Hopping Aboard New Zealand¹s Craft Beer Trend

New Zealand is well known for its New World wines, especially its award-winning sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. But the country also has a lot to offer beer lovers; New Zealand has developed a thriving boutique brewery culture. In fact, beer in New Zealand can be traced back to Captain Cook who, in 1773, brewed up what could only be considered the first craft beer in the country. It was developed to help his crew overcome scurvy – at least, that’s the excuse they used. Today, the land of the long white cloud is home to more than 250 different locally brewed beers.

---

Many regions on both the North and South Islands boast exceptional craft breweries that offer tours and extensive tasting options. Straight from the barrels of The Green Dragon Inn, near Matamata, Hobbit fans delight in Hobbiton Movie Set’s own specially brewed Southfarthing range. Having a wee pint of Girdley Fine Grain Amber Ale or Oatbarton Brew Traditional English Ale while looking out over the movie location set for many scenes in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies may just be the ultimate Hobbit experience. In Blenheim, beer aficionados can enjoy the excellent brew made by Renaissance Brewing Company. With beer tasting notes such as “layers of biscuit, maple syrup, and hints of black current and toast” to rival some of the best wines of the Marlborough region, you know you have to try at least one! One of New Zealand’s most popular and oldest beer brands is Speight’s. At its brewery in Dunedin, they offer a fun and interactive tour where visitors can see, touch and smell the ingredients that go into the award-winning beer – and, of course, taste the end product. For travellers not sure where to start when it comes to beer, all you have to do is ask a local what beer to try and a lively conversation is bound to happen. For those who want a little exercise with a pint, The Gentle Cycling Company offers the chance to taste several craft beers while hardly breaking a sweat in Stoke, a suburb of Nelson. The seven-kilometre, flat cycling route takes visitors to three breweries in the area for tours, tastings and a light lunch. The price is $105 NZD ($98 Cdn) and also includes door-to-door return shuttle, a half-day bike rental and emergency support. Don’t forget to wear the helmet they provide!