New Zealand’s beer festivals are more than just a celebration of our famous hops – they are a front-row seat to a thriving industry that prioritizes quality and variety with every glass.
1. Beervana, Wellington
Beervana 2020, Wellington
A Friday afternoon at Beervana, Wellington
Beervana 2020, Wellington
Spread over two days in August, Beervana is the king of all beer events. The festival showcases intriguing beers, sours and ciders from over 60 breweries. Beer experts and the beer-curious alike come together at this Wellington beer extravaganza to experience the broadest range of beers in the country. You can also experience live bands, DJ's and silent discos. Book early, tickets sell out fast.
Dress the part and work up a Hobbit sized thirst. Your Hobbiton™ Movie Set Beer Festival adventure(opens in new window) begins with a movie set tour, followed by a pint of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ ale at the Green Dragon™ Inn, complete with your very own beer stein that's yours to keep. Enter the themed party marquee for a feast of traditional Hobbit™ fare. Then, it's time to let the festivities begin. Keep your stein topped up and dance the night away to the themed band. Tickets are limited so book ahead.
Beer flavours are only limited by a brewers imagination and GABS(opens in new window) (Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular) is proof of this. The best brewers across New Zealand and Australia come together to showcase their new beer, sours and cider creations at this event. Expect to find bold flavours such as peanut butter, rice, spiced rocket leaves, blueberries and strawberry jelly. Get involved in Master Brew Classes, beer games and a very energetic band. You don't want to miss this! Note: GABS is taking a break in 2026 to allow for a reimagined event in 2027.
Join 6,000 other beer fest folk at the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival(opens in new window) each year. Grab your free official festival booklet when you arrive at the event, and make your way away around the listed breweries, noting your favourite pours by tasting notes, style of beer, and ABV’s.
Grab your mates and celebrate all things beer. Every single beer atMarchFesthas been specially brewed for the event and have never been tasted by the public before. Held in New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson which has more craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country and is therefore adequately qualified to host such an event.
6. The Great Kiwi Craft Beer Festival, Christchurch
Cassels & Sons Beer on Tap, Christchurch - Canterbury
Each year Hagley Park in Christchurch comes alive with The Great Kiwi Beer Festival, a celebration of New Zealand’s unique brewing history. International and Kiwi breweries showcase their greatest brews, matched with live performances, DJs, seminars and tasting experiences. Craft beer connoisseurs teach you top tips in the beer seminars. Expand your craft beer knowledge by attending sessions such as New Zealand Brewing History, How to Match Cheese and Beer, and How to Judge a Beer.
Beast of a Feast is back for 2026, returning to Soper Reserve in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, February 28th. This "not-so-typical" beer festival pairs a backyard summer vibe with an incredible lineup of New Zealand’s best craft breweries, street food, and live music from artists like Ladi6 and P-Money.
