People's Choice Awards

Founded in 2022, 5 Mile Distilling is Taupō’s first and only commercial distillery. We are home of the award winning 5 Mile Gin and 5 Mile Vodka ranges. The 5 Mile name comes from the stunning 5 Mile Bay in Taupō, where many a summer’s afternoon has been spent drinking Gin on the beach while the kids played in the water.

Kākāpō Distillery was founded on three guiding principles: a love of Aotearoa, commitment to conservation, and a passion for crafting exceptional gin. Distilling in a traditional copper Alquitar still, their micro‑batch gins are forged with foraged and locally grown native botanicals, such as mānuka, kawakawa, elderflower, and pink peppercorn, to highlight Aotearoa’s unique flavours 

Dabblers gin was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible when making a flavoured gin using natural ingredients. The company was founded by Adrian Hoggard and Samuel Richardson, both food scientists, with a passion for food and drinks. It all began in lockdown when Adrian started experimenting with gin making and ingredient infusions. 

Based in Katikati at the base of the Kaimai Ranges, Kaimai Brewing and Distilling blends heritage, botanicals, and craftsmanship into every bottle. Their spirit range is as expansive as it is refined - from classically styled gins and contemporary spiced rums to vodka, moonshine, and an innovative lineup of sugar-free liqueurs.

Founded by scientists turned distillers, Awildian Gin began as an experiment in mānuka honey mead before evolving into an artisanal distillery in Thames. Using spring water sourced from Atuatumoe/Sleeping God Canyon in Kauaeranga Valley and local Coromandel botanicals

Southward Distilling Co. is an independent craft distillery based in Wellington, New Zealand, focused on producing high-quality spirits that reflect both innovation and a strong sense of place. Established with a commitment to small-batch production, the distillery combines traditional techniques with a contemporary approach to flavour and ingredient selection.

Join Julien for four generations of French flair! Celebrate the New Gin on the Block - Founders Classic Gin, a French legacy distilled in Dunedin. While you’re there, sample their Limoncello and a celebratory special edition - Lime-cello. 

JD Distillery, home of Mile Marker 66, is a Waikato-based craft distillery inspired by New Zealand’s BBQ culture. Their small-batch gins capture the spirit of Kiwi adventure, using local ingredients and pure spring water to deliver a refreshing taste of Aotearoa.

Milford Gin is a New Zealand craft gin brand inspired by the connection between Wales and Fiordland, producing a London Dry gin that reflects heritage, exploration, and unique regional botanicals.

Thomson Whisky crafts innovative New Zealand single malt whiskies and small‑batch gin with a focus on local ingredients, native wood smoke and traditional pot still distillation.

Sum Yum is New Zealand’s first kūmara-distilled Soju - crafted in Queenstown and bursting with fresh, kiwi flavour. Distilled with glacial water and crafted for smoothness, it’s designed for good times and modern sharing rituals.

Based in Martinborough in the heart of South Wairarapa wine country, and known for its innovative and bold approach to gin-making, we craft unique spirits that reflect the creativity and vibrancy of the region. 

A Contemporary Gin, smoothly balanced, softly Juniper forward, displaying floral notes with a deep warming spice, vibrancy of fresh citrus with a sweeter finish. Clean, fresh & floral. “A Gin should be two things, Fabulous and Classy” 

Delightfully crafted and brimming with flavour, Curiosity Gin invites you on a journey to redefine your gin experience while uncovering the essence of New Zealand in every sip. Find an extraordinary experience in each pour.

Blush Merchants is an Auckland-based boutique distillery creating vibrant, fruit-infused gins and modern spirits with a New Zealand twist. Proudly NZ first pink gin! They have now expanded their range into Russell Rum 

Pungent Pukeko began as a backyard craft spirit project that evolved into a boutique distillery in Otorohanga, New Zealand. Named for the friendly Pūkeko birds living near the property, the brand specialises in gin made with botanicals foraged from its own land - including rimu, tōtara, kawakawa, citrus, herbs and even eucalyptus - giving each spirit a true taste of place.

Lunatic & Lover is a boutique distillery on Auckland’s North Shore, creating award-winning spirits with imagination and precision. Known for pioneering New Zealand’s first botanical rum and later launching Sea Lovers Gin, the distillery crafts its products in small batches using copper-pot stills, vapour-infusion, and locally inspired botanicals.

Known for our double gold gins, 1919 is also shaking things up this year with our award winning whisky and rum. Join us at Gindulgence to taste what’s new. 

Broken Heart Spirits is a boutique distillery based in Queenstown, New Zealand, producing a wide portfolio of premium spirits including gin, vodka, rum, whisky, and seasonal liqueurs. The brand was founded by two German friends and master distillers who sought to create spirits that honoured life’s bittersweet moments, following the passing of one co-founder – hence the name, “Broken Heart.”

Gretchen Distillery is rooted in the heritage of the Black Forest, Germany, and pays homage to a timeless love story. Founded on a family recipe from 1947, the gin was created in honour of Greta — fondly known as “Gretchen” — the beloved wife of Alfred Schladerer.

Dreaming of a Cool Refreshing Drink? Yu Gin is the ultimate refreshing gin, based on a unique combination of botanicals : juniper, yuzu, Sichuan pepper, liquorice and many others!