Over Twenty Craft Distillers Head to Shed 530 for Gindulgence

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Gindulgence Hawke's Bay 2026 brings New Zealand's dedicated boutique gin festival back to the sunny lawns of Shed 530 Estate, establishing itself as the premier early-summer celebration of craft distillation in Heretaunga. Bringing together more than twenty independent distilleries from across Aotearoa alongside regional food vendors and outdoor acoustic sets, the festival provides a rare opportunity to explore innovative botanical profiles, limited-run batches, and refreshing summer cocktails all in one vibrant setting. Rather than a rushed tasting session, it offers an unhurried afternoon where spirits enthusiasts can dive deep into the craft while soaking up estate views.

Botanicals, Citrus Notes and Vineyard Lawns

The festival grounds buzz from midday as the perfume of bruised juniper, fragrant citrus peel, and native botanicals like horopito and kawakawa mingles with the smoke of outdoor cooking grills. Each distiller arrives with their signature pours alongside experimental releases, allowing you to move freely between stalls to taste nuanced dry gins, bright fruit-infused blends, and bold Navy-strength concoctions. Between tastings, festival-goers can purchase full-sized cocktails crafted by the distillers themselves, grab cold craft tonics, and sit on the grass while live acoustic musicians supply a breezy, upbeat soundtrack. Regional food trucks serve hearty fare designed to pair naturally with high-proof spirits, from slow-smoked pulled pork sliders and crispy whitebait fritters to wood-fired flatbreads loaded with local herbs.

Meet the Makers Behind the Stills

What elevates Gindulgence beyond a standard tasting event is the immediate access to the artisans who actually run the copper stills. The crowd tends to be an easygoing mix of curious locals, weekend visitors from Wellington and Auckland, and dedicated craft spirit aficionados keen to discuss mash bills, foraging methods, and maceration times. Behind each stand, head distillers and small-batch founders eagerly pour tastes, breaking down how local spring waters, native forest herbs, and estate-grown botanicals shape their spirits. There is a warm, unpretentious camaraderie throughout the afternoon, where asking questions about distillation cuts or pairing ideas is met with genuine enthusiasm and insider recommendations.

Know Before You Go

• Plan your transport in advance; this is an R18 tasting event with generous sample measures, so designate a sober driver, book local taxis early, or look into event shuttles serving Hastings and Havelock North.
• Arrive close to the midday gate opening to enjoy the shortest queues at distillers' stalls and secure shaded seating under the vineyard trees before the afternoon heat peaks.
• Carry a valid photo ID (passport, New Zealand driver licence, or Kiwi Access card), as staff enforce strict R18 checks at the entry gate.
• Pack essential summer gear including broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, as the open estate lawns receive direct sun throughout the afternoon.
• Make regular use of the free hydration stations scattered around the grounds, rinsing your festival tasting glass between spirit samples to keep your palate fresh.
• Secure your entry well ahead of time through the official booking portal on Eventfinda, as early-bird allotments frequently sell out weeks in advance.

Make a Weekend of It

A festival afternoon in Hastings pairs brilliantly with a broader exploration of the region's culinary and cultural heavyweights. Before heading toward Mere Road, fuel your morning with a relaxed stroll through the gallery gardens and sweet shop at Birdwoods Havelock North, where sculpture paths and tea gardens offer a serene starting point. If you want a hearty feed before the festival gates open, drop into central Hastings for slow-smoked brisket and loaded sides at Black Betty BBQ.

For those turning the trip into a complete getaway, base yourself in the nearby foothills. You can enjoy vineyard-view accommodation and award-winning estate dining at Black Barn Vineyards or indulge in an exquisite evening degustation framed by the dramatic cliff face of Te Mata Peak at Craggy Range Restaurant. In town, check the evening programme at Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre for live theatre, comedy, or touring music acts.

On Sunday morning, shake off the festival indulgence with a peaceful coastal walk along the wetlands at Waitangi Regional Park, or wind down your weekend on the historic hillside terrace of Mission Estate Restaurant in Taradale, soaking up sweeping panoramic views across the Hawke's Bay plains over a late cellar door lunch.

Lock in your tasting glass early, bring a healthy curiosity for Kiwi botanicals, and I will see you on the lawn at Shed 530 Estate for What's On Hawke's Bay.