Ōtautahi's Ale Trail
Take a journey with us around the city to explore the microbrewers handcrafting exceptional beers.
Over the hill is Eruption Brewing, Lyttleton’s beloved entry to the craft brewery scene with outstanding brews and remarkable views. Designed by one of New Zealand’s leading architects Bull O’Sullivan, the 1200L capacity brewing floor is a sight to behold as you step in the door. The quirky venue features a ground-floor fillery for a quick gas-up-and-go, but we advise settling in, making sure to order the Brewery Platter and heading to the top floor for sweeping vistas of Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour.
Back through the tunnel is Cassels & Sons Brewery situated at The Tannery in Woolston. Their prize-winning craft beers are brewed in one of only two operational wood-fired breweries in the world, and the pizzas baked to perfection in their wood-fired ovens bring people in from all over town. Their Milk Stout beat Guinness – yes, that Guinness – at the World Beer Awards recently, alongside a string of other accolades. If their three-time world-champ Stout isn’t your preferred poison, pick up a Nectaron, Red or Tropican IPA from their latest Artist series while stock lasts.
No local ‘Ale Trail’ is complete without Two Thumb Brewing. The original brewhouse at 352 Manchester Street is an ideal spot if you’re looking for an intimate, rustic setting near the heart of the city. This cosy spot can comfortably seat you indoors, or you can grab a seat in the afternoon sun. Their second location, Two Thumb on Colombo, is the place to go if you’re looking for a spot that offers a selection of craft beers, local wines, and expertly chosen gin selection and cocktails.
Back east, Christchurch’s award-winning Three Boys Brewery is the whole package: live music, a comfy lounge, and a selection of brews made on-site with the best local ingredients. Here you can drink amongst the vats, and you’ll find the infamous Oyster Stout – the country’s most awarded beer – made with the addition of Bluff Oysters.
Three Boys also support local businesses by rotating food trucks every Friday at their Woolston location.
On the other side of the park, hidden back off the street several blocks along Riccarton Road is the intimate Volstead Brewing Co. Focused on a relaxed atmosphere with great finger food designed to share – like Jalapeño Poppers or their famous Hop Corn Chicken – enjoy a beer or three in the cosy, inviting bar. After years of selling New Zealand’s best beer, they took on the challenge of brewing themselves with their Riwaka Hazy and Mosaic Hazy among the highly recommended and most drinkable drops. Fill a rigger or stay for the evening exploring their noteworthy range of local, national, and international beers.
Venturing further west, take flight to Wigram Brewing. With a 20-tap selection including classic Euro-styled staples Bavarian Pilsner and Vienna Lager, the fillery is a perfect heading to set your instruments to!
Craft Beer Tours take on a whole different shape at Hangar57 with a range of activities to suit any visit. ‘Beer 101’ is a basic introduction with a quick tour, tasters, and curly fries. The ‘Brew Master’ tour ups the ante with two hours of activities, hot and cold platters on offer, and a cider and gin tasting thrown in for good measure. ‘My Brewery Session’ is personalised and perfect for private functions.
Christchurch’s craft beer scene is burgeoning, with new brewers constantly joining the fray. It’s the perfect time to get out there and explore the offerings from our champions in brewing.