Southward Distilling

Stories tend to linger a little longer when they’re poured into a glass. At Southward Distilling, every bottle carries a thread of memory, experimentation, and a willingness to do things slightly differently.

Occupying an enviable, beach-facing corner of Lyall Bay Junction, the distillery embraces a kind of coastal moodiness that feels right at home in Wellington. Yet there’s comfort in it too, a homely vibe that feels like a warm jumper on a cold day. A 90s soundtrack hums in the background, adding a layer of familiarity, while the fitout lands somewhere between polished and personal. It’s the sort of place that feels just as fitting on one of those blue-sky, can’t-beat-Wellington days, as it does when a southerly rolls in and the windows fog up. Think warm lighting, cosy corners, and the gentle sense that time can stretch out a bit here.

There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a gin novice or connoisseur, and your visit can be as hands-on as you want it to be. The flagship ‘Blend Your Own Gin’ experience lets you step right into the process, with a series of tastings before crafting a bottle that’s entirely your own. Or simply browse the shelves filled with beautiful glass bottles for something to take home that’s right up your alley. The coffee gin is just the thing to elevate your espresso martini, while the smoked rosemary gin, when paired with ginger ale, has a heavy herbaceous, almost family roast-style nostalgia to it.

Behind it all is a story that starts far from the south coast of Wellington, with owner Frankie McPhail’s grandfather’s fishing boat - which the distillery is named after - on the west coast of Canada. That spirit of travel, risk, and storytelling carries through into the distillery’s approach: one that began with little experience but a clear curiosity for whisky. In fact, much of what’s created here comes from that slightly sideways perspective - not chasing trends, but nudging people toward new tastes, often by quietly converting them into gin and whisky drinkers along the way.