Gin and Tonic Experience

Our most popular event, the Gin and Tonic Experience will see you create heavenly scented botanical gins to celebrate your special day.

Join us at Ahipao Cafe to begin your visit to Waiheke Island in style. Simply step off the ferry at Matiatia and enjoy a leisurely stroll soaking in the sights of the harbour.
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Ahipao Cafe's luxury knitwear factory combined with a beautiful cafe and garden bar is a destination on its own. Ideally located on the shores of Matiatia, it is the perfect setting for a wander around the expansive grounds with breathtaking views.

We will start by introducing you to 10 botanical ingredients used in a classic gin. We will take you through their history and what they add to the flavour. You will taste, chew, crunch and smell your way through a very hands-on experience. We will then invite you to fashion your own two gin creations to sip, sit back and relax with.

For lunch, you will enjoy their two-course grazing platter which starts with marinated olives, pumpkin hummus, labneh and Za'atar, homemade focaccia bread plus an assortment of nibbles to share. Your second lunch course is a choice of seasonal dishes such as pulled New Zealand lamb sliders, soft-shelled fish tacos or vegetarian bao buns with a side of chef's selection of sides.

Ahipao is happy to be dog friendly and welcomes your four-legged friends.