In recent years, New Zealand has also been growing a reputation for being a craft beer destination. According to an ANZ Bank New Zealand industry specific report, New Zealand's growing number of boutique craft breweries sold beer faster than they produced it in 2016. Craft breweries now make up more than a tenth of New Zealand's beer market.
Thirsty? We round up seven cool breweries to check out when you're in New Zealand.
The Sawmill Brewery
Auckland, Matakana
Just an hour drive in the north direction, from central Auckland, this independent brewery got its name when it took over an old sawmill in 2004. It has since moved to a new location in Matakana, and conducts frequent tours of the brewery, as well as offers tastings of their pilsner, IPAs and crystal wheat ales — a golden-yellow wheat beer with fresh citrusy flavours. Feeling peckish? The brewery also offers food and beer pairings in their Smoko Room. 1004 Leigh Road, Matakana
McLeods Brewery
Northland, Waipu
With a head brewer who has worked for two champion New Zealand breweries manning the kegs, there's no reason to waste a single drop of beer here. The small-batch brewery puts a modern spin on traditional beers, which means barrel-aged or even 'sour'-flavoured beers that grow on you. Pair these with some of their delicious homemade pizzas for some casual good fun. 2 Cove Road (behind McLeod's Pizza Barn), Waipu, Northland
Hallertau Brewery
Auckland, Riverhead
The story of Hallertau Brewery begins with a 1,2,3, and 4 — their idea of simply numbering their first four beers have now turned into iconic bottles and established the brand as an independent brewery. The recently revamped beer garden is a lovely space to linger over a long lunch and the signature sampler paddle here where you get to pick and mix their pale ales, ciders and pilsners. 1171 Coatesville Riverhead Highway
Mussel Inn
Nelson, Golden Bay
Travellers will come to Mussel Inn for the Captain Cooker Manuka Beer alone. The brew might not be infused with New Zealand's famous manuka honey as its name so cheekily suggests, but the red brown beer with a slight smoky flavour from manuka (wood) tips is a tribute to New Zealand's first-ever brew produced by Captain Cook to combat scurvy — or so the tales suggest. Either way, the laid-back atmosphere in this pub and the good beers on offer puts Mussel Inn on the list. 1259 State Highway 60, Onekaka, Golden Bay 7182
Three Boys Brewery
Woolston, Christchurch
You've heard of wine pairings with cheese, but what about beers? At Three Boys Brewery, each small-batch brew is paired with crusty bread and a platter of cheese for those who sign up for a tour. The beers here are unfiltered and unpasteurised, brewed and canned on-site. Tours require a minimum of 12 people, and pre-booking is recommended. 592 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023
Gisborne
True to its name, Sunshine Brewery was started in the 1980s when two surfer friends decided to try their hand at making their own lagers to cope with the long, hot summers. The Gisborne Gold, or 'Gizzy's Gold', is an award-winning brew that is fermented at a low temperature and is dry and crisp, with toasty malt notes. The perfect brew for a warm summer day. 49 Awapuni Road, Gisborne
Garage Project
Aro Valley, Wellington
It takes more than passion to stand out in the craft beer capital that is Wellington, but Garage Project manages to do just that. Here, the beers are made from unconventional ingredients such as New Zealand-grown kombu (the Japanese word for kelp) and fermented bonito flakes. Particularly interesting is the Cabbage and Kings Imperial Oyster Stout. The dark stout is made from 10 dozen Te Matuku Bay Pacific oysters, and is a rich intense brew that has just a hint of briny notes and a touch of smoke. 68 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington
