Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
As if there isn’t enough to love about Wellington, New Zealand – like the scenic landscapes and cool vibes – we’ve got another reason: Wellington Craft Beer. In fact, Welly is known as the Craft Beer Capital of New Zealand – and for good reason.
In the last 2 decades, Wellington has seen a surge of local breweries start production. Plus, dedicated craft beer pubs have popped up all over the Welly CBD. During our trip, we navigated our way to some of the best bars in Wellington serving amazing New Zealand craft beer!
Craft Beer Wellington, NZ
Seeking out craft beer in Wellington, New Zealand isn’t really that difficult. Nearly every pub serves NZ craft beer – and we found it utterly delicious. That said, hop-heads will want to make a beeline for the best craft beer bars in Wellington, where an array of local suds are certain to be on tap.
Additionally, beer fans can seek out city-center Wellington, NZ breweries that welcome visitors to sample tasty brews straight from the source. These on-site Tap Rooms or Cellar Doors provide a place to taste the freshest beer in Wellington.
Best Craft Beer in Wellington, New Zealand
We created our Best Craft Beer Bars Wellington list to feature the both Cellar Doors and dedicated craft brew pubs. For each establishment on our NZ craft beer guide, we include additional information; such as a map, reviews or official website. At the end of the post, you will also find a helpful Craft Beer Wellington, NZ Map.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Craft Beer Guide Wellington for your trip to New Zealand!
Wellington Craft Breweries
Want to get a taste of local brew straight from the source? These five local NZ microbreweries allow thirsty patrons to sip the latest products right on site.
#1 Mean Doses Brewery
One of the newest Wellington, New Zealand craft breweries, Mean Doses is receiving a warm welcome and making some of the best craft beer in Welly! They’re brewing up tasty ales (Mean IPA), as well as some unique creations (like the Dark Star Peanut Chili Porter).
The taproom space is lively and boasts an assortment of classic arcade games, pinball machines and a pool table. A fun spot for hanging out with friends – and meeting fellow beer lovers – Mean Doses is a top new spot to check out in the city center. Website and Map
#2 Garage Project
The Garage Project is a true success story of three guys who wanted to brew really good beer. Since their first location on Aro Street, the brewery has grown to include two other locations (and they are even dabbling with creating Wellington wines).
The original Garage Cellar Door is still an operating brewery. It is open to visitors for Garage Project beer samples and take-away beers both in the bottle and by growler. For a full pint, thirsty visitors should check out their taproom, which is just across the street.
The friendly staff are eager to offer advice on must-try local brews and they are well-informed about the current Wellington craft beer scene. Map and Reviews
#3 Parrotdog
The first time we visited Parrotdog was when they had a small-operation offering samples, single bottles and growlers. Expanding to a new location outside the CBD at Lyall Bay, the brewery produces their core lineup of beers, as well as a range of experiments.
The new retro-diner space offers a food menu alongside the beers. We recommend trying the BitterBitch IPA – it was the first (and in our opinion, still the best) Parrotdog brew. Website and Reviews
#4 Fork and Brewer
The Fork and Brewer Restaurant Brewery aims to do exactly as its name indicates: pair good food with great beer. Guests enter the family-friendly establishment via stairs that offer a glimpse into the brewing process, revealing in-use casks and kegs.
The bar encircles a giant barrel that features 40 taps of Fork and Brewer beers – with room for a few guest offerings, too. In addition to the draft beer options, there is a selection of bottled beers from notable craft brewers like 8 Wired, Epic and Hallertau. We liked the open space (with outdoor seating, too), casual atmosphere and unique bathroom decor. Website and Reviews
#5 Fortune Favours Beer
Established in 2016, Fortune Favours Beer has quickly risen to the ranks of Top Wellington Breweries. At their taproom on Leeds Street, visitors can grab a tasty pint from their core range – or sample something from their innovative collection. Can’t decide? No problem; order a beer tasting platter!
The industrial space features bright splashes of color – and the outdoor terrace is perfect for sunny days. In addition to great brews, they offer a large selection of gin – plus, they allow hungry patrons to order burgers from next door. Map and Website
#6 Sprig & Fern
Brewing in Richmond on the South Island, Sprig and Fern creates a core range of beers – plus ciders, seltzers and experimental limited release brews. The best place to get a taste of their beers is in their branded taverns that dot the country; there are five locations in Wellington.
The quaint Sprig and Fern Tavern at Thorndon – adjacent to the botanical gardens – exudes a posh pub ambiance. In addition to their beers on tap, they also have a full food menu (the curly fries are a big hit!). For entertainment, they offer a weekly Tuesday quiz night. Map and Reviews
#7 Heyday Beer Co
A bit tucked away at the far end of Cuba Street, Heyday Beer Company is an absolute gem! In addition to their core range that is always on tap, they also pour seasonal specials.
The airy, minimalist space is welcoming with clean and cute decor. However, when the sun shines, it’s best to take a seat at the outdoor picnic tables – where they also have lawn games, like cornhole. Map and Reviews
Craft Beer Bars Wellington CBD
While sipping fresh beers direct from the brewer is optimal, the dedicated Welly craft beer pubs are fun places to get a taste from around the country. Anyone on a quest for good craft brew should seek out these beer utopias.
#8 Little Beer Quarter
A hidden gem, Little Beer Quarter – or LBQ – is a must for beer lovers. The retro furnishings make it feel like you are hanging out at a friend’s house, but the beer-bottle-lights and brewery coasters hanging on the wall are a clear reminder that you are actually in a bar.
The hip space is what drew us in, but the reason we kept going back was because of their excellent selection of craft beers. (LBQ is where I had my first – and absolute favorite – NZ beer: Hallertau Maximus Humulus Lupulus India Pale Ale). The small space also features a fun weekly lineup of events. Website and Reviews
#9 Golding’s Free Dive
We dig dive bars…especially dive bars with craft beer on tap! The mish-mash decor – Christmas lights, Star Wars action figures and funky art – compliment the fun atmosphere of this hole-in-the-wall bar. It’s a place where it is hip to be geek.
As beer geeks, we were certainly impressed by the craft beers on offer! With 6 local beers on tap and heaps more in bottles and cans, it is certainly one of the best pubs in Wellington for craft brew. Map and Reviews
#10 Coco’s Bar and Grill
Featuring local and international beers on tap (and more in the bottle), Cocos has a little of something for everyone (including wine, ciders, whiskey and cocktails). The beers on tap are regularly rotated, so there is always something new.
The friendly bar staff is helpful in recommending brews and patrons feeling peckish can order off their menu, which features classic pub grub with an Asian flair. Map and Reviews
#11 Hashigo Zake
A basement bar with a funky vibe, Hashigo Zake is a place to go for in-the-know beer fans. Dark and cozy – with live jazz on the weekends – the bar excels at offering an incredible line up of local craft brews.
Completely devoted to the craft beer revolution, patrons won’t find any mass produced beer at Hashigo Zake. In addition to the 10 taps, the bar fridge is stocked with a dazzling selection of craft in bottles and cans. Map and Reviews
#12 Malthouse
A pioneer in the craft beer movement, Malthouse first opened its doors in 1993. While much has changed in the last 30-or-so-odd years, Malthouse continues to contribute in providing exceptional local brews to the thirsty masses.
Recently resettled close to their original location on Willis Street, Malty pours beers from 30 taps. The extensive bottle and can list takes the beer selection to more than 150 choices. Map and Reviews
#13 Rogue & Vagabond
It’s hard not to fall for a place like Rogue and Vagabond, where they have 16 NZ craft beer taps, bean bags on the lawn and a regular line up of live music. It’s somewhat of an institution on the craft beer bar circuit – and has long hailed as one of the Best Craft Beer Bars Wellington City Center.
The rotating line up of local brew ensures there is always something fresh and interesting on tap. And dogs are welcome at the bar, too! Map and Reviews
Classic Wellington Breweries
While we prefer the taste of the latest craft beer, there are a few historic breweries in Wellington, too. Honoring longstanding tradition and brewing heritage, it would be remiss if we omitted these craft beer bars in Wellington from the list.
#14 The Old Bailey: Monteith’s Taproom
A classic Kiwi pub, The Old Bailey is a taproom for NZ beer legend, Monteith’s Brewing. The brewery has been in production for more than 150 years.
Their classic beers include ales, pilsners and lagers, but their batch-brewed selections are more creative with several IPAs. Located close to the train station, The Old Bailey is a perfect first – or last – stop in the city. Map and Reviews
#15 Speight’s Ale House
Speight’s is not new to New Zealand’s beer scene. In fact, Speight’s has a long history of brewing in the city of Dunedin that stretches back to the year 1876. There are multiple Speight’s Ale House tap rooms across the country, including one just north of Wellington in the community of Petone.
In the tavern-like atmosphere, bartenders pour their classic brews, alongside some of their slightly more creative concoctions. Wine, cocktails and a full pub menu are also on offer. Website
Wellington Craft Beer Map
Use this Google Map to find all of our recommended Wellington, New Zealand Craft Beers!
Top Wellington Beer Tips
We’ve outlined our top picks for the best places to drink great beer in Wellington, but we have a few more tips!
Wellington Brewery Tour
A fun way to sample the finest suds from the top brewers is to join an organized Wellington craft beer tour. The tour takes participants beyond the CBD to four New Zealand microbreweries for tastings. Check price and availability!
Alternatively, those who prefer a private beer tour of Wellington can hire a knowledgeable guide to explore the breweries – plus enjoy an included lunch! Get the details!
Craft Beer Trail
With our list of recommended brewery taprooms, cellar doors and craft brew bars, you can easily create your own Wellington pub crawl. However, another fun way to discover the best brews without a tour guide is via the Wellington Beer Trail.
Aimed to helping beer buffs discover the best New Zealand beer, the Beer Trail guides the thirsty people to numerous establishments with craft brew. In fact, there are three suggested routes and a helpful Wellington Craft Beer Trail Map. Find it here!
The Cost of Craft Beer
One thing to note about microbreweries in NZ: the beer is not exactly cheap. The price of craft beer is typically between $13 and $17 NZD. Happy hours are few and far between, but keep an eye out for them!
Beervana Beer Festival Wellington
Beervana, the craft beer festival in Wellington, is an annual event designed to please the palates of beer lovers. The festival, which features more than 50 brewers and gourmet food, takes place in August.
Tickets for the Wellington Beer Festival go on sale in June. Stay up-to-date on information via their official Beervana Website.
Tips for NZ Travelers
Wellington is a fun destination – and not just because of the beer! Travelers planning a trip to Wellington can use our detailed itinerary of What To See in Wellington in One Day. Also visiting Auckland? Use our Auckland 1-Day Itinerary to plan your stay!
Organize Your Trip to New Zealand
As you begin to make plans and reservations, organization is key! Stay on top of the details of your trip with our Travel Planning Printables.
Start planning your trip to New Zealand! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
