Wellington Craft Beer Guide: The Best Breweries, Taprooms & Beer Bars
Discover Wellington's best craft breweries, taprooms and beer bars. Explore the city's famous beer scene and stay close to the action at WQ Hotel.
If there's one thing Wellington is famous for (besides its coffee culture), it's the incredible variety of craft beer found throughout the city.
From pioneering breweries and creative taprooms to specialist beer bars showcasing local and international brews, Wellington has become one of New Zealand's leading destinations for beer lovers.
Whether you prefer hop-forward IPAs, traditional lagers, experimental sour beers or limited-release creations, you'll find plenty of places to explore during your stay.
Located close to Wellington's attractions and just minutes from Sky Stadium and TSB Arena, WQ Hotel provides a convenient base for discovering the city's best breweries and beer bars, whether you're in town for a gig, the game or a weekend away. After a day exploring the capital's craft beer scene, return to Frankie's Bar & Eatery - an ideal spot for pre-game dinner or post-game drinks in Wellington - with dinner, drinks and live sport on the big screen.
Garage Project
No Wellington craft beer guide would be complete without Garage Project.
What began in a tiny former petrol station in Aro Valley has grown into one of New Zealand's most celebrated independent breweries. Known for pushing the boundaries of brewing, Garage Project is famous for its ever-changing range of innovative beers, from juicy hazy IPAs and bold imperial stouts to experimental sours and barrel-aged creations.
Visit the Aro Cellar Door in Aro Valley to taste beers fresh from the source or book a Wild Workshop experience to discover Garage Project's barrel-aged, sour and experimental creations.
The Malthouse
Heyday Beer Co.
Located in the heart of Cuba Street, Heyday Beer Co. combines on-site brewing with a lively brewpub atmosphere.
Beer is brewed on-site, meaning there's always something fresh pouring from the taps. Pair a tasting paddle with one of their popular wood-fired pizzas and enjoy the lively atmosphere that makes Cuba Street such a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you're stopping in for lunch or settling in for the afternoon, Heyday is a must-visit.
Fork & Brewer
Hidden away on Bond Street, Fork & Brewer is one of Wellington's longest-running brewpubs.
With an on-site brewery and an impressive selection of beers pouring from the taps, it offers everything from classic styles to experimental seasonal releases. Pair your tasting paddle with their full menu and enjoy one of the city's most authentic brewery experiences.
Their hearty menu is the perfect companion to a tasting paddle, especially after a day exploring the city.
Mean Doses
If you're looking to discover one of Wellington's most creative independent breweries, add Mean Doses to your itinerary.
Known for producing hop-forward beers packed with flavour, Mean Doses has quickly built a loyal following. Their relaxed taproom offers an excellent opportunity to sample fresh releases and chat with the passionate team behind the brewery.
It's well worth seeking out if you enjoy modern New Zealand craft beer.
Waitoa Social Club
Located in the heart of Wellington's CBD, Waitoa Victoria Street is a relaxed craft beer bar that's ideal for visitors exploring the city's beer scene.
Alongside Waitoa's own beers, the venue pours a wide range of local craft beers, ciders and other beverages, making it an excellent place to sample what Wellington's brewing community has to offer.
The bar's partnership with neighbouring Little Penang means you can enjoy Malaysian-inspired dishes delivered directly to your table while you work your way through the tap list.
Panhead Tory Street
While the main Panhead Brewery is based at Brewtown in Upper Hutt, Panhead Tory Street brings the brewery's well known beers into the heart of Wellington.
Located near an easy walk from TSB Arena and the waterfront event venues on the corner of Tory and Wakefield Streets, they serve fresh pours of Panhead favourites alongside seasonal releases in a relaxed taproom setting. It's an excellent option for visitors wanting to experience one of New Zealand's best-known craft beer brands without leaving the city.
For those with extra time, the original Panhead Tasting Room at Brewtown in Upper Hutt is also worth a visit.
Parrotdog Brewery
Located in Lyall Bay, Parrotdog offers a brewery experience slightly away from the central city.
Its Lyall Bay brewery and taproom offer fresh pours of its award-winning range, alongside brewery-exclusive releases and delicious food. It's a fantastic place to spend an afternoon before heading back into the city.
Double Vision Brewing
Double Vision Brewing has built a strong reputation among Wellington craft beer enthusiasts for its creative small-batch beers and consistently high-quality releases.
Visitors can enjoy Double Vision beers at the brewery's Miramar and Island Bay taprooms, where a rotating selection of fresh pours showcases the brewery's innovative approach to brewing. Both venues offer a relaxed local atmosphere and provide an excellent opportunity to discover one of Wellington's respected independent breweries.
Goldings Free Dive
Wellington's Iconic Craft Beer Bars
Wellington's beer culture extends well beyond breweries. The city is home to some of New Zealand's best specialist beer bars, where you'll find carefully selected local releases, international favourites and hard-to-find seasonal beers.
Golding's Free Dive
Tucked away on Leeds Street, Golding's Free Dive has built a cult following thanks to its constantly rotating tap list, quirky atmosphere and carefully selected beers from New Zealand and overseas.
At the bar you can also order an authentic Neopolitan pizza from the neighbouring Pizza Pomodoro from midday to 9pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Little Beer Quarter
Located on Edward Street, Little Beer Quarter combines an outstanding craft beer selection with excellent food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Their tasting paddles are a fantastic way to sample a range of local beers before deciding on your favourite.
Little Beer Quarter
The Malthouse
One of Wellington's longest-standing specialist beer bars, The Malthouse offers an incredible selection of New Zealand and international craft beers.
Whether you're after a classic pilsner or an adventurous barrel-aged stout, chances are you'll find it here.
Rogue & Vagabond
Combining craft beer with live music and great food, Rogue & Vagabond has become one of Wellington's favourite social spots.
It's the perfect place to enjoy a locally brewed beer while soaking up the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Rogue & Vagabond
Stay at WQ Hotel
WQ Hotel offers comfortable accommodation near Sky Stadium and the city's major event venues, keeping you close to all the action with an on-site bar and restaurant. Whether you're here for a concert, the rugby or a craft beer weekend with friends and family, book your stay with us and start planning today!