Wellington is known as the craft beer capital of New Zealand.
With breweries spread across central Wellington, Upper Hutt and the Kāpiti Coast, finding a vibrant spot to enjoy a beer is easy.
Begin your quest for the perfect pint with the Craft Capital Beer Trail (opens in new window)– a self-guided tour of Wellington’s specialist craft beer bars. Download yourself a map(opens in new window) to navigate your way around 19 craft beer bars, 15 craft beer breweries and 2 bottle stores stocking the finest local brews.
For a slightly shorter experience, the trail is divided into two sections – north and south – both of which can be tackled on foot. Local buses also run regularly for those who want to take longer hops between venues.
If you find yourself slightly further up the coast from Wellington, visit the Tuatara Brewery and Tap Room(opens in new window), Duncans Brewing(opens in new window) and North End Brewing(opens in new window). Learn about craft beer ingredients, take a deep dive into the various styles of beer and an in-depth look at the brewing process from start to finish, with tastings of course.
Five breweries (and a distillery). One venue. Loads of fun.
Tucked away in an industrial area, a short walk from Upper Hutt train station, Brewtown(opens in new window) is a craft beer village complete with paintball, go carting, an ice-skating rink and ten pin bowling.
Four sessions over two days in August, Beervana(opens in new window) is the king of beer events with over 70 Kiwi and international breweries and some epic beer creations, complete with first class live entertainment.
Brewday(opens in new window) showcases Wellington's finest brews and brewers under one roof. Food trucks, live music and 'festival only' beer and cider creations make this an event not to miss.
Grab your mates and a picnic blanket and head to Beers at the Basin(opens in new window) at Basin Reserve for one awesome day full of beer, cider, cocktails and street food.
Dust off your lederhosen or dirndl and celebrate all things Barvarian at Oktoberfest(opens in new window) on the Wellington waterfront each October. German food, Bavarian oompah bands and of course some world class German beers.
