A fan of the malt beverage carefully crafted by small breweries? Then you must not miss the best craft beer festivals in New Zealand. You’ll be treated to rich and flavourful craft beer of the highest quality. On top of that enjoy some delicious food, relax in the sun and listen to the music and entertainment these festivals offer. These festivals are must-do experiences for beer lovers!
1. Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival
2022 marked the 10th anniversary of the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival, so it’s a part of the furniture in Dunedin / Ōtepoti now. Head down to Dunedin’s Forsyth Stadium for a two-day festival of delicious brews and hearty food. Not only is there plenty of great beer to taste, but you can also get your hands on wine, gin, dark and stormy’s and espresso martinis! 12,000 patrons attended the event in 2020, and it’s no surprise because this is one of the best craft beer festivals in the country.
2. Auckland Craft Beer and Food Festival
Similar to its Dunedin counterpart, you’ll get quite the experience at Auckland Craft and Food Festival in Auckland’s Spark Arena. This venue is ideal for a big day of beer tasting with good company. Sip on some of New Zealand’s best craft beer in New Zealand, grab a bite to eat at the range of street foods on offer and dance the night away to live and local music. Carry on into the night and explore the rest of the craft beer scene in Auckland city.
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3. Beers at the Basin in Wellington
Nothing beats Beers at the Basin in Wellington on a good day. Spend your Saturday at this one-day festival indulging in some of the best craft beers (and other beverages like wine and cocktails for your non-beer drinker friends) that New Zealand has to offer. All day from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm vendors serve refreshing beverages that will be hard to pass up. Relax on the banks of one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world and enjoy the day out.
4. Hobbiton Movie Set Beer Festival Adventure
Travel to another world to get your taste of cold beer. Embark on a journey through Middle Earth, or really, the movie set of Hobbiton in Matamata, before arriving at the exclusive location of The Green Dragon Inn. Get a sip of handcrafted beer in a stein you get to take home with you while exploring the immersive inn. On top of this, you’ll then get to enjoy a themed buffet dinner along with your ale while basking in the live interactive music. What an experience! You’ll struggle to find another craft beer experience quite as magical as the Hobbiton Movie Set Beer Festival.
5. Oktoberfest
In true beer-enthusiast fashion, make sure Oktoberfest in New Zealand is marked in your calendar. Be transported straight to Germany from the waterfront of Wellington during this craft beer festival. Offering both German-style and local brews, you’ll get a taste of Deutschland with that good old kiwi twist. When you’re not filling up on that delicious craft beer, be sure to get a taste of authentic German food like pretzels, sauerkraut, bratwursts and more. And don’t forget to cheer on the live bands as they compete to win the title of “Campion Bier Band”.
6. The Great Kiwi Beer Festival
Where ever you are, travel to Christchurch’s North Hagley Park for the almighty Great Kiwi Beer Festival. Boasting over 35 craft breweries and food vendors, you’re sure to find something to cure that craving. Visit the range of beer tents, grab some kai and jam to the live music and truly celebrate the great beer that New Zealand has on offer. You’ll be spoilt for choice. The hardest decision will be where to start!
Cover image credit: Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival
