New Zealand - worth visiting

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-nz-south-island-from-us.442730/
then keep searching

 

I live here now, so let me know what areas you will be travelling and what styles of beer you enjoy.

This topic may help you: https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/new-zealand-honeymoon.431643/

 

Have only been to Wellington and it was amazing. Hashigo Zake, Fork & Brewer, and Garage Project were highlights.

 

I spent four days in Queenstown at the end of last month. The city itself is incredible. In terms of beer, I found the selection at Smith's to be far more expansive and diverse than Atlas. Atlas has an incredible view of the lake, especially at sunset, and a unique bathroom but that's about it. I sampled a few flights at Atlas over the course of two days and got to taste some really interesting NZ brews.

 

Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin all have a good range of craft beers and bottle stores - Auckland tends to have the larger craft brewers, Wellington has a number of cult brewers (Parrotdog, Garage Project, Fork and Brewer) , The Freehouse in Nelson is a must-see, Christchurch has an interesting selection, many of which are now brewing away from the CBD due to the EQ reconstruction - 3 Boys, Eagle Brewing and Beer Baroness are my picks. Dunedin has Emersons, and the Albar has some interesting drops.

There are also good breweries in Leigh, Hamilton, Tauranga (several), Rotorua, Napier, just north of New Plymouth, Blenheim and Invercargill, and I've missed out a lot.

Try here for a list of the best.

 

Sorry to thread hijack, but I am going to South Island (Christchurch) for 10 days in February. I will be on R&R from Afghanistan, so I won't be able to bring any alcohol back with me so my main focus is to drink beer while I'm there but mostly to seek out hop farms! I have been growing hops for several years and am looking to slightly expand my operations upon my return from deployment next spring. SO if anyone can give me some advice for what hop farms to visit while I'm there in New Zealand I would be most grateful!!! Thank you!

 

Nice! Thanks for the response! Now I got some research to do...

 

There are a number of solid breweries and interesting beer bars in the Christchurch area, so you should have an enjoyable time.

 

I'm also planning on travelling through both islands during the first two weeks of February (and Australia during March - ship cruise in between). I hear that the beers there are very expensive. I prefer light lagers, but hear that IPA's are all the rage in both Australia and New Zealand. Are there any decent local light lagers/pilsners made in New Zealand? Anything that doesn't resemble the rice-infused Budweiser or Coors, but more like the wholesome German lagers.

 

I have heard the same thing about and I'm not surprised considering the large amount of hops that are grown in the Nelson region. Luckily for me, I'm a HUGE hophead and I plan to spend a good bit of time in Nelson and hope to make it to a few hop farms while I'm there as well.

 

We plan to drive through the Richmond/Nelson area in mid-February. I'll keep a look-out for some of these farms.

 

That's around the same time I'll be there. I'm flying out on the 16th from Afghanistan. Should be in Christchurch the next day. Plan to spend a few days there before driving up to Nelson. CAN'T WAIT!

 

Have you seen this New Zealand craft beer map?

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2017/05/19/new-zealand-craft-beer-map/

 

Quality beers are expensive as the market is small. Having said that, the prices haven't gone up much in the last few years.

I can recommend some lagers & pilsners, but there isn't a great variety at present. Pale Ale seems to be the most produced style of beer.

 

I wish I could like this post 10 times! Looks like there are at least 4 breweries on my planned route around the South Island. Thanks for posting!

 

I wouldn't mind those recommendations. Also where they can be found.

 

Just in Nelson/Tasman alone you have McCashins, Sprig & Fern, Townshend Brewing, Hop Federation, Mussel Inn, Golden Bear, Eddyline and Moutere Brewing (available at the Moutere Inn, oldest pub in NZ).