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 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
A most idyllic location, right on lake Hayes. More peaceful than Queenstown yet only a short drive when you want to go there. We found the location close to everything you would typically want to do in the area, Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, on the way to Wanaka, Coronet Peak…. The...
Traveller-Anonymo
Hidden Gem We booked the entire property for a 5 day holiday of adventure-packed family and friends celebration. The accommodation was first class. the rooms are so comfortable with everything you could possibly need. The location was superb so close to everything - Arrowtown, the mountain, the...
Sarah V
What a beautiful to stay at!!! One of aotearoa treasures, this place is definitely a "Must stay at" in Queenstown. The cottages are absolutely stunning, with attention to detail shown throughout the whole interior, and that view - wow!!!! Thank you, thank you, will definitely be back xx
Aimee
These cottages are beautifully designed right down to the last detail. The living space is generous and well laid out and the bedrooms finished to a high standard with no expense spared on the beds to ensure a great night's sleep. Situated right on the lake edge, it's hard to beat this...
Chris
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
We stayed at Hope Cottage for three nights. The cottage is very comfortable and the decor is superb. Having a private spa tub was excellent and it was a great way to end the day, soaking in the tub watching the sun go down, while enjoying some great Pinot Noir. The outlook to Lake Hayes is...
Jennie
Amazing Gorgeous spot! Better than any hotel I've stayed at. The whole experience was really easy, the check in was seamless, the cottages are beautiful, every detail has been thought of. We can't wait to come back!
theyseemerollin
A Wonderful stay We had high expectations of the cottages from word of mouth recommendations and they did not disappoint. Very tastefully furnished, high quality everything throughout and fantastic attention to detail, a very luxurious stay and one we highly recommend.
Benna McC
Stunning stay on beautiful Lake Hayes What a spot. This is an absolute gem, perfectly positioned for our family ski trip between Queenstown, Cardrona, Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. The cottage was beautifully designed and appointed, and was incredibly cosy with its heated floors and wood...
Richard F