Award-winning gin, artisan distilled in Whanganui

Exquisite gins winning awards in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Awards & Medals

We do what we do because we love creating gins YOU enjoy. Even better if those gins receive industry recognition and are praised for the unique flavours and subtle elegance.

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Papaiti Gin Distillery

Our distillery is located in the small rural village of Upokongaro. Just a few kilometres north of Whanganui, Upokongaro sits opposite our Papaiti home and orchard, on the banks of the Whanganui river - Te Awa Tupua. It's easy to visit whether you are travelling by foot, bike, car or historic riverboat.
We are passionate about our hands-on, artisan approach to crafting gin and it is here in the distillery where all the magic happens.
Everything from mixing botanicals, distillation, bottling and distribution happens in this small but functional space.
Our cellar door is open for retail business and we do love welcoming visitors and telling our story. So if you're around, make sure to drop in.

Botanicals

Gin is incredibly creative. As long as juniper is the dominant botanical, you can pair it with just about anything. The real art to crafting gin is getting the mix of botanicals just right and it is the balance of botanicals that gives every gin its own unique flavour signature.

Whilst some botanicals, like juniper, just aren’t readily available in New Zealand, we're trying to use as many locally sourced botanicals as we can. Right now there’s a little bit of our home that goes into every bottle of gin that we produce, and we envisage that within 12-months all of our citrus and native botanicals will be able to be sourced from within the Whanganui region.

Mountains to Sea

The distillery sits right on the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trail. It comes right through our car park!
We welcome every cyclist riding the trail (as well as those just doing shorter trips out from town) and of course the Te Araroa hikers walking past, too. We are right behind supporting the ever-expanding trail network in and around Whanganui.
If you've run out of water, come see us for a refill. If you’re having a bit of a mechanical we’ve got a few basic tools that might be able to help you out. Or if you’re just passing by and want to stop by for a chat, or to check us out, then come on in.

Generally, if the lights are on, someone is in and would be more than happy to chat or or help you out.

  • Gin Meets Photography in Distillery Exhibition

    Gin Meets Photography in Distillery Exhibition

    The distillery team at Papaiti Gin is excited to announce an innovative fusion of art and distillation with an exhibition, showcasing the photography talents of co-founder and distiller Adrian Rumney.

    Gin Meets Photography in Distillery Exhibition

    The distillery team at Papaiti Gin is excited to announce an innovative fusion of art and distillation with an exhibition, showcasing the photography talents of co-founder and distiller Adrian Rumney.

  • Why New Zealand Distilleries are asking for an Excise Support Package

    Why New Zealand Distilleries are asking for an ...

    There are now over 140 distilleries across New Zealand from Kerikeri to Invercargill – a marked increase since 2018, when New Zealand had just 27 distilleries. Excise represents over 50% of overheads...

    Why New Zealand Distilleries are asking for an ...

    There are now over 140 distilleries across New Zealand from Kerikeri to Invercargill – a marked increase since 2018, when New Zealand had just 27 distilleries. Excise represents over 50% of overheads...

  • What was the Gin Craze about and why did they call gin 'Mother's Ruin'?

    What was the Gin Craze about and why did they c...

    A question that comes up quite frequently at gin tastings: what was the Gin Craze all about and why did they call gin 'Mother's Ruin'?  To answer that question we...

    What was the Gin Craze about and why did they c...

    A question that comes up quite frequently at gin tastings: what was the Gin Craze all about and why did they call gin 'Mother's Ruin'?  To answer that question we...

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