Crack a 6 Pack: New Zealand’s Best Craft Breweries and Pubs

There was a time when if you walked into a pub in New Zealand and asked for a beer that wasn’t named Tui, Speight’s or DB, you’d receive a puzzled look from the publican. But times have changed in a big way! With craft breweries flourishing all over the country, there’s never been a better time to take a brewery tour in New Zealand. This week we’ve cracked into six of the best.

Tuatara Brewing Co. Wellington

A stalwart of the craft beer scene in NZ, Tuatara offer exciting seasonal and limited release ales in addition to a huge range of year-round classics like IPA, APA, Pilsener and Wheat beer. Tasting paddles are available, matched to cheeses, chocolate brownies and all sorts of other goodies— there’s plenty to enjoy for those who aren’t big beer drinkers too.

Brew Moon Brewing Company, Canterbury

North Canterbury’s Brew Moon have been delighting hop-heads and food lovers for almost 20 years. They’re a forward-thinking bunch who offer beer in cans because it’s better for the environment (and the beer), and amazing pizzas with vegetarian and vegan options. There’s an eclectic range of brews— try the Mexican-inspired Olé Molé Spicy Ale or the Brown Bear Brown Ale. Brew Moon should definitely be near the top of the to-do list on your Canterbury trip.

Monteith’s Brewery, West Coast

A historic West Coast brewery with a fresh face thanks to a modern fit-out, Monteith’s brewery is a huge open space perfect for groups and families with kids. Take a tour of the brewery and even try your hand at pouring the perfect pint, or drink and dine to your heart’s content. There’s an open fire for those rainy West Coast days, and a big beer garden to soak up the rays in summer.

Garage Project, Wellington

Garage Project have a reputation as one of the innovators in kiwi craft beer. Started on a shoestring budget by keen microbrewers, they’ve grown into one of the biggest names in craft beer in NZ. There’s a cellar door at the Aro street brewery (it was a petrol station once upon the time, hence the name Garage Project), or a full selection at the Taproom just up the road.

Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, Christchurch

A traditional English pub in the heart of Christchurch, Pomeroy’s is a local institution, famous for its incredible range of beers from breweries all over New Zealand, plus live music and great pub grub. Cosy and warm with a lively atmosphere, the adventurous beer drinker will find plenty of lesser known drops to try here. There’s a full wine list too!

Craft Beer in Queenstown & Wanaka

Thirsting for a brew after a day on the ski slopes? You’ve got plenty of options in either Queenstown or Wanaka. In Queenstown, Smith’s Beer House or the Atlas Beer Café serve up NZ’s best craft beers, while over the Crown Range in Wanaka, there’s the Rhyme and Reason Brewery and Wanaka Beerworks pouring locally made brews.

Where’s the most memorable place you ever had a beer? Let us know in the comments below 👇