Pungent Pukeko Distillery

Nestled in Otorohanga, Pungent Pukeko Distillery crafts award-winning gin using botanicals mostly grown on their lifestyle block. Named after the native birds roaming their property, this small operation has earned serious recognition since launching.

Their flagship “Backyard Gin” features native rimu, totara, and kawakawa alongside homegrown citrus, herbs, and eucalyptus. Steam distilled in a 20-litre copper still above whey-based neutral alcohol at 45% ABV, it delivers remarkable complexity from truly local ingredients.

The quality speaks for itself: three silver awards including recognition at the London Spirits Competition, where judges noted “soft citrus and minty spice” leading to “a smooth palate with pepper, dark fruit, and liquorice finish”. They’ve also earned silver at the New Zealand Small Batch Gin Awards.