G is also for Gin
We love supporting local at The Cottages at Lake Hayes, and are spoilt for choice when it comes to gin distilleries. And next weekend, the New Zealand International Gin Festival is being held in Arrowtown!
New Zealand International Gin Festival is being held this Autumn in our very own favourite little town, Arrowtown.
The New Zealand International Gin Festival will bring gin drinkers and gin distilleries from all over the world together in Arrowtown over the weekend of 24 - 25 March 2023.
We love supporting local at The Cottages at Lake Hayes and are spoilt for choice with many local gin distilleries around us. It's not just about the wineries down here!
Our three favourite local gins are Broken Heart, The Source by Cardrona Distillery and Rifters.
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Broken Heart now also have a gin garden, aptly named the Gin Garden, only 15 minutes from The Cottages, where they can arrange a gin tasting for you. Got to love their tag line “Created in Paradise”.
If you fancy going a little further afield, set off before lunch for a scenic drive over the Crown Mountain range road and in just 30 minutes from The Cottages you will find yourself at the gorgeous iconic old worldly Cardrona Hotel. Grab some lunch and a pulled pint before heading a few minutes further down the road to the Cardrona Distillery. Sign yourself up for a tour of their distillery, and whilst their whisky is ageing its way to being a classic, their The Source gin already is and is personally my favourite.
We also love the story of Rifters, created by two local builders Hamish and Stu, from humble beginnings in their garage to winning multiple awards around the globe. Rifters comes in a beautiful blue bottle that was coloured to match the beautiful lakes and rivers around Arrowtown, including our very own Lake Hayes.
We recommend enjoying a classic G&T or a more exotic gin cocktail at either or both of our two favourite Arrowtown bars - The Balcony at Dorothy Browns, where we highly recommend the Rhubarb Sour before or after a movie, or just down the road at La Rumbla where they make a mean Cardrona The Source Gin and Tonic with a sprig of local thyme rubbed in honey - it’s all about the garnish !
And for something truly special, talk to Nick at Kim Clifford Distillery. Nick has a selection of his own label 1963 gin in a variety of delicious flavours - butterfly pea flower anyone? However, what is truly special is that Nick can create a bespoke gin just for you - imagine your very own designed label with your personally chosen balance of botanicals - as Nick so lovingly describes his process he “puts your personality in bottle” - like a Paris perfumery but to drink not to wear - what a treat or special gift! Pop through the Kawarau gorge and visit him at his distillery in Cromwell - only 30 minutes from The Cottages for a very special day out.
What our guests had to say
We had the most fabulous time staying at The Cottages, so much space, stunning artwork, comfy beds, fab views and great location right on the lake and so close to Arrowtown with restaurants if you want to go out. We went skiing and are planning a summer trip mountain biking now.
Sofia
Luxurious accommodation overlooking Lake Hayes We had a delightful five stay at the cottages. They are very well appointed with two equally comfortably bedrooms. A great kitchen if you want to cook and a cosy living area with a potbelly which gave out incredible heat. Amazing views over Lake Hayes.
JennyW3623
We loved it!! We were so thrilled when we arrived at our cottage and saw the beautiful setting and gorgeous lake views.We were equally excited when we went inside, it is a fab, modern and tastefully decorated space. We were given a very warm welcome and left to enjoy our stunning view, crisp...
Overpackhack
Loved it! Stunning spot! We stayed in Alta, one of the five cottages they offer. We absolutely loved everything about it. Amazing setting and clever layout to offer the incredible scenery. Had a few fresh nights and the cottage kept us nice n snug. Fresh eggs, handwritten postcard, the...
Vinny
Did NOT want to leave Absolutely loved the cottages! Chilled bubbles in the fridge, chocolate and a handwritten welcome note. Hot tub was amazing, the gardens, clean place and comfortable. Just what we needed. Everything was awesome! Thank you!
CV2DV
Everything was perfect! We stayed here for 4 nights and it was amazing! Beautiful part of the area but still close to Queenstown, Arrowtown and the local wineries. The Lake Hayes walking path is right out the front of the cottages. There is an open fire, underfloor heating, divine throw rugs...
Kerry
Outstanding location and views I was looking for something outside of Queenstown itself with easy access to the other attractions in the area and this cottage really came through on that front. Beautiful views of Lake Hayes and an added bonus to look at those views from the hot-tub. Well set-up...
MaryJ366
Great views from the hot tub! The cottages are in a beautiful setting and are super clean and well-kept. The art by NZ artists adds to the ambiance as does some classic pieces of furniture. Sitting in the hot tub you get great views of Lake Hayes. It is 2min onto the walking trail around the...
Sandra H
Amazing stay We stayed for 4 nights in the Luna cottage and loved everything about our stay. Beautiful peaceful setting on the lake, Wonderful views from the outdoor hot tub and beautifully designed furnishings in the self contained cottage. Great central location for walks and visit to...
Lisa A
Perfection Words can’t describe how perfect our 3 nights were in the “Moke” cottage. From the breathtaking views, to the amazing interior and exterior design of the cottage. Hands down the most perfect accommodation we’ve ever stayed in. We’ll be back again...
Shaun A