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
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
The cottages are very spacious, beautifully designed, and decorated. They are in a wonderful location overlooking Lake Hayes, close to both Arrowtown and Queenstown. I would recommend the cottages for a long weekend.
Jason
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
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
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
Simply Beautiful What an incredibly special place, I absolutely adored our stay. I would say it really is the best of both worlds, beautifully located between the city and in the country. The cottage itself is something you would find in House and Garden magazine; so beautifully appointed...
HouseGarden
We loved staying at The Cottages Lake Hayes. Well appointed with beautiful art, comfortable bed, and a well-appointed kitchen area. We stayed in cottage Moke, named after a lake in the area. The color scheme was to our taste, as each cottage has its own identity. Loved the location just below...
April
Brilliant execution! We had two cottages with friends and family. It’s a gorgeous location. It has been very thoughtfully planned and built. This made our stay a real pleasure - it’s far from a standard, “beige” holiday rental. We left some personal items in a drawer and...
luciej2025
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
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