42Below — New Zealand's Most Iconic Premium Vodka
42Below is one of the Southern Hemisphere's most celebrated and distinctive premium vodkas — a spirit of genuine purity, character, and New Zealand provenance that has earned a devoted following among discerning drinkers around the world. Produced at 42 degrees south of the equator — where the closest neighbours are the penguins of the South Pole and the air and water are among the cleanest on the planet — 42Below is a vodka that wears its origins with pride.
History & Heritage
42Below was founded in New Zealand in 1999 by entrepreneur Geoff Ross, who set out to create a world-class vodka that could compete with the finest European and American brands on the global stage. The name is a direct reference to the latitude at which the vodka is produced — 42 degrees below the equator — a geographical statement of purity and remoteness that became the brand's defining identity.
From its earliest days, 42Below was built on a simple but powerful idea: that the quality of a vodka begins with the quality of its ingredients and its environment. New Zealand's extraordinary natural landscape — its pristine water sources, clean air, and fertile agricultural land — provided the perfect foundation for a vodka of genuine distinction. The brand grew rapidly, earning international recognition and a reputation for quality that set it apart from the crowded premium vodka category. In 2006, 42Below was acquired by Bacardi Limited, giving it the global distribution network to reach drinkers in over 60 countries while maintaining its commitment to New Zealand production and provenance.
The Region: New Zealand — 42 Degrees South
New Zealand sits in one of the most remote and pristine corners of the planet — a pair of islands in the South Pacific, far from the industrial pollution and environmental pressures that affect much of the world. At 42 degrees south latitude, the country benefits from some of the cleanest air on earth, carried across thousands of kilometres of open ocean by the prevailing westerly winds before reaching New Zealand's shores.
This extraordinary environment is central to 42Below's identity. The water used to produce the vodka is drawn from an extinct volcanic aquifer — an underground reservoir filtered through ancient volcanic rock over centuries, emerging with a natural mineral purity and softness that is the envy of distillers worldwide. Volcanic aquifer water is prized for its exceptional clarity, low mineral content, and the subtle character it imparts to the finished spirit — qualities that are immediately apparent in 42Below's clean, velvety profile.
New Zealand's temperate climate, fertile soils, and clean growing conditions also produce premium non-GMO wheat of exceptional quality — the grain base that gives 42Below its characteristic body, subtle sweetness, and smooth texture.
Production & Distillation
42Below is crafted from non-GMO New Zealand wheat and pure volcanic aquifer water — two ingredients of exceptional quality that form the foundation of the vodka's distinctive character. The spirit is distilled four times using a continuous distillation method, a meticulous process that strips away impurities while preserving the natural character of the wheat and water. Each distillation pass refines the spirit further, building the velvety smoothness and clean finish for which 42Below is renowned.
The production philosophy is captured perfectly in the brand's own words, printed on every back label: ‘We dream of a pure earth, so that we can keep making pure vodka.’ It is a statement of both aspiration and accountability — a reminder that the quality of 42Below is inseparable from the health of the environment in which it is made.
Awards & Recognition
- Consistently rated among the world's top premium vodkas by leading spirits publications and competition judges
- Multiple international spirits competition medals across its range of expressions
- Recognised as New Zealand's benchmark premium vodka and one of the Southern Hemisphere's most successful spirits exports
- Distributed in over 60 countries worldwide following acquisition by Bacardi Limited in 2006
42Below Pure Vodka 700mL
The flagship expression — clean, precise, and unmistakably New Zealand. Premium wheat leads a clean and inviting bouquet on the nose, with hints of vanilla and a comforting grainy warmth that speak of the volcanic aquifer water and the four-times distillation process. Full-bodied and weighty on the palate — velvety smooth, with a subtle sweetness and a lingering finish that delivers satisfying warmth without harshness. A vodka of genuine character that rewards both sipping and mixing in equal measure.
How to Enjoy 42Below
42Below Pure is exceptional served neat from the freezer — the cold temperature amplifies the vodka's velvety texture and allows the volcanic aquifer purity to speak for itself. It is equally at home as the foundation of a classic Vodka Martini (stirred, not shaken), a Moscow Mule with premium ginger beer and fresh lime, or an Espresso Martini where its subtle sweetness and clean finish complement the intensity of the coffee. For those who prefer a simple serve, 42Below over ice with a twist of lemon peel is a study in elegant restraint.
Explore our 42Below range below and discover why this New Zealand vodka has been captivating spirits lovers around the world since 1999.
