Auckland is home to around 40 craft breweries spread across the city centre, inner suburbs, and Waiheke Island.
From experimental IPAs and barrel-aged stouts to sessions lagers brewed with local fruits, the city's beer scene spans taprooms, brewery tours, and food-pairing experiences.
Find pints aplenty in the central city or venture to the suburbs to taste the finest Kiwi beers at the many breweries in Auckland.
The Beer Spot(opens in new window) is a collective of five venues in Northcote, Huapai, Morningside, Whangaparoa, and Panmure. Each month the Beer Spots pour beer and wine from a different Kiwi brewery, which are joined by a local food truck. Each month the featured brewery and food truck rotates.
Behemoth Brewing Company(opens in new window) showcase their best craft beer creations at the Dominion Road, Churly's Brew Pub(opens in new window).
Next time you're in Riverhead, head to the original Hallertau Brewery and Biergarten(opens in new window) for delicious craft beers and sours
In the heart of Auckland city stands New Zealand’s first brewpub, the Shakespeare Brewery & Hotel. Established in 1898, the pub serves award winning pilsners, ales and lagers - all brewed onsite.
Just five minutes walk from the skytower, Brothers Beer(opens in new window) is your central beer spot. You'll find a brewery, retail store and tasting lounge along with over 200 bottled beers and around 18 beers on tap.
Take a ferry or sea-plane to Waiheke Island and meet your talented brewers (your guides for the day) on a beer tour of Waiheke Island Brewery(opens in new window) at Wild on Waiheke. They sell 90% of their beer on-site, and even have some of the longest beer lines in New Zealand – they run straight from the finishing tanks in the brewery to the beer taps they’re serving you from!
Jump onboard the Brewbus(opens in new window) and sample pints at the many urban craft beer locations in central Auckland, or join the Ales and Axes tour and put your axe throwing skills to the test.
Check out The Auckland Beer Mile(opens in new window), joining the dots between a world class array of breweries and bars serving up some of the best craft beer that New Zealand has to offer.
Breweries are spread across the Auckland region, so it is usually best to focus on one area at a time. Use public transport, join a guided tour or arrange a designated driver if visiting several venues.
Many taprooms are busiest from Friday evening through the weekend. Some breweries have limited opening days, so confirm current hours before travelling.
Book ahead for guided tours, large groups and popular weekend sessions. Walk-ins may be available at individual taprooms.
New Zealand’s legal alcohol purchase age is 18. Carry an accepted form of identification and drink responsibly.
