The League of Brewers

Home Distilling Equipment

Shop stills and complete home distilling kits, plus condensers, fermenters, botanical baskets, ingredients and replacement parts. Everything for home distilling in NZ, from your first starter kit to specialist upgrades.

Questions & answers

Do I need a licence or pay duty to distil spirits at home in New Zealand?

NZ Customs says that if you are making alcohol for your own use you might not need a licence or to pay duty, and points to section 67 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 for the criteria. That exemption is described as covering spirits an individual makes in their private dwelling exclusively for their own use, and not for sale or other disposition to anyone else. Selling or giving away what you distil is outside it and can attract excise duty. The rules are set by Customs, so check the current Act or contact Customs if your situation is not clear. This is general information, not legal advice.