Rows upon rows of fresh hops line rural roadsides in the Nelson Tasman region and it's been that way since the early 1840s.
Early German settlers planted hops and created the beer brewing traditions that still hold strong today.
For beer lovers, that means easy access to the source, from brewery tastings and taprooms to hop farm visits during harvest. It’s a chance to see where many of New Zealand’s craft beers get their distinctive flavour. Find out more about the oldest beer region in New Zealand.
Established in 1850, Moutere Inn is the oldest pub in New Zealand. Just 30 minutes drive from Nelson, the pub serves New Zealand beer and wine. You can park up and stay the night too as there is space for self-contained campers and a hearty pub menu.
Located in Onekaka in the heart of Golden Bay, The Mussel Inn is known to have produced New Zealand’s first recorded brew which British explorer Captain James Cook made from a blend of tea and leaves from native forest trees. Named ‘Captain Cooker’, this historic brew is an all malt beer made from locally grown organic hops and flavoured with freshly picked tips of the native mānuka tree.
Curious about how New Zealand’s beer culture came to be? Take a step back in time at the Hop and Beer Museum at Founders Heritage Park in Nelson.
Set inside a heritage building that once served as a working brewery, the museum explores the evolution of beer in New Zealand. It traces the journey from early European settlers brewing with imported traditions through to the development of locally grown hops that have shaped a distinctly New Zealand beer style.
MarchFest is an annual Nelson beer festival featuring local breweries, food and live entertainment. Participating breweries create beers for the event, giving visitors the opportunity to try new releases. Check the Marchfest(opens in new window) website for current dates and tickets.
Getting around:
Breweries, pubs and hop-growing areas are spread across the region. A car, guided tour or organised transport may be needed.
Plan by area:
Visit Upper Moutere as part of a trip through the Moutere Valley. Allow a separate trip for Golden Bay, which is considerably farther from Nelson.
Opening hours:
Rural pubs, museums and breweries may have limited opening days, especially outside summer. Check current hours before travelling.
Before you go:
Book tours and festival tickets in advance and arrange safe transport if you plan to drink.
