The Distillery
Waiheke Distilling Co is set on the ridge above Cowes Bay (formerly Pikau Bay). The distillery has been respectfully established to sit alongside and meld within structures that resonate the farming history of the area. Former pasture land has been painstakingly developed into a garden that exemplifies the botanical story of the product produced, bottled and served onsite.
Pikau means “to take care of”. Waiheke Distilling Co have the privilege of carefully crafting a botanical spirit in a sustainable and meaningful way. It is also our pleasure to welcome and take care of guests that may journey to the eastern end of Waiheke Island, and choose to spend some time with us, or support us through online or cellar door purchases.
Pikau means “to take care of”. Waiheke Distilling Co have the privilege of carefully crafting a botanical spirit in a sustainable and meaningful way. It is also our pleasure to welcome and take care of guests that may journey to the eastern end of Waiheke Island, and choose to spend some time with us, or support us through online or cellar door purchases.
Botanical Selection
Macadamia
Subtle in flavour, macadamia nuts provide a rich and creamy mouth feel and add a delicate texture to our crafted products
Cardamom
Intensely aromatic, cardamom is naturally sweet and spicy. We hand grind the seedpods to release the fragrance that features in our signature Spirit of Waiheke gin.
Pink Peppercorn
Pink peppercorns are in fact berries. Their addition to our London Dry gin provides a slightly sweet and aromatic twist on this traditional style. These berries are soft and delicate and are carefully handled to maximise their impact.
Juniper
Juniper provides the primary aromatic component in gin. Bright and resinous, the juniper ‘berry’ is in fact a seed-cone from the coniferous juniper tree. We grow specimen juniper in our botanical garden however the bulk of our ‘berries’ are imported from Europe.
Coriander
We grow coriander on our property and seasonally collect the seeds. Subtly spicey, and central to the flavour profile of our gins, coriander seeds add a complex nutty and slightly citrusy flavour once distilled.
NZ Giant Kelp
Overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, our Spirit of Waiheke gin has been crafted from dried NZ giant kelp, introducing a coastal and savoury influence to this signature product.
Subtle in flavour, macadamia nuts provide a rich and creamy mouth feel and add a delicate texture to our crafted products
Cardamom
Intensely aromatic, cardamom is naturally sweet and spicy. We hand grind the seedpods to release the fragrance that features in our signature Spirit of Waiheke gin.
Pink Peppercorn
Pink peppercorns are in fact berries. Their addition to our London Dry gin provides a slightly sweet and aromatic twist on this traditional style. These berries are soft and delicate and are carefully handled to maximise their impact.
Juniper
Juniper provides the primary aromatic component in gin. Bright and resinous, the juniper ‘berry’ is in fact a seed-cone from the coniferous juniper tree. We grow specimen juniper in our botanical garden however the bulk of our ‘berries’ are imported from Europe.
Coriander
We grow coriander on our property and seasonally collect the seeds. Subtly spicey, and central to the flavour profile of our gins, coriander seeds add a complex nutty and slightly citrusy flavour once distilled.
NZ Giant Kelp
Overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, our Spirit of Waiheke gin has been crafted from dried NZ giant kelp, introducing a coastal and savoury influence to this signature product.