In good spirits: Otago distilleries in travel bible

Publishers the Lonely Planet have just produced a guide to the world's best bars and distilleries, and they must have had a lot of fun writing it.

The Lonely Planet are known for advocating the best and most novel experiences to travellers through their guides. The worldly publishers have produced over 500 titles including a Mongolian language guide and Handbook to Honeymoons. But after you've finished hiking the sights of a new city, or pitched out of your white-water kayak and are just looking for a place to unwind the Lonely Planet's Global Distillery Tour could be the guide you're looking for.

The Global Distillery Tour will be published this month with a range of itineraries around local spirits and regional cocktails.

Among the top things to do paired with a spirits sampling are experiences that showcase Kiwi wildlife. In particular, a trip to Martinborough's Lighthouse Gin isn't complete without a drive to the nearby fur seal colony at the Cape Palliser tower from which it gets its name.

While commercial distilleries are tiny compared to the rest of the world, the guide recognises New Zealand's revolutionary decision to make hobby distillery 100% legal as the start of something special.

"The goal has never been world domination of the Pernod Ricard variety. New Zealand's distillers are true artisans, making something special for the educated minority," says Jaime Breitnauer, the Lonely Planet guide's contributor for New Zealand.

Lonely Planet's Global Distillery Tour is published this month, 264pp NZ$32.99

The top 5 spirits of New Zealand
(According to the Lonely Planet)

• Pink Gin; Cardrona Distillery, Wanaka
• Dunedin Double Wood Whisky; Willowbank, Oamaru
• Kiwi blue agave aka 'TeKiwi'; Kiwi Spirits, Golden Bay
• Barrel Aged Gin; Dancing Sands, Golden Bay
• Starka vodka; Puhoi Organic Distillery, Auckland