Third Island Gin has its origins in 2019 as Head Distiller Dave Patterson began experimenting with the idea of a local 'Stewart Island Gin' on a 20L copper pot still sat atop his kitchen counter.

After years of development, Dave joined Jim Turrell and sixth-generation islander Ben Hopkins to form

Rakiura Distilling Company

An idea was born: to share with the world this distinctive rendition of the island we hold so dear.

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Later joined by Hannah Watkinson, Rakiura Distilling quietly released Third Island Gin in mid-winter 2023 to outstanding response from our fellow Southlanders as well as discerning gin lovers the world over.

Since that time our story has spread north through the First and Second Islands, and our expressions of Rakiura continue to resonate with a widening audience as Third Island Gin & Vodka forge their reputations on the international stage.

And this, from New Zealand's southernmost outpost - a tight-knit community of 400 people (and quite a few more decent yarns) - whose not even 30km of laneways & terraces serve as the final gateway to the enduringly untamed wilderness lying beyond the 47th Parallel.

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Undertaking such an endeavour on Stewart Island was recommended against.

Consistently producing quality spirits made of and in such a remote location has proven a logistical challenge not unlike those faced by the island's many industrial & agricultural forerunners.

Unsympathetic to any deadline, the tumultuous Foveaux Strait embodies a test of perseverance forever existing between ourselves and New Zealand.

Yet, as with our predecessors, inspiration comes not despite the island's nature, but because of it.

Third Island Gin