A Stable Full of Flavour — and One Very Special Unicorn
It all began with a horse arena, a shed, and a dream. Back in 2015, Joanne and Neil Anderson decided to give their land a new lease on life. Out went the horses, in went 130 apple trees, and the old horse shed was transformed into a working cidery. A trip to England to learn the art of cider-making sealed the deal, and with classic Kiwi optimism—“How hard could it be?”—Hairy Horse Cider was born.
The name carries a whimsical legacy, inspired by Joanne’s grandfather’s homemade brew, “Hedglands Hairy Hoarse Gargle.” Quirky, personal, and impossible to forget, it’s the perfect fit for a cider with character.
Fast forward to 2023, when Richard and Margot Burns—third-generation orchardists with a lifelong love for the land—took the reins. “We’ve always dreamed of making cider from our own fruit,” says Richard. “Our passion stems from a love of heritage, the creative challenge of artisan craft, and the simple joy of turning orchard fruit into something beautiful.” Two years later, they’re relaunching Hairy Horse Cider at the 2025 NZ Cider Festival, bringing new energy and a fresh twist to a beloved name.
From Orchard to Glass
Hairy Horse blends heritage cider apples like Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill, and Dabinett with classic Kiwi varieties such as Braeburn and Granny Smith. The result? Complexity and tannins balanced by crisp, clean freshness. Every step—from nurturing the trees to bottling—is done in their own cidery, ensuring quality and staying true to small-batch principles.
What sets them apart is their commitment to authenticity. No dilution. No added flavours. No shortcuts. “We believe in letting the apples speak for themselves,” says Margot. “It’s cider the way it’s meant to be—pure, full-strength, and true to the fruit.”
Meet the Stable
Festivalgoers will find favourites like The Pinto—a wild-fermented single varietal Cox Orange cider with notes of guava and earthy charm. But stealing the spotlight this year is The Unicorn—a brand-new, an exclusive festival release made from rare cider apples, double fermented for depth, and laced with hints of strawberry and guava. Playful, elegant, and a little bit magical.
The Heart of the Craft
For Richard and Margot, the joy is in the intimacy of the process—experimenting, watching the fruit transform, and sharing a piece of their orchard with every bottle. The challenge? Balancing growth with the values that make small-batch cider so special.
Their hope is simple: that every sip takes you somewhere—into the orchard, into the moment, and into the hands of people who pour their hearts into every drop.
This year’s NZ Cider Festival marks Hairy Horse Cider’s spirited return after a two-year hiatus. With heritage at its roots, creativity in its bones, and a dash of whimsy in its name, this is cider worth trotting over for.
Come taste the magic for yourself at the NZ Cider Festival on 1 November at Founders Heritage Park.
Come taste the magic for yourself at the NZ Cider Festival on 1 November at Founders Heritage Park. Find out more about the cider makers, the entertainment, and grab your tickets at www.nzciderfestival.com.
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