Bay of Plenty: Matahui Distillery Tour – A Perfect Blend of Learning and Tasting
If you’re seeking an authentic, hands-on experience that combines the craft of spirit-making with a touch of nature, the Matahui Distillery tour offers just that. Sitting comfortably in New Zealand’s North Island, this tour isn’t just about sipping gin — it’s about understanding what makes a great spirit and seeing how fresh botanicals are key to the process.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides openly share their insights into distillation and botanicals. Second, you’ll get to explore the on-site permaculture garden, which plays a vital role in crafting Matahui’s award-winning gins and liqueurs. Third, the tasting session at the end offers a chance to sample some of New Zealand’s best spirits, including the celebrated Fennel Liqueur.
A potential consideration? It’s a 60-minute tour, so it’s relatively short, but if you’re after a deep dive into distilling, this might be a quick overview rather than an exhaustive workshop. Still, the value for the price — just $29 per person — is quite compelling. This experience appeals most to curious travelers who love authentic local flavors, small-group intimacy, and a relaxed, informative environment.
Key Points
Affordable Price: A great value at $29, offering insightful education and tastings.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with detailed insights into distillation and botanicals.
Unique Botanicals: On-site permaculture garden provides fresh ingredients that influence the spirits’ flavors.
Tasting Experience: Enjoy complimentary samples of Matahui’s award-winning gins and liqueurs, including New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit.
Limited Mobility Notes: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or children under 18, so check accessibility beforehand.
Booking Required: Reserve in advance to secure your spot, with flexible payment options available.
Discovering Matahui Distillery: A Closer Look
Looking for more options in Bay Of Plenty Region? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Setting and Arrival
Starting at the Matahui Distillery, situated in the scenic North Island, you’re welcomed into a small but vibrant operation. The check-in process is straightforward — just check into the Reception or Cellar Door. The distillery itself is compact, but it packs a punch in terms of the experience it offers.
Guests often mention the friendly atmosphere created by the staff, especially guides like Emma and Tom, who know their spirits inside out. You’ll want to arrive wearing comfortable shoes and a hat if the sun’s out, as part of the tour involves some walking around the botanical garden.
The Distillery Tour: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The core of the experience is a 60-minute guided tour that covers every part of the process.
Start in the Flavour Lab, where you’ll see the distillation process in action. The guides explain how the botanicals are carefully selected and used — a process that’s central to creating the distinctive flavors of Matahui’s gin and liqueurs. We loved the way the guides highlighted the importance of balance, emphasizing that a good spirit isn’t just strong; it has to be smooth and well-rounded.
Next, explore the permaculture garden, which is a highlight for many. Here, you’ll see botanicals like Fennel, which is used to make the eponymous Fennel Liqueur, along with other herbs and plants. The guides share insights into how growing these ingredients on-site minimizes environmental impact and ensures quality.
Throughout the tour, guests appreciated the clarity and enthusiasm of the guides. Multiple reviewers commented on how “Emma’s knowledge about distillation and botanicals made the experience engaging and accessible,” making complex processes easy to understand.
Tasting Session: Sipping on Award-Winning Spirits
Post-tour, you’re invited to the Cellar Door for tastings. This isn’t just a quick sip; it’s an opportunity to explore a selection of Matahui’s finest spirits. Expect to sample the Adventurer’s Gin, known for its smooth profile, and the Fennel Liqueur, which has earned accolades as New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit.
Reviewers mention that the tasting is generous, with some saying they sampled “multiple spirits and appreciated the detailed descriptions that helped identify flavor notes.” The spirits aren’t overly sweet or artificial; instead, they showcase genuine craftsmanship rooted in local ingredients.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience and Atmosphere
Guests often remark on the relaxed atmosphere and the personal attention they receive. Since the tour is small, you get plenty of time to ask questions and chat with guides about the distilling process, botanicals, or even suggestions for cocktail pairings.
The gardens provide a picturesque backdrop, and if you visit on a sunny day, the combination of fresh air, fragrant herbs, and local craftsmanship makes for a memorable outing.
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
Cost and Value
For just $29, this tour offers a surprising amount of value. It’s a quick yet comprehensive introduction to distillation, coupled with tastings of spirits that often receive praise for their quality. Considering the high standards of the spirits and the knowledgeable guides, many find this experience well worth the price.
Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts about an hour, making it ideal for a quick, engaging activity without taking up your entire day. Groups tend to be small, which enhances the intimacy and allows for personalized attention.
Accessibility and Suitability
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 18, or travelers with mobility issues. Since some walking is involved, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing sun protection is advised.
Booking and Flexibility
Advance booking is required, and the site offers a “Reserve & Pay Later” option, allowing for flexible planning. Cancellation is refundable if made at least 24 hours in advance.
Why You’ll Love This Tour
Authentic Craftsmanship: The focus on small-batch spirits and botanical ingredients gives you a genuine taste of Kiwi innovation.
Educational Element: The guides’ insights make the experience fascinating for anyone interested in spirits or natural ingredients.
Locally Grown Botanicals: Seeing the on-site garden shows how sustainability influences the craft, adding depth to the tasting.
Affordable Price: Compared to other specialty distillery tours, Matahui offers an accessible way to learn and sample premium spirits.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re a curious traveler eager to understand how spirits are made, this tour is perfect. It suits those who enjoy tasting local flavors and want a behind-the-scenes look at a small Kiwi distillery. It’s also ideal for visitors looking for an activity that combines education, nature, and a relaxed atmosphere.
However, it’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a comprehensive distillation workshop — this is more of a snapshot of the craft than an in-depth masterclass.
Final Thoughts
The Matahui Distillery tour offers an engaging, authentic glimpse into New Zealand’s craft spirits scene. With expert guides and the chance to taste exceptional gins and liqueurs, it’s a delightful experience that balances education with enjoyment. The on-site garden and natural ingredients add a special touch, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing.
For just $29, this tour provides a memorable, flavorful journey into the world of small-batch distilling. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or simply curious about what makes Kiwi gin unique, Matahui is a worthwhile stop that promises authentic flavors and friendly expertise.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to the alcohol tastings involved.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is necessary to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
How long does the tour last?
The distillery tour itself takes about 60 minutes.
Are the spirits available for purchase afterward?
While not explicitly mentioned, many distilleries typically offer spirits for sale at the Cellar Door, so it’s worth asking.
Can I visit the distillery if I don’t want a tasting?
The tour includes a tasting, but you can choose to participate or not. Check with Matahui Distillery for options.
Is transportation provided?
No, transportation to and from the distillery is not included; you’ll need to arrange your own.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. The tour involves some walking around the gardens.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.
What makes the spirits at Matahui stand out?
Their spirits are crafted with botanicals grown on-site, ensuring freshness and a strong connection to local ingredients.
To sum it up, the Matahui Distillery tour offers a unique mix of education, authenticity, and flavorful tasting for travelers interested in the craft of spirits. It balances value with quality, making it a top choice for small-group, intimate experiences on New Zealand’s North Island. Whether you’re a gin lover or a curious foodie, this tour provides a genuine taste of Kiwi ingenuity and natural flavors.
You can check availability for your dates here: