New Zealand is famed for many things. Its inspiring culture, sporting world, produce and agriculture to name a few. But, it would be wrong to talk about all of the exciting things that New Zealand has to offer, without talking about the Beers & Breweries of New Zealand.

Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in NZ, making up 63% of the sales in the country. That works out at 64.7 litres per person every single year! And, with those kinds of numbers, you know this is a country that knows how to produce a bloody good beer.

And, it’s not just the breweries that make their own beer here in New Zealand. Many people will collect hops and make their own!

In fact, In the Wopwops Wetland Park located behind our store in Norsewood, there is a large hops vine growing. We’ve seen a number of people collect hops from the park to make their own WopWops brew!

In this blog, we’re going to be giving you some insight into the history of beer and breweries in New Zealand. And then, we’re going to be talking about some of the most popular beers and exciting breweries creating produce in the country at the moment.

Perfect for getting those beers in just in time for summer!

Are you ready? Let’s go!

At present, we know that beer was introduced to New Zealand around the same time that the European settlers arrived around 1769. Until that point, some of the key ingredients needed to make beer were not present on the island.

Captain Cook, an Englishman famed for leading the voyage from England to New Zealand, was apparently one of the first people to brew beer in NZ in the 18th century. Since the majority of European immigrants originally came from the United Kingdom and Ireland, the procedure and flavours of brewing there initially resembled those of those countries.

However, the continuous fermentation method was developed in the 1930s by a New Zealander by the name of Morton Coutts, who changed the focus of brewing from ales to lagers.

By the late 1970s, practically all breweries in that country were controlled by Lion or Dominion companies. It wasn't until the 1980s that microbreweries in New Zealand truly began to take off. Pubs generally did this by producing and selling their own small brews.

In 2003, there were only 30 microbreweries in the country. With a steady increase of 25% in craft beer each year for some time now, it’s no surprise that there are now more than 220!

With some of the best beer in the world being produced in New Zealand, I ought to make sure that you know what to get your hands on the next time you visit. (Or, to pick up from the shop if you’re a Kiwi).

Everyone will have their own preferences, of course. But, even if you’re not the keenest of beer drinkers, I’m sure there will be something in this list that gets those taste buds tingling.

Speight’s beer is known for being the brew that is the pride of the south. Manufactured by Lion (One of NZ’s most prominent beer manufacturers), you can find Speight’s in pubs and ale houses all over New Zealand. Speight’s is the perfect cheap and trendy beer to kick off our list!

TUI beer along with many beers first brewed in the 19th century had extra hops added to keep a strong distinct taste over long periods of transportation. These characteristics can still be tasted today as TUI is renowned as a great tasting beer with a strong but smooth taste.

If you find yourself in Mangatainoka looking for something fun to do (or on the hunt for some great beers), you can visit the Tui brewery where you can see where and how the beer is made and even enjoy a beer tasting session.

Interesting fact: Each bottle of TUI has a hidden question under the cap!

Established in 1907 Lion Red is Northland's original craft beer. Found often in long necks at your local bowls club. Lion Red is the epitome of a classic Kiwi brew. The owners of Lion state that their purpose is to champion sociability and to help people live well. They want to create beer that brings people together.

Lion manufacture a range of beers across Australia, New Zealand and the US but they’re most famed for their namesake, Lion Red.

Lion Red is a full bodied beer with a strong malt flavour and a delightful hop bitterness. It is brewed using premium malt and the finest hops from New Zealand to yield a beer with 4% alcohol by volume.

A Double Brown beer is a fan favourite amongst kiwi’s. It’s iconic and for good reason! The distinct malty flavour, which comes from its natural fermentation is legend amongst New Zealand Natives who want to blow off some steam with a nice, cold beer.

The mildly bitter finish of this outstanding brew is wonderfully balanced by the malty sweetness, caramel, and manuka honey aromas.

Affectionately called ‘Drobros’ the Double Brown beer is a low alcohol low-cost beer often used as a session ale.

From its beginning in Waikane as a backyard project, Tuatara brewery has always strived to be the best. Created by an engineer with a keen taste palette, Carl Vasta started brewing Tuatara in 2001 in his backyard for friends.

After a year of hard work and impressing the locals with their beer, they moved on to a state of the art brewery in Paraparaumu. They still reside there today, with a tap room that is ready to welcome you and awaken your taste buds.

Tuatara are known for being a little more adventurous when it comes to their beer. In the Hazy IPA, you will find notes of passionfruit, mango, grapefruit and white stone peach. Their Hazy Pale Ale is famed for its explosive nature. A scant bitterness and juicy tropical flavours.

The entire range is made with flavours that you wouldn’t expect in your standard beer, but somehow, they hit the spot everytime.

New Zealand seems to have a beer on offer to suit everyone's taste. Whether you like a ‘proper’ beer or maybe something a little bit more experimental with notes of citrus or chocolate. There is a beer for us all.

Even more exciting than the beers themselves, are the breweries in which they’re made. Each brewery will have its own story to tell. With a completely different experience for you to explore in each one.

Here is a list of some of the most popular and exciting breweries currently producing beer in New Zealand right now:

The Tui Brewery is based in Mangatainoka, just down the road from our flagship store in Norsewood. If you choose to visit, you can embark upon a personalised 40 minute tour of the brewery grounds. You’ll be able to experience first hand the rich history, with iconic landmarks and state of the art brewing facilities.

Of course, history is great. But, beer is even better. You’ll be happy to hear that on the tour you can choose three different Tui beers to try straight from the tap.

If a tour doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not take a seat, enjoy a beer (or two) and pick something to nibble on from their menu? If you fall in love with any of their beers, be sure to pick some up from their shop so that you can take a little bit of Tui home with you.

Parrot Dog, created by three guys (who are all named Matt) who love a bloody good beer. A Wellington house hold name since its conception in 2011, Parrot Dog is enjoyed throughout New Zealand. They pride themselves on making ‘’approachable, award winning beer’’ and you can take a trip to their brewery to see exactly how they make it.

After you’ve completed your tour, you can find their bar and takeaway tucked away just a short walk away from the dunes of Wellington’s iconic Lyall Bay.

You'll find cosy booths, a pool table with views of the brewery, and at the heart, a traditional-style bar with 17 revolving taps showcasing the brewery's core-range, ReinCanation series, and L.B (Lyall Bay) Beer series.

Monteith’s Brewery (owned by DB Breweries) is situated on New Zealand’s West Coast in Greymouth. Their warm hospitality, delicious menu, prompt service, fascinating stories, and award-winning beers has secured them the Qualmark Gold visitor stamp of approval. So, you know that you’re in for a treat!

Explore their state of the art brewing facility on a 45 minute guided tour and learn all about the process that goes into making a brilliant craft beer. The treats don’t stop there, you’ll be happy to hear - You'll also be able to pour your own beer from the tap, grab some great discounts on West Coast activities, and take away a 6-pack of your favourites.

Be sure to try their unique tasting tray while you’re there. You can opt for 3 or 6 Monteith beers, served with tasting notes so you can really get stuck in and enjoy Monteith’s in all of its fullness.

In 1876, Speight’s was born and by 1887 they were the biggest brewery in New Zealand. Their long history and long list of great beers is the pride of the South. You’ll find Speights in the hand of most farmers, tradies and Joe blogs around the South Island.

Speight’s split their unique brewery experience into four parts:

Learn - You get to experience over 141 years of Speights brewing history as you take a trip through their interactive brewery tour. Your tour guide will help you explore the brewery from top to bottom while you soak up all of the knowledge Speights can offer.

Taste - Would it really be a trip to a brewery without a tasting session? Experience their full range of beers in their new tasting room.

Eat & Drink - You’ll have worked up an appetite and you’ll need something to quench your thirst after all of that learning. Visit Speight’s ale house, located in their brewery to try the full range and treat yourself to some southern grub.

Shop - Grab some Speights gear and become a part of the Southern Man Legend. In their shop located in their cellar door, they have a wide variety of gifts from keepsakes, clothing and multi packs of beer for you to take some of the magic that Speight’s has to offer away with you.

So, there you have it. The history of beer in NZ and a comprehensive list of some of the best beers and breweries that New Zealand has to offer. This blog is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the wonders that the beer industry here is conjuring up.

If we’ve missed out any of your favourite beers or breweries on this list, send us a message and let us know! And, if you try out any of the beers or attend any of the breweries we mentioned, we want to know your thoughts.

Extra points for picking your own WopWops to brew your own beer! We would love to see what you create

That’s probably enough talking for now. Time to get those beers in, eh?

See you next time!