A Guide to New Zealand’s Best Microbreweries
New Zealand’s microbrewing industry has been growing steadily over the past few years and is now at the forefront of the craft beer movement. With its unique and varied terrain, New Zealand is an ideal growing environment for craft beer. From the lush green hills of the north to the sun-baked beaches on the east coast, the country’s landscapes provide ample opportunity to craft unique and unique-tasting beer.
New Zealand craft brewers are renowned for their bold, innovative recipes. From lagers to stouts, IPAs to pale ales, New Zealand’s microbreweries have something for everyone. There are hundreds of craft breweries across the North Island, South Island and the off-shore islands of New Zealand, so it can be hard to decide where to start. To make it easier, here’s our guide to the best microbreweries in New Zealand.
Favourite Craft Breweries
When it comes to craft beer in New Zealand, there are a few breweries that have really made an impact. These are the breweries we think are worth checking out first.
- Yeastie Boys: Based in the capital city of Wellington, this brewery is known for its experimental brewing techniques and unusual flavours. From its award-winning Gunnamatta tea-infused pale ale to its infamous Rex Attitude porter, the Yeastie Boys have been pushing the boundaries of craft beer for the past decade.
- Garage Project: No list of New Zealand’s best craft breweries would be complete without Garage Project. Founded in 2011, Garage Project has made a name for itself with its bold and unique flavours. The brewery is known for its ever-changing line-up of inventive one-off recipes and limited-edition seasonal brews.
- 8 Wired: Based in the South Island town of Blenheim, 8 Wired has been leading the way in New Zealand craft beer since 2007. The brewery is renowned for its hoppy IPAs and its experiments with barrel-ageing and wild yeasts. 8 Wired’s Taniwha Imperial Stout has become a cult classic.
- Tuatara: Based in Wellington, Tuatara is one of the oldest microbreweries in the country. Founded in 2000, the brewery has become renowned for its signature range of pilsners, lagers and ales. The Tuatara range has been awarded numerous international awards, including a world championship for its 3 Eights Pilsner.
These four breweries represent just a fraction of the craft beer scene in New Zealand. There are hundreds of breweries scattered across the North Island, South Island and the offshore islands.
Off the Beaten Track Breweries
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and explore some of New Zealand’s lesser-known craft breweries, here are a few we think are worth checking out.
- Sprig & Fern: Founded in Nelson in 2005, Sprig & Fern are renowned for their hoppy ales and lagers. The brewery also produces a range of seasonal beers and one-off specials that are sure to delight the taste buds.
- Renaissance: Based in the North Island town of Marlborough, Renaissance is pushing the boundaries of craft beer in New Zealand. From its range of hop-driven beers to its inventive experiments with wild yeasts, this brewery is crafting some truly unique and delicious beers.
- Sunshine Brewery: A relative newcomer to the craft beer scene, Sunshine Brewery is based in the south-west of the South Island and is already making a name for itself. The brewery is producing some incredible IPAs, porters and stouts, as well as experimenting with sour beers and barrel-aged brews.
These are just a few of the fantastic microbreweries that New Zealand has to offer. With so many amazing craft brewers operating in the country, there’s sure to be something for everyone’s taste.
The Best Way to Sample New Zealand’s Craft Beer
If you’re looking to sample some of New Zealand’s craft beer, there are a few ways you can go about it. One of the best ways to experience New Zealand’s beer culture is to visit a craft brewery and taste the beer right at the source. Most craft breweries in New Zealand offer tours and tastings and are more than happy to guide you through their range and explain the brewing process.
If you’re unable to visit a brewery in person, one of the best ways to sample New Zealand’s craft beer is through a craft beer delivery service. These services will deliver craft beer directly to your door, so you can sample a wide variety of beers from all over New Zealand. Craft beer clubs are also a great way to experience New Zealand’s craft beer scene, as they allow you to trial new beers from different breweries each month.
New Zealand’s craft beer scene is constantly evolving, and there are few better places to enjoy a cold beer than in the country itself. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for years, you’re sure to find something you love in New Zealand’s craft breweries.