Distillers

Blush Gin
Blush Gin, a premium product without the snobbery, we are here to have a little fun. Let the juniper and rhubarb dance on your taste buds. Our vision for Blush is simple – we want to change the perception of Gin away from the mother’s ruin to something that is lively, pleasant and can be enjoyed over ice.

Little Biddy
Created in honour of Reefton legend Little Biddy, a pipe-smoking, gin-toting, 4 foot tall goldminer. Our search for native botanicals takes us deep into the same West Coast rainforest where Biddy once fossicked for gold, to craft a uniquely New Zealand gin with a pioneer’s attitude.

Juno Gin
Aotearoa’s goddess of gin. Juno Gin features fresh locally sourced botanicals, pure Taranaki mountain water and distilling artistry that has caught the notice of awards panels all over the globe. To complement their signature Extra Fine gin, Juno release a new gin each quarter that captures the unique abundance and essence of that season. From the rich narrative behind each gin to its gorgeous iconic black bottle and award-winning taste, expect the divine.Indiginous Gin
In the shadow of greatness, we are focussed on creating gin which delights those who drink it by delivering a smoothness and clarity of flavour that says, quite simply and honestly, ‘THIS IS REALLY GOOD GIN’. Not flavoured vodka. Not some wannabee spirit that’s seen a few juniper berries and some rare native bush plant extract that doesn’t really smell like or taste like gin… in a really expensive bottle inside a really expensive box. No, that’s not us. We ferment our own alcohol and distill in an 8 plate fractionating column still. The secret to our flavour profile comes from the yeast we use in fermentation and the balance of botanicals in distillation.1919 Distillery
We don’t believe in taking short cuts. We believe in quality over quantity. This is why you won’t find us buying NGS or whey alcohol like the other guys. Instead you will find us putting the late nights and the hard yards. We are proud to say every bottle of our gin has been fermented, distilled and bottled by us!Denzien Urban Distillery
When city people want a city gin to call their own they take matters into their own hands and go on a mission to build an artisan distillery. Fanatical in the pursuit of no-compromise craft gin, we distil rain water with native botanicals in a gorgeous hand-made copper still right in the heart of Wellington. We make brazen city gins.

Hidden World Gin
The Hidden World brand is about the story of the explorer’s journey to distant and hidden worlds in search of unique and flavoursome botanicals. This is reflected in the company’s philosophy, “We believe that Gin is a journey with so much variety and it is a journey that we are devoted to taking New Zealand and the rest of the world on.”Lighthouse Gin
Inspired by the spectacular Cape Palliser Lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the North Island of New Zealand, each bottle of Lighthouse Gin contains a unique blend of botanicals, including fresh zest from New Zealand Navel oranges and Yen Ben lemons. We handcraft our gin with water that travels from high in the Rimutaka Ranges, filtering down to a spring beside the breathtaking Wharekauhau Country Estate in Palliser Bay.

Dancing Sands Distillery
Dancing Sands Distillery in Golden Bay, is home to the award winning range of Sacred Spring Gins. In 2016, husband and wife team Ben and Sarah Bonoma shut the cellar doors for 6 months and developed their international quality recipes and processes. Since then they have crafted their Dry Gin, Barrel Aged Gin, Saffron Gin and the limited release Chocolate Gin.Bureaucrats Gin
By day they are unassuming Wellington bureaucrats who move unnoticed, hidden within the shadows of the nine-to-five, their identity concealed by spreadsheets and government policy; but… by night their passion for the fine things is awoken and from the depths of Wellington’s 1st gin distillery they create the finest of craft gins. Sundown Gin
A fresh approach for a more sophisticated audience, this low sugar ready to drink cocktail tastes as good as it looks. Locally made in the sunny Bay of Plenty from 100% natural ingredients, you won’t find preservatives in this cheeky little pre-mix. It’ll help you escape the day or transform a night out.

Curiosity Gin
Curiosity Gin has a unique personality and a flavour that makes it stand out from the crowd. Made in small batches, we use whole botanicals steeped in the base spirit for 24 hours before re-distilling, through our copper pot still “Yoyo”, to create a true hand distilled aromatic gin.

Tonic

 

Food

Enjoy a variety of tasty treats from a range of local food producers. Something for everyone covering as many dietary considerations as possible. Vegetarian & Vegan options available.

Master Classes

Saturday & Sunday:
Little Biddy Gin – Our amazing West Coast story
Hidden World Gin  – Gin is the new IPA
Indiginous Gin – The craft of the art

Entertainment

Mason Jar
Mason Jar is an award winning jazz combo from Tauranga Boys’ College, playing under talented band director Murray Mason. The group is competing at the National Youth Jazz Competition in March and hopes to repeat their success in winning top group and individual awards, including Best Pianist, Troy Weenink. They will be joined by TBC alumni, singer/songwriter, Fletcher Oxford, bringing his vocal talents to the stage.

Catriona Fallon
“The song that blew everyone away” is how ‘The Breeze’ radio station described Caitriona Fallon’s performance of “Run” in Tarnished Frocks and Divas show “Zoetica ” at Tauranga’s ASB Arena in 2017. Caitriona’s songwriting and singing with her Irish band “Cookie and The Vaudeville”s led to the release of a successful debut album, “Riches To Rags”. The band achieved national radio play, and toured renowned music venues and theatres around Ireland including the famous Cork Guinness Jazz Festival and Cheltenham Jazz Festival in the UK. Their style is “jazz-influenced but has swing, gypsy, creole, ragtime and blues, all rolled in with a contemporary, almost pop sound”!
Caitriona now performs both as a soloist and with her fabulous five piece band comprising of piano – Leon Gray, guitar – Aaron Wright), bass – Wayne Melville, drums – Marc Anderson and vocals.

The Sweet Leaf Trio
Sweetleaf are a father and daughter combination: Patrick Hawkins – Guitar and Bass, Jana Hawkins – Vocals and Bruce Rolands – Rythmn and Lead Guitar, with Bruce Rolands from Brilleaux adding lead and slide to our covers ranging from Amy Winehouse, Rolling Stones to Frankie Valli, a mixture of genres.

Sam Graham
Sam is a vibrant, passionate musician who’s been surrounding himself in the world of music since he was only 4 years old. Not only has he been a musician, but an actor too, featuring any various musicals throughout Tauranga. After leaving the stage as a thespian to join the stage of musicians, Sam hasn’t looked back… Enjoy.

The Afrolites
The Afrolites are a Five piece Afrofunk band based in Tauranga New Zealand
Formed in June of 2014 by Bass player Nik Jenkins, Drummer Ian Richards & Percussionist Matt Baxter with the goal of creating an instrumental Afrobeat/Funk group playing original compositions. They were soon Joined by Keyboard player Julian Perry, and Guitarist Ben Smith fusing the likes of Fela Kuti, Antibalas, James Brown, Herbie Hancock as well as 70’s soundtrack composers to take people on cool groove oriented journeys.

FAQ’s and info for ticket holders – Gincredible 2019
 
We are so excited to have you all with us this weekend. Bring on the Festival! Here is some important information to help you have the best day. There is a bit to read but please do take the time so you are well prepared for your day.

What does my ticket include?
Your ticket entitles you to entry on chosen day, festival glass, and sample whichever gins you’d like to try (responsibly) from any of the stands – at no further cost, along with the opportunity to attend masterclasses from the gin creators themselves!

Parking
We trust that you are not bringing your cars! However, if you are the designated driver please be aware that parking is very limited and there is no onsite parking. Do not park in the Hospital Public carpark as this is for hospital visitors and patients and you will be towed.

Entrance to Site
Please enter through the main gate of the Historic Village and walk straight down the road Market St until the end, turn right onto Brook St and you will see the entrance to the Festival at the end of the road.

Times
The Festival gates will begin processing ticket holders at 12noon. Please be patient as we do need to scan and security check people in as they arrive. Entrance to the Festival is open 12noon – 5.00pm.
You can help us out by bringing a minimal amount of gear onsite and by having your tickets ready to scan.

I.D – Strictly R18
Ticket holders may be asked to produce I.D. Underaged patrons will not be allowed onsite and if no I.D is able to produced, we will deny access. Please don’t be offended if we ask for I.D – take it as a compliment and that we are doing our due diligence as hosts.

Getting into the festival
Please have your ticket either printed or on your phone ready to be scanned at the main gate to help us keep the ticket processing moving. If you are carrying a bag with you, be prepared to have this searched by security. It is illegal to bring alcohol into a licensed site.

On entry
All ticket holders will receive a festival glass and programme. This will be your glass to use throughout the Festival. There is one allocated per person. Additional glasses can be purchased from Event HQ onsite.

Eftpos and Cash Facility
Vendors will have cash and eftpos available at each stall. There will also be a cash out facility onsite at Event HQ. There will be a $20 minimum and $2 transaction fee, if you want to avoid these please make sure you have all the cash you think you need before you arrive on site. Cash will be the fastest way to pay.

Water
Complimentary water will be available on all exhibitor stands as well as at our H20 Hydration Station. Feel free to bring an empty water bottle to fill – this will help with our waste minimisation plan.

Door Sales
Saturday’s session is sold out however, door sales for Sunday’s session are available at $70 each.


Food
There is a good selection of food and non-alcoholic beverages onsite for purchase.

Can I buy gin and tonic to take home?
You’ll have the opportunity to buy all of the gins directly from the brands and tonic from Event HQ. These will be held at the gate in a sealed bag for you to collect when you leave the Festival.

Drink Responsibly
Please drink in moderation throughout the event. We have created a safe and welcoming environment and we want everyone to have a fantastic time. It is against the law for us to have intoxicated patrons so please keep your consumption under control.

Please bring
Sunscreen, a picnic blanket and or camping style chairs and a warm outer layer. Please note that we have a NO BYO policy for food or beverages. You may bring sealed bottled water however there will be complimentary water available onsite.

Weather
The weather forecast is a little unpredictable so please be prepared for 4 seasons in one day!
Given the large numbers attending we won’t be able to provide cover for everyone if we do experience showers. However, we will be doing our best to ensure you have a great time no matter what the weather. Just make sure you come prepared!

Thank you and congratulations for being guests at the inaugural BOP Gin Festival – we hope you enjoy the event.