The Best Distilleries to Visit in Christchurch

Canterbury is home to a strong cluster of craft distilleries, several with cellar doors and tours — though a couple listed under the region are on Banks Peninsula (Akaroa) rather than in the city itself.

Based on the Distil-Nation NZ directory. Confirm current opening days, booking requirements and exact locations directly with each distillery before visiting — some entries below are in wider Canterbury rather than central Christchurch.

Canterbury has one of the largest clusters of distilleries in the country in our directory (14 total), including several set up for visitors.

Distilleries with a cellar door or tours (Canterbury region)

• The Spirits Workshop — Christchurch-based; cellar door and tours available.
• Akaroa Craft Distillery — cellar door and tours available; note this is on Banks Peninsula in Akaroa, roughly an hour's drive from central Christchurch, not within the city itself.
• Humdinger Gin — cellar door available.
• 4 Bars Distillery — cellar door available.
• Southern Grain Spirits (NZ) Ltd (Kaiapoi Distillery) — cellar door available; located in Kaiapoi, just north of Christchurch city.

Planning a visit

Because a few of these are outside the immediate city centre (Akaroa in particular is a distinct day-trip destination on Banks Peninsula), it's worth deciding whether you want a compact city-based visit or a wider day trip around greater Canterbury, and planning accordingly.

Before you go

Contact each distillery directly to confirm current tour/tasting availability, opening hours and whether bookings are required — cellar door hours for small producers can change, and this list reflects our directory at time of writing rather than a live, constantly updated booking system.