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
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
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
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
Stayed 3 nights in hope cottage which was on the lake edge with a beautiful hot tub privately placed outside the bedroom. Two bedrooms, amazing couple size shower and lovely toiletries. Beds super comfortable! Sky TV and a Bluetooth speaker nespresso, milk frother, dishwasher, everything you...
Deena
Great base to explore We had a great stay in the very well designed cottages, that provided privacy and space. The location meant everything was super easy - direct access to the lake and loop track walk, a close drive to the most beautiful parts and restaurants of the Arrowtown and Queenstown...
Rich T
Outstanding The location of Lake Hayes sells itself, but the accommodation was absolutely perfect in every way. Fastidiously clean, beautifully appointed from the linen, to the furnishings, and kitchen amenities, could not have asked for more. The personal outdoor hot tub facing the lake is...
Eve H
The PERFECT stay! So many pretty things all in one package! The view of the beautiful lake, the inside interior, the artwork, even the landscaping... it's all so aesthetically pleasing. Not only was the cottage so warm and cozy upon arrival, but all the floors are heated and the fireplace...
Coastal707292
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
These cottages are the best! Spectacular view over the lake & spaciously set up with a great outdoor fire pit for evening drinks. Modern design inside with great window seats and large windows that open up. Awesomely comfy beds! We took 3 cottages for a girls weekend, location near Arrowtown...
Ange