of juniper as the defining botanical, how other ingredients add citrus, spice, floral or earthy notes and what happens during distillation. You then sample individual botanicals, smelling and tasting them so that you can imagine how they will combine. The hands-on part is making your own recipe, with measured quantities and a bit of guidance so that the result is balanced. While the distilling happens, you may taste other gins or mixers and ask questions about the craft.
The setting is relaxed and personal rather than industrial. A small distillery is quieter and friendlier than a large factory, and the people who run it are generally enthusiastic about talking shop. You may learn about local ingredients, sustainability practices and the challenges of running a small business in the spirits trade. The atmosphere is closer to a cooking class than a pub tasting, and groups tend to get along quickly because everyone is in the same position of trying something new.
Practical points
You must be of legal drinking age, and there is a cost-per-person that normally includes materials and the bottle. Samples are small, but if you are driving, plan accordingly, because alcohol is part of the experience. Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, and tell the host about allergies, since botanicals can include nuts, citrus and herbs. Check the transport arrangements when you book. The venue is outside the city centre, so you will need to drive, take a taxi or join an organised pickup.
Take the bottle home as a gift, or keep it as a souvenir of the trip. Some visitors repeat the process with a friend and compare their blends, which is a good way to end a holiday. Combine the workshop with a visit to an orchard, a stop in Katikati or a long lunch, and it becomes an easy food and drink day. For anyone interested in craft food and drink, the lab is a distinctive stop that reflects the creative side of the Bay of Plenty.
If you are building a trip around food and drink, treat the gin lab as the creative centrepiece. Arrive with a rough idea of the flavours you enjoy, whether crisp and citrusy, floral and soft or spicy and warming, and tell the host so that they can steer you to the right botanicals. Take notes of your recipe, because many people want to make it again at home. The finished bottle travels well in checked luggage if wrapped carefully, though check airline and customs rules on spirits before you fly out of the country.
What to expect
The experience
A guided workshop where you choose botanicals, create a gin recipe and bottle your own gin.
Best time
Afternoons, with a long lunch before or dinner after.
How long
Plan about two to three hours.
Tips
You must be of legal drinking age; arrange a driver or transport.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, friends and curious foodies.
- Families
- Not suitable for children, as alcohol is involved.
- Couples
- A creative afternoon with a bottle to take home.
- Pair with
- The Katikati avocado tour or lunch in town.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Do I need to know about gin?+
No. The host explains everything from scratch.
Do I take my bottle home?+
Yes, creating your own bottle is the main aim, though check how the distilling is handled.
Is there an age limit?+
You must be of legal drinking age.
Can I drive afterwards?+
Samples are small, but you should plan transport if you are driving.
Are there allergy concerns?+
Botanicals may include nuts or herbs. Tell the host about allergies in advance.