If you’re searching for the perfect pint, New Zealand independent craft breweries are serving up the goods. The island nation has built a reputation for producing some of the finest craft beers in the southern hemisphere, with its diverse geography providing the perfect conditions for growing world-renowned hops. Here’s our roundup of the best New Zealand craft breweries from Auckland to Christchurch and beyond to slake your thirst.

In a historic leatherworking factory on the city fringe in Mt Eden, you’ll find one of Auckland's top craft beer bars. Established in 2012, Brothers Beer has become a fixture in the local craft beer scene, offering discerning brew seekers a laid-back, retro vibe and an ever-evolving selection of tasty cold brews. 

Their pale ales and IPAs are crowd favourites and pair well with the authentic low and slow American BBQ on the menu at their Juke Joint smokehouse. Relax in the leafy courtyard outside or on one of the comfy couches set around the working brewery. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy beers or you prefer something dark and rich, there’s always something to surprise your palate.

Now at two locations in Riverhead and Clevedon, Hallertau is another renowned name in New Zealand craft brewing. Opening in 2005, the popular brewery has built a name for its delicious craft beer, made with natural ingredients and the world-famous New Zealand hops. You’ll find a selection of signature beers on offer as well as seasonal specials that highlight the creativity of the brewmasters.

Hallertau’s onsite restaurant pumps out a range of tasty homemade dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, burgers and small plates to share, designed to pair perfectly with their beers. With live music, an inviting biergarten and a fire pit in the cooler months, the brewery makes for a magic spot to while away a few hours with friends. 

Where to stay

Base yourself in the heart of West Auckland at Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, with the beautiful west coast beaches only 30 minutes away and the best of Auckland’s craft breweries and restaurants at your doorstep.

On the eastern side of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay is a beautiful region known for its beaches and wineries. It’s also becoming fast known for its craft beer, and the award-winning, family-owned Brave Brewing Co. is one of the reasons why. From humble beginnings selling their acclaimed home brew at local markets, the brewery now boasts a busy taproom and eatery with a broad range of craft beers on tap. 

Despite its small size, Brave Brewing has developed a loyal following, particularly for its tropical, citrus pale ales and IPAs. Their busy taproom and eatery also delivers, with classic favourites like burgers and hotdogs plus small plates and tacos on the menu. A popular meeting place for the locals, the brewery is also dedicated to supporting the community, often collaborating with other local businesses and artists.

Another of the top Hawke’s Bay breweries, Giant Brewing Co has been handcrafting their own delicious brews since 2014. Named after the ‘Sleeping Giant’ of the towering Te Mata peak, the brewery has grown a lot bigger from its start in an old barn, and now covers a wide spectrum of flavours, from lagers to ales as well as seasonal beers.

You won’t go hungry with delicious meals available all day at the public house, including bar bites, burgers and battered fish and chips. Just pull up a seat at one of the long sharing tables and tuck in. The lively atmosphere, quality craft beers and friendly welcome make it a clear favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Where to stay

Quality Inn Napier is centrally located and an ideal option for exploring the region’s renowned craft breweries. Close to Westshore Beach, Comfort Inn Westshore Beach is another great option, near the Ahuriri Estuary Wildlife Reserve.

From its origins as a homemade wood-fired brewery on the site of Christchurch’s original tannery, the Cassels Brewing Co has survived both an earthquake and a global pandemic. Now an award-winning craft brewery with a focus on tradition and craftsmanship, the family-owned and operated Cassels has come a long way from the days when they bottled and labelled their beer by hand. 

Extending to a bar, brewery, restaurant and music venue, Cassels serves up tasty dishes made from local and ethically-sourced ingredients, including their famous wood-fired pizzas. The brewery’s lineup is diverse, but their Milk Stout has received particular acclaim, winning a swag of awards. A rich, creamy, chocolatey stout, it’s a beer that helped put Cassels on the craft beer Christchurch map, and consistently ranks as one of the best stouts in New Zealand.

Another Christchurch gem and local favourite is the award-winning brewery, fillery and cellar door, Three Boys Brewery. Since opening its doors in 2004, the independently-owned microbrewery has maintained a commitment to producing small batch, handcrafted beer using natural, locally-sourced ingredients. Their range covers all beer styles, from light, refreshing ales to deep, rich stouts - in particular their Oyster Stout, made with real oysters. 

With a philosophy of treading lightly, the brewery prides itself on its sustainability practices and a deep connection to the local community. In fact, they’ll happily fill a bring-your-own container so you can stock up for home too. Head there on a Friday and you won’t go hungry either with a revolving range of food trucks serving up delicious fare from 4 - 8pm. 

Where to stay

Surrounded by rose gardens near the heart of town, Quality Hotel Elms is a great base for exploring Christchurch’s best breweries and other attractions.

Though technically not a brewery, the South Island’s historic Moutere Inn is a worthy mention as New Zealand’s oldest pub. Built in 1850, the heritage inn provides a slice of New Zealand’s colonial past and houses one of the best craft beer selections in the country. The historic setting, nestled in the idyllic Moutere Valley, coupled with excellent beer and food, makes it a must-visit for beer lovers.

An original freehouse, the Moutere Inn regularly features brews from Nelson’s thriving beer scene, offering taps from some of the finest breweries in the region, including McCashin’s Brewery and others. Settle onto a vintage couch and enjoy a refreshing cold brew or tuck into delicious gastro-pub fare in the cosy dining room. 

McCashin’s Brewery has a special place in New Zealand’s craft beer history. Originally founded in 1981 by Terry and Bev McCashin, it was one of the first independent breweries to break the dominance of major beer corporations in the country. Today a new generation of McCashins run the family-owned brewery in Stoke, just outside Nelson, and continue to produce high-quality craft beers.

Their range includes a refreshing cider made from New Zealand crushed apples, a premium ginger beer batch and their own Stoke IPAs, pale ales and pilsners, handcrafted in Nelson using all natural ingredients and water from their 14,000 year old artesian well. You can also catch the brewers in action and hear tales of New Zealand’s craft brewing revolution on a fascinating brewery tour.

Where to stay

Enjoy charming, country-style accommodation at the olde worlde hotel, The Honest Lawyer with picturesque views of the Waimea Estuary, Tasman Bay and distant mountains.