Most Popular Craft Beers In New Zealand

Get ready to raise your glass: this Friday 4 August is National Beer Day. This is the best time to celebrate the picturesque land of New Zealand and its vibrant craft beer scene. The island nation is a well-kept secret among fans of a brew. That’s right. Outsiders may not know it, but the craft beer culture is as rich as the country’s breathtaking landscapes. Just in time for Auckland Beer Week, we have rounded up all the local breweries to answer an important question: What is New Zealand’s favourite craft beer?

Keep reading to find out.

New Zealand's Favourite Craft Beers

Our thirst for knowledge led us to use Google Trends to uncover the brews that have been capturing the attention and taste buds of New Zealanders. Based on the search volume for each craft beer brand over the last 90 days, we were able to narrow down the most popular to a list of six.

The results were:

1. Garage Project
2. Tuatara Brewery
3. Panhead Custom Ales
4. Liberty Brewing
5. Epic Brewing
6. 8 Wired Brewing

Craft Beer Culture In New Zealand

New Zealand's craft beer scene blends innovation and tradition seamlessly. From its humble homebrew beginnings to the vibrant taproom culture today, craft beer is woven into the fabric of the nation. The emergence of the craft beer scene is also intimately tied to the country's unique natural resources. 

The fertile soil and favourable climate have enabled local farmers to cultivate high-quality hops, an indispensable ingredient in brewing. 

The distinct flavours and aromas contributed by homegrown hops have distinctly positioned New Zealand craft beers on the global stage. A pivotal moment in the craft beer narrative was the establishment of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand in 2001. The annual awards by this body shine a spotlight on the best of New Zealand brewing, further raising the profile of craft beer in the country. 

New Zealand Breweries And The Future

Craft breweries in New Zealand take pride in their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Many breweries have adopted environmentally friendly practices, such as water and energy conservation, the use of locally sourced ingredients, and waste reduction measures. 

Today, the craft beer industry in New Zealand is thriving, with an increasing number of breweries pushing the boundaries of creativity and flavour. The continued growth of craft beer festivals, tasting events, and brewpubs across the country reflect the enthusiasm and support of beer lovers who appreciate the craftsmanship and diversity offered by New Zealand's craft brewers.

How To Celebrate National Beer Day

Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, National Beer Day in New Zealand is a day to celebrate and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into brewing. So, mark your calendars and join in the festivities on this special day. 

There's no shortage of events and festivals to celebrate. This week is Auckland Beer Week and next up is Beervana on 18 August. That's not all though, there's still New Zealand Brewers Fest on 14 October, Oktoberfest in Wellington, and Beers at the Basin in Wellington on 25 November. Cheers to New Zealand's craft beers!