We all deserve something to look forward to and after recent years, a good break and a good gin is going to be good for the soul.
Hiking and wine tasting – yes please. Hiking and gin tasting – where do I sign up?
Imagine soaking in endless views of lush, native tree fringed coastlines, boasting sparkling white, sandy beaches to your hearts content.
Only to be treated to some of New Zealand’s (and the world’s!) best spirits.
The world's best gin
The craft gin scene is emerging in New Zealand and the Coromandel Peninsula has a couple of micro-distillers that are making huge waves on both a national and global scale.
In fact, Thames, which is the gateway to the Coromandel now boasts the home of the world’s best gin.
Coromandel Distilling Company caught the distilling bug when experimenting with mead, made from Manuka Honey from their own hives on the Coromandel’s west coast.
Distillers Paul and Daniella are scientists, so they started experimenting with flavours from the wild.
With awards like world’s best classic gin and New Zealand's best matured gin you know we will sampling quality.
Our personal favourite is their Awildian Blue Gin, because it makes for a neat party trick…you’ll have to come with us to witness the magic!
Gold medals for gold gin
Just up the road at Kaimai Brewing and Distilling, an array of infusions – including a gold flaked gin (yes your read that right) line up for the sampling, presented by chief distiller and Waikino Pub owner Wayne.
Wayne's gold flaked gin 'Eliza's Claim' has also won a gold at the New Zealand Spirit Awards - an apt medal for this gin.
A health trip?
Gin also contains antioxidants with anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits. So you can practically call this a health trip now!
After a long day of hiking, soaking up the stunning coastal views of the Coromandel, we can’t think of a better way to round it off than a refreshing G&T.
You can join in on the gin fun on our one day Coastal Spirit Experience, our three-day Coastal Charm Taster Tour or our most popular tour – our Coastal Charm Classic seven days around the Coromandel Peninsula.