What is the minimum age for the Foraging Journey?

Participants must be at least 18 years old due to alcohol tastings included in the tour.

Is transportation provided to the trailhead?

No, guests are responsible for their own transport to the Pineapple Track parking at 57 Fulton Road, Glenleith.

What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the tour?

The tour is weather dependent; if cancelled, you’ll receive a full refund or an option to switch to a distillery-based tasting and cocktail workshop.

Are there any physical fitness requirements?

A moderate level of fitness is needed to navigate approximately 2km of walking over uneven terrain with some elevation changes.

What can I expect to learn during the foraging walk?

You’ll identify native plants used in local spirits and learn how these botanicals influence flavor profiles during distillation.

Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

No, the trail includes uneven natural terrain and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Foraging Walk & Gin Tasting with No8 Distillery Dunedin | Hiking | Food Tour

Dunedin, perched on New Zealand’s South Island, offers more than just rugged coastlines and Victorian charm. It’s home to No8 Distillery, a standout in the region’s outdoor adventure scene that blends nature, craft, and local flavor in a way few others do. Their half-day foraging journey is not your average hike—it’s a hands-on introduction to Aotearoa’s native plants, combined with the art of spirit-making.

This unique 2km loop on Pineapple and McGouns Tracks takes you through diverse native bush, where you’ll encounter species integral to New Zealand’s natural identity. Under the guidance of No8’s Master Distiller, Julien, you’ll learn to identify and responsibly harvest native flora that have inspired the distillery’s award-winning gins. The trail itself features uneven but manageable terrain, weaving through native bush with occasional views of Dunedin’s lush hills.

What sets this experience apart is the immersive connection between land and craft. Along the way, you’ll stop for an outdoor tasting session showcasing three signature gins, each echoing the flavors of the foraged ingredients you’ve encountered. This is a rare opportunity to understand the lifecycle of local botanicals, from soil to sip.

No8 Distillery ties deeply into Otago’s outdoor recreation landscape by offering an adventure that’s both educational and sensory. It appeals to those keen on sustainable practices and authentic local experiences rather than conventional tours. The trip runs seasonally from October to April and provides a moderate challenge suitable for anyone comfortable on foot over uneven ground.

If your travels bring you to Dunedin and you’re looking for an activity that connects you intimately with local nature and craft, this foraging journey is a fresh approach to the outdoors. Pair it with a visit to Dunedin’s historic streets and nearby coastal trails for a complete Otago adventure.

About No8 Distillery

No8 Distillery is a craft distillery and cellar door located in Dunedin, Otago, offering immersive spirit experiences for visitors and locals. The distillery produces a range of artisan spirits — including gin, rum, vodka, liqueurs and absinthe — showcased through guided tastings, workshops and paired events.

Guests can join a concise Tasting Tour to sample five award-winning spirits or extend the experience on the Discover Tour to taste eight handcrafted varieties while learning the stories behind each bottling. Hands-on options include a Gin Making Workshop where participants create their own gin or vodka using locally foraged botanicals, and a 90-minute Tour & Hands-on Cocktail session that combines a guided distillery tour, five spirit tastings and a cocktail class.

For those seeking an elevated pairing, the NZ Chocolate + Artisan Spirits Pairing matches five New Zealand craft chocolates with No8 spirits to explore complementary flavor profiles. No8 also offers a unique half-day Foraging Journey led by the Master Distiller, blending a scenic 2km hike around Dunedin with lessons on native plants and how foraged botanicals influence spirit production.

Many experiences conclude with cellar door purchases, and select tours include a 5% discount on bottles bought after the tasting. The distillery emphasizes transparency in production and hands-on learning, with staff-led tours that focus on craft distillation techniques and flavor development. No8 Distillery provides approachable, educational experiences suited to spirit enthusiasts, couples, small groups and visitors seeking authentic Otago artisanal flavours. Experiences vary in length, from a 45-minute tasting to a half-day foraging journey experience.