Papaiti Gin is Whanganui’s first craft gin distillery, producing award-winning, small-batch gins inspired by the local landscape and community. Each bottle is handcrafted with botanicals sourced from the surrounding orchards and bush, offering a uniquely New Zealand flavour experience.
Nestled in the riverside village of Upokongaro, just 10 minutes north of Whanganui, Papaiti Gin Distillery is a boutique operation blending artistry with distillation. Founded by Adrian Rumney and Nikki Oesterle, the distillery crafts gins that reflect the local environment, using botanicals sourced from their own orchards and gardens. Their commitment to storytelling through flavour has earned them over 27 international medals, including a Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards for their Whanganui Dry Gin.
Visitors can explore the distillery, engage in gin crafting classes, and experience the fusion of spirits and art, as both founders are also accomplished artists. The distillery serves as a creative hub, offering a unique glimpse into the world of gin-making intertwined with local culture.
| Region | Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Address | 454 State Highway 4, Upokongaro, Whanganui 4575, New Zealand |
| Has Cellar Door? | Yes |
| Has Distillery Tours? | Yes |
| Website | papaitigin.co.nz/ |
(5.0/5) Based on 2 reviews
A gin inspired by the journey from the Whanganui River's source to the sea, featuring native botanicals.
| Category | Contemporary |
| ABV % | 42% |
| Bottle Size/s: | 700mls, 250mls |
| Price % | $89.00 |
| Botanicals Used | Horopito, manuka Leaf, Kelp |
| Recommended Mixers | Tonic Water Soda Water |
| Recommended Garnishers | Lime slice, rosemary twig, dehydrated pear |
(4.4/5) Based on 7 reviews
Juniper forward gin with pear, kawakawa leaf & nutmeg
| Category | Contemporary |
| ABV % | 42% |
| Bottle Size/s: | 700mls, 250mls |
| Price % | $89.00 |
| Botanicals Used | Pear, Kawakawa Leaf, Nutmeg |
| Recommended Mixers | Neutral tonic waters or soda water |
| Recommended Garnishers | Pear slice, lemon slice |
(4.4/5) Based on 8 reviews
A garden inspired gin that brings together a medley of herbs and botanicals.
| Category | Contemporary |
| ABV % | 40% |
| Bottle Size/s: | 700mls, 250mls |
| Price % | $89.00 |
| Botanicals Used | Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, liquorice root, orris root, lemon, orange, grapefruit, basil, nettle and rose hip. |
| Recommended Mixers | Alchemy Tonic Grapefruit & Thyme East Imperial Yuzu Tonic Water Tonic Water Soda Water |
| Recommended Garnishers | Lemon Slice |
Not yet reviewed
A handcrafted gin celebrating the Whanganui River's heritage, infused with wild juniper, blackberry, kawakawa, and marshmallow root.
| Category | Contemporary |
| ABV % | 42% |
| Bottle Size/s: | 700mls |
| Price % | $89.00 |
| Botanicals Used | Wild juniper, coriander, blackberry, marshmallow root, kawakawa leaf, grapefruit peel, orris root. |
| Recommended Mixers | A slice of grapefruit or a sprig of fresh mint. |
| Recommended Garnishers | N/A |
(3.0/5) Based on 1 reviews
An award-winning classic London dry gin with a New Zealand twist.
| Category | London Dry |
| ABV % | 45% |
| Bottle Size/s: | 700mls, 250mls |
| Price % | $89.00 |
| Botanicals Used | Pink peppercorn, almond, mint |
| Recommended Mixers | Tonic Water |
| Recommended Garnishers | Orange Slice |
