Super Early Deadline
30 November 2025
Judging
Date
24 & 25 March 2026
Winners Announcement
22 April 2026
30 November 2025
24 & 25 March 2026
22 April 2026
Gin
87 Points
Gin
83 Points
Papaiti Gin is an independent craft distillery based in Whanganui, Aotearoa New Zealand. Founded in 2022 by Nikki Oesterle and Adrian Rumney, our philosophy is simple: every gin should tell a story. We build each spirit from the ground up, distilling in small batches and using botanicals that speak to our landscape, our seasons, and the people who shape our region.
Our core range includes Potager, Orchard, Whanganui Dry, Mountains to Sea, Rogue Coco, and The Navigator — six distinct gins inspired by the gardens, rivers, coastlines, and orchards of our home. Each recipe is created entirely in-house and distilled in our copper still, with a focus on clarity, balance, and a strong sense of place.
Over the past three years we’ve grown from our original production space on the banks of the Whanganui river into an award-winning distillery with 37 national and international medals and a loyal following across New Zealand. In early 2026 we will open The Distillery – Bar & Cellar Door in Whanganui’s historic Drews Avenue, a collaboration with Good Bones Distilling that will showcase our spirits, guided tastings, and the stories behind our craft.
We believe great gin is made with care, curiosity, and a touch of Kiwi cheekiness. Our goal is to share the flavours and narratives of our region with the world — one bottle at a time.