Getting Crafty about New Zealand Beer

New Zealand isn’t just a place to visit wineries. They have helped to put craft beer on the world map as well. A beer lover's and hipster’s paradise collide in the many craft beer breweries dotted across New Zealand. If you are into beer tasting here are a few places you should fit into your New Zealand tour. Are there craft brewery regions? We are not sure but let’s put them into regions to help you find them alongside your itinerary.

Northland

As you pass through Waipu on your way to the Bay of Islands make sure you step into McLeod’s Beer and Pizza Barn. Sample any one of the 16 beers that include the award winning lager, Longboarder or the Billycan Milk Stout with cacao nibs. If you let them know you are coming they will arrange for you to see the brewery in action. And you can have pizza, a great accompaniment to beer.

Auckland

North of Auckland in Matakana sample the award winning, preservative free Pilsner and or the India Pale Ale that sit in amongst the 14 beers on tap at the Sawmill Brewery. Closer to the city, you are spoilt for choice. Stop by the Birkenhead Brewery Tasting Studio in Birkenhead Village or the Sweatshop Brew Kitchen in Freemans Bay for a tasting and brewers discussion on a Wednesday afternoon. Don’t miss the Brothers Brewery in Mt Eden where beers are rated by maltiness and happiness. Get yourself on a walking tour or stop by the Bluestone Room off Queen Street to sample a range of craft beers.

Waiheke Island

It's not all about the wines and the views. Try an unpasteurised small batched beer, cider or non-alcoholic ginger beer at the 25 year old Waiheke Island Brewery. You’ll find it at Wild on Waiheke, where you can also eat and taste wine. Newer kids on the block are the Boogie Van Brewery, located in the industrial estate of Waiheke and Alibi Brewing, tucked into the Tantalus Estate both offering beer tasting and food.

Wellington

The nation’s capital has been adding craft beer to their eclectic mix of experiences. Time poor? Get yourself onto the self-guided Craft Capital Beer Trail that guides you to no less than eight breweries, in among 16 bars. You can take a guided tour with Craft Beer College or just attend one of their many tasting sessions. In the CBD sniff out the Black Dog Brewery and bar to taste their self-proclaimed cross bred brews.

Nelson

The hops producing capital of New Zealand is home to many craft breweries that can be visited independently or on a guided tour. It’s home to the oldest craft beer brewery McCashin’s Brewery. Take one of the twice daily brewery tours. Like many of their craft, Bay Breweries uses no preservatives or sugar and offer daily tastings. Winner of six World Beer Cup medals and various accolades on the world craft beer stage, Founders Brewery Grand Rapid Taproom is a must for tastings. Combine your love for pizza and beer at the Eddyline Brewery and Pizzeria.

Christchurch

Christchurch has its fair share of award winning craft breweries. Try a Lightowl, Alchemist or Milk Stout with a thin crust pizza at Cassels & Sons’ Brewery. Take a tour with complimentary tasters at Three Boys Brewery who pride themselves on creating unfiltered and unpasteurised beers. Stop by The Twisted Hop Pub to try a Twisted Ankle or a Challenger, both based on real English style cask ales. Aside from the breweries you will find many a craft beer establishment where you can sample beers from all over the country.

Wanaka

Take a tour of the Wanaka Beer Works every afternoon from Monday to Saturday. You can sample a selection of beers such as the Brewski and the Jabberwocky Central Otago Pale Ale in the tasting Room which is open daily. The Rhyme x Reason Brewery make a Joyrider Pale Ale and the dark Christmas Pudding Spiced Fruit Beer among many. Enjoy a tasting paddle any day of the week and food from visiting food trucks on weekends.

Craft Beer Festivals

If you want to time your New Zealand tour to coincide with the one of the Craft Beer Festivals. Take on the Great Kiwi Beer Festival in Christchurch. Marchfest in Nelson sees all the local breweries working to create a brew especially for the event. All beers at the event are new brews. Likewise, in June, at the Gabs Festival in Auckland you can sample from 90 unique Festival Beers & Ciders brewed especially for the event. Beervana takes a craft beer flavour in August in Wellington as does Oktoberfest.