Get in Touch

Have questions about our experiences, bookings, or corporate events? We're here to help.

craft your signature gin

Gin Lab Experience

Learn professional gin-making using our Flavour Library

2.5-3 hours

From $95 per person

Matahui Tasting Experience

Taste award-winning spirits and explore our permaculture garden

1 hour

From $45 per person

Corporate & Group Events

Team building, celebrations, and private bookings

2.5-3 hours

From $95 per person

Send Us a Message

Have a question? We'll respond within 24 hours (usually much faster!)

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Other Ways to Reach Us

Email
ask@matahuidistillery.com
We respond within 48 hours - usually same day!

Phone
07 282 7652
Wednesday - Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday 11am-4pm

Facebook Messenger

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Visit Our Cellar Door

270 Matahui Road,

Aongatete, Near Katikati, Bay of Plenty

Wednesday-Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday 11am-4pm
(Experiences by appointment only)

Find Us Easily

Driving Directions

From Tauranga (35 minutes)

  1. Take State Highway 2 toward Auckland
  2. About 30 mins after leaving Tauranga, turn right onto Matahui Road at the roundabout
  3. We're on the right after 2km - look for our sign!

From Auckland (2.5 hours)

  1. Take State Highway 2 towards Tauranga
  2. About 10 mins after passing through Katikati, turn left onto Matahui Road at the roundabout
  3. We're on the right after 2km - look for our sign!

From Hamilton (90 minutes)
Head towards Tauranga or Paeroa and join State Highway 2, then follow instructions for Tauranga or Auckland above.

Worth the Drive!
We're in beautiful rural Bay of Plenty - expect peaceful countryside, not city traffic. The journey is part of the experience.

Parking & Arrival

free

Free on-site parking

Plenty of space for your vehicle

accessible

Accessible

Flat paths from parking to distillery. We are working towards an accessible site for all, but there are some small steps and we do not currently have a disabled access toilet. Please contact us if you have special acessibility needs to ensure our venue is suitable.

1 hour

Arrive 5-10 minutes early

Time to park, use facilities, and settle in

running late

Running late?

Call us: 07 282 7652

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Experiences

How many people will be in our session?

Maximum 8-12 guests per Gin Lab experience. We keep groups intimate for personal attention and genuine learning. You won't feel crowded or rushed.

What should we wear?

Casual and comfortable! You'll spend time in our garden (weather permitting), so dress for outdoor exploration. We recommend layers in cooler months.

What's included in the Gin Lab Experience?

- 2.5-hour hands-on gin creation
- Tasting 20+ botanicals from our Flavour Library
- Creating your custom 500ml gin to take home
- Professional guidance from Paul, Angela, or one of our expert team
- Garden tour (weather permitting)
- Tasting samples of our award-winning spirits

What about designated drivers?

We provide non-alcoholic tasting alternatives so everyone can participate fully. Designated drivers are welcome and included in the experience!

Do we need gin knowledge beforehand?

Not at all! We teach you everything. Complete beginners create exceptional gins using our method - you'll taste each botanical individually before blending.

s the experience suitable for couples?

Absolutely! Most of our guests are couples seeking meaningful date experiences. Our intimate scale (max 8-12 guests) is perfect for romantic quality time together.

What if the weather is bad?

We run experiences in all weather. Most of the experience is indoors, with garden tours adapted to conditions. Rain won't stop us - we'll provide umbrellas or showcase the garden from covered areas.

Booking & Logistics

How far in advance should we book?

We recommend 3-4 weeks for weekends (Saturdays fill quickly). Weekdays often have availability at shorter notice.

What's your cancellation policy?

Full refund if cancelled 14+ days before your booking. No refund for cancellations within 14 days. We understand plans change - just let us know as early as possible and we'll do our best to help.

Can we bring children?

Gin Lab experiences are 18+ only due to alcohol consumption and tasting focus.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

We have flat paths from parking to the distillery and most areas are accessible. Some parts of the garden may be challenging for wheelchairs depending on weather conditions and there are some small steps. At present we do not have a separate disabled toilet. Please contact us to discuss specific accessibility needs - we'll do our best to accommodate.

What time should we arrive?

Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled start time. This gives you time to park comfortably, use facilities, and settle in before we begin.

Can we arrive early to look around the garden?

Yes! Arriving 10-15 minutes early is perfect for a quick garden stroll before your experience begins.

Products & Purchases

Can I re-order my custom gin?

Yes! We keep your recipe on file and can recreate it exactly. Visit our shop to re-order.

Can we purchase gin without doing an experience?

Absolutely! Our cellar door is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm for product purchases and tastings. No appointment needed for shopping.

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes, we ship throughout New Zealand. Shipping costs calculated at checkout.

Can I visit just to browse?

Yes! Cellar door is open for browsing Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm. Experiences require advance booking.

Corporate & Groups

Do you offer corporate events?

Yes! We host team building, client entertainment, and corporate celebrations from $95pp. Learn more about corporate events

Can we book a private experience?

Absolutely. We offer private bookings for groups. Minimum group size may apply depending on the experience. Contact us to discuss your needs.

What's included in corporate packages?

Our corporate packages include the full Gin Lab experience with optional add-ons like catering, extended tasting sessions, and custom branded bottles for client gifts. Request a detailed quote

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, with advance notice. Let us know during booking about any allergies or dietary needs and we'll make appropriate arrangements.

Do you have presentation/AV capabilities?

We can accommodate brief presentations or team activities. Contact us to discuss your specific corporate event needs.

Still Have Questions?

or call us at 07 282 7652

We're here to help make your visit perfect!

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Visit Us

Matahui Distillery

270 Matahui Road, Aongatete, Near Katikati
Bay of Plenty

Phone: 07 282 7652
Email: ask@matahuidistillery.com

Cellar Door Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday 11am-4pm

Experiences:
By appointment only - Book Now