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
My favorite Queenstown accommodation The Cottages has an amazing view. I could just sit by the window all day. Very relaxing. I love it is a little bit further away from crowded Queenstown tourist area but not far if you want to go to the town or Arrowtown for good food. Perfect for families...
JungyonKim29
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
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
Always the best sleep and beautiful spot to recharge reconnect and restart
Royal
Fabulous cottage accommodation Lake Hayes Cottages are very well appointed to the highest standard. Every detail has been thought of with tasteful decor throughout. Amazing views and fantastic location close to Arrowtown. A must visit. We can’t wait to stay again!
duncanmcnz
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
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
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
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
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