Auckland’s growing reputation as a destination for craft beer aficionados has been fuelled by an influx of new craft beer hotspots, with a number of highly regarded brew houses opening in the past six to nine months.
There are more than 250 beers brewed in New Zealand and small batch and experimental brews now make up 13 per cent of beer sales across the country.
Visitors with a passion for the liquid nectar – from the most golden lager to the darkest stout – can now quench their thirst amid Auckland’s divine backdrop of picturesque harbours, beaches and native forests.
With lots of options in Auckland to choose from and summer in full swing, we’ve narrowed down Auckland’s craft beer travel guide to a six-pack of the latest must-see destinations.
Enjoy responsibly:
Dr Rudi’s Brewing Co. – Viaduct Harbour
Opened in November
The latest addition to Auckland’s spectacular Viaduct Harbour is Dr Rudi’s Brewing Co. with its scenic rooftop setting creating a fun, laidback bar and eatery to enjoy 14 tap beers – including two brewed by Matakana’s Sawmill Brewery. This waterfront establishment also has a bowling alley.
Al’s Deli Brewhouse – Central Auckland
Opened in November
Central Auckland with its abundance of popular pubs and cafes is now offering visitors travelling to bustling, cosmopolitan O’Connell Street a taste of micro-brewed crafted beers, ciders and spirits with the opening of Al’s Deli Brewhouse. Small batches of beer are being served up alongside Al’s famous versions of classic Montreal eats.
Piha Beer – Piha
Opened in October
The opening of a brewery in Piha means visitors can now taste craft beer made in the spirit of the spectacular Waitakeres. It's been a long-standing dream for beer enthusiasts Anthony Browne and Andrew Larsen to open a brewery on Auckland’s rugged West Coast. The pair also have the flagship City Works Depot craft brewery, and the Juke Joint in Mt Eden, established under their Brothers Beer banner. They are set to launch four new beers under the label including: Locals Lager, Salt Water Gose, Pohutukawa Ale, and Sundowner IPA.
Tantalus Estate – Waiheke Island
Opened in September
Waiheke Island’s Tantalus Estate combines a brewery, winery, restaurant and a 200-person venue set amongst stunning scenery. The brewery uses filtered rainwater, triple-jacketed tanks to control fermentation, and an on-site lab. Beer lovers can enjoy a range of ales, lagers and ciders to satisfy both traditionalists and the more adventurous.
Sawmill Brewery – Matakana Coast
Opened in July
Matakana Coast’s famed rolling hillsides is the latest setting for Sawmill, an independently owned brewery. Established in 2004, the brewery moved just up the road from Leigh to offer a fresh way of showcasing its boutique beer in a scenic environment with a bar front and tasting shed.
The Beer Spot – Northcote
Opened in March
The Beer Spot – or ‘your tappy place’ – as the owner’s like to call it, is located on Northcote’s northern shores. As well as boasting 40 rotating taps of local boutique brews, The Beer Spot serves as a haven for beer lovers, operating as an off-license outlet. The free house also offers its own food and hosts a different food truck every week.
More of Auckland’s new events, attractions and openings can be found on aucklandnz.com.