When it comes to a good swill of beer in New Zealand, it’s all about small batches and big flavours. Over the past decade, the number of craft beers available for consumption in the country quadrupled, and there’s no sign of stopping these tinnies.
Whether you’re a local drinker or visiting for the weekend, tap into Now Book It’s list of best craft beer breweries to book across New Zealand. With Father’s Day just around the corner, here’s a list for a celebratory ‘cheers to dad’!
1. Hallertau
The best beer is the kind that brings people together – that’s Hallertau’s commitment to serving up hopping good times at their biergarten. With two locations in Riverhead and Clevedon this taproom combines sun-splashed, scenic settings with a fireplace to gather around. Don’t skimp on the wood-fired honeycomb Brie for starters and their pizzas that’s gotten as many rave reviews as their brews. The beer tasting paddle comes highly recommended, since there’s something for every beer buff around here from low-carb lagers to a whisky double stout.
Location: 1171 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Auckland 0892
Hours: Tuesdays 12-9pm, Wednesdays to Fridays 12-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm, Sundays 9am-9pm
2. Panhead’s Bar and Tasting Room
With a 600-litre pilot brewery and sixteen taps on offer, Upper Hutt’s Panhead Tasting Room is a shrine for craft beer (and motor vehicle) enthusiasts in Wellington. Don’t miss their popular balanced Supercharger APA and the spicy Port Road Pilsner if you like your sip with a kick. The taproom’s casual, inviting atmosphere directly beneath the giant chimney makes it an excellent spot to unwind outdoors.
Location: Unit 19, 27 Blenheim Street, Maidstone Upper Hutt 5018
Hours: Wednesdays 3 – 9pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 12 – 9pm, Saturdays 12 –10pm
3. Baylands Brewery
Petone’s prime new spot in Baylands Brewery sports a spacious warehouse-like taproom, with over 30 taps on offer. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, you’re in for a well-rounded selection here. If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, the Stack Attack burger with double Nashville fried chicken and smoked pork belly bacon in one to indulge in. Then wash it all down with the brewers picks off the tap — a Sky Surfer American Pale Ale or the stronger Skull Cracker imperial IPA.
Location: 22 Victoria Street, Petone, Lower Hutt 5012
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 3 – 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11:30am – 10pm and Sundays 11:30am – 8pm
4. Fortune Favours
Marked by its giant wooden hand holding a “Fortune favours the bold” sign, this neat Wellington watering hole stands out for more than a feel-good phrase. Fortune Favours also has great beer on their side. The furniture factory-turned-taproom has a gritty yet relaxed industrial setting that’s fit for a night out with friends over a curated cheese board to share. Of their 16 seasonal rotating taps, The Optimist Hazy is a juicy, easy drinking pick next to the award-winning stone-fruit fragrant Wellington IPA.
Location: 7 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Hours: Sundays and Mondays 12-9pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays 12-11pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12pm-12am
5. The Island
Papamoa’s hideaway for wood-fired pizzas and Texas-style barbie with a swig of fresh beer – outdoorsy The Island is a hit for groups. Soak in the sunny Waiheke Island vibes while you dig into the must-have Prawn & Chorizo pizza and a super punchy, aromatic Dawn Daze Hazy IPA. If you enjoy your craft beer varied there are also seasonal guest taps on offer, from Crimson Brewery to Garage Project. The Island is open every day so Tauranga friends, consider your nightcap covered!
Location: 20 Domain Road Papamoa, Tauranga
Hours: Everyday 12-10pm
6. Emerson's Brewery
Dunedin’s beer institution, Emerson’s has been a staple of the New Zealand craft beer scene since the 90s. Make a trip out of this Otago visit to the brewery housed in a 19th century Gothic mansion and end your journey in the vibrant outdoor beer garden for a sip or two. The Kiwi classic Emerson Pilsner Lager leads the pack here, but seasonal taps like the indescribably smooth David’s Cream Ale are just as titillating. Emerson’s have also perfected the art of pairing beer with delicious eats, so ask for a rec or simply get stuck in a mouthwatering lamb burger with the Reverb New Zealand IPA.
Location: 70 Anzac Ave, Dunedin
Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am till late
7. Two Thumb Brewing Co.
This Christchurch represent prides itself on being purveyors of fine ales and pursuers of good for the environment. Completely solar-powered and reliant on rainwater catchment, Two Thumbs makes their feel-good beers using mainly locally sourced malts and hops. Their Haze There Delilah New England IPA and Snake WCIPA are perfect for those who appreciate well-balanced, easy-drinking beers with a smooth finish. Whichever one of the four locations you decide to drop into, expect modern industrial ambience and great company in their welcoming team. Our pick’s the Nelson taproom for its local neighbourhood pub vibes.
Location: 32c New Street, Nelson 7010
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 2-10pm and Sundays 2-8pm
8. The Heke
Fairly new to the island but already climbing up the ranks of best craft beer breweries is The Heke. This Onetangi hotspot is a brewery and so much more, starting with its four acres of gardens that lift the spirits of anyone seeking a respite. The atmosphere is upbeat yet relaxed and amenities like the sandpit and jumping pillow make it a great choice for families or the young at heart. From the kitchen, the Southern Fried Chicken and Heke Smash Burger are classics to go with house brand Waiheke Brewing Co’s Heke Lager. For those in the group who want a stronger drink, this versatile locale also triples as a distillery with the flagship Waiheke Whisky.
Location: 64 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1971
Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 12-4pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12-8pm and Sundays 12-7pm
Venues are listed in no particular order.