Let us take you on a journey through the heart of The Coromandel, where the landscape isn't just something you see, it's something you taste. From handcrafted gins to bold craft beers, and wines that capture the very essence of the region, these local breweries, distilleries, and vineyards are true reflections of The Coromandel’s spirit.

Kaimai Distillery – Gin, Rum, Moonshine & Liqueurs

The adventure begins at Kaimai Distillery, where the history of the Karangahake Gorge meets the craft of distilling. Inspired by tales of the gold mining era and head distiller Wayne’s own mining background, Kaimai’s small-batch, handcrafted gin is a celebration of the land, people, and heritage of the area. They started in 2020 at the Waikino Hotel, nestled in the historic gorge, where they began offering tastings of their gin, made with pure spring water and infused with botanicals from near and far.

Since then, Kaimai has expanded their offerings, introducing five styles of gin, a spiced rum, honey moonshine, and their latest innovation, Oracle – the world’s first sugar-free liqueur range. Each sip here is like taking a step back into the rich history of The Coromandel, with a modern twist.

Salt District Brewing – Craft Beer

Salt District Brewing invites you into a world where curiosity meets craftsmanship. Their Cellar Door is more than just a tasting room; it's a laid-back space where beer lovers gather to share stories, exchange surf reports, and bond over their love for craft brews.

Salt District Brewing pushes boundaries with bold flavours and creative brews, making every sip an adventure. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or a newcomer, this is a place where each pint brings something fresh and exciting to discover.

Hot Water Brewing Company – Craft Beer

Just down the road from the famous Hot Water Beach, the Hot Water Brewing Company has been pouring craft beers since 2013. They were early adopters of canning their brews and have stuck to it ever since.

Their beers are a true reflection of the region’s laid-back vibe, best enjoyed at their on-site restaurant or cafe, which also offers a full experience at Seabreeze Holiday Park. Here, nature and comfort blend seamlessly, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a cold brew in hand.

Coromandel Brewing Company – Craft Beer, Cider & Gin

Next, we make our way to Hahei, where The Pour House sits in a cozy garden, just a stone’s throw from the start of the Cathedral Cove walk. This family-run spot is home to the Coromandel Brewing Company, where all their beers are brewed right on-site. Along with their house-made cider and Coromandel Spirit Gin, the brewery offers a true taste of the region. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the coast – perhaps with a tasting paddle of their craft beers paired with local cheeses or one of their delicious thin-crust pizzas.

Bring the kids, bring the dog, and enjoy a casual afternoon with the locals in a space that’s as warm as The Coromandel sun.

Coromandel Town Supply Brewery - Craft Beer

Over the hill in Coromandel Town is the region's newest brewery, Coromandel Town Supply Brewery. Coromandel Town Supply Brewery is an exciting new destination for craft beer lovers. Featuring a brewery, tasting room, and refillery, it invites visitors to enjoy locally brewed beers, explore a range of flavours, and refill their containers with fresh, sustainable options straight from the tap.

Mercury Bay Estate – Wine

Now we arrive at Mercury Bay Estate, where the wines are crafted with as much care as the region's natural beauty. Nestled in Cooks Beach, their vineyards are perfectly positioned to capture the long summer sun, creating ideal conditions for their Pinot Noir and other varietals. Each grape is hand-picked, ensuring only the best makes it into the bottle.

From the vine to the glass, the team at Mercury Bay Estate pours their love of the land into every sip, offering a tasting experience at their cellar door that truly encapsulates the essence of The Coromandel.

Awildian Gin – Award-Winning Gins

If you’ve never heard of Awildian Gin, you’re in for a treat. With an untamed approach to distilling, Awildian Gin is inspired by the wild Coromandel itself, where land meets sea in a powerful blend of nature. Their Coromandel Dry Gin took home top honors at the 2022 World Gin Awards, and they haven’t stopped there – racking up golds at the 2024 awards as well. Sourced from the pure waters of Sleeping God Canyon, each bottle embodies the raw, untouched beauty of the region. Their journey, like The Coromandel itself, is a refusal to be tamed.

And for those who want to experience this award-winning gin firsthand, Awildian’s cellar door offers an immersive tasting experience. Step into the heart of their distillery, sample their unique blends, and learn the story behind each creation, all while soaking in the essence of The Coromandel.

Old Mate Distillery – Gin

Old Mate Distillery brings the spirit of The Coromandel straight into every bottle of their award-winning gin. Using locally sourced botanicals and pure spring water, each blend offers a unique taste of the region’s natural wonders. Their gins can be found in bars, restaurants, and shops around The Coromandel, or ordered directly from their website. Old Mate’s commitment to using local ingredients ensures that each sip is a true taste of the land.

Blue Fridge Brewery – Craft Beer

Tucked away in the Coromandel bush, Blue Fridge Brewery operates as a sustainable nanobrewery, launched in 2015 by head brewer Adam Coleman-Smith. This eco-conscious brewery stays true to its mission of minimising environmental impact while crafting bold, flavourful beers. With a strong focus on local ingredients, their beers are a true reflection of the land they come from. You can find Blue Fridge brews at select outlets around the region – it’s the perfect way to sip and support local.

If you're a lover of gin, beer, or wine, The Coromandel promises a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. Each sip tells a story, and every cellar door invites you to be part of it. Cheers to tasting The Coromandel!