Best Places To Buy Beer Directly From New Zealand

If you're looking to buy New Zealand beer, there are several online retailers that can help. Beer Cellar NZ, Beer Jerk, and Fine Wine Delivery all offer a wide range of craft beers from New Zealand, including independent and boutique breweries. You can also find non-alcoholic, gluten-free, and low-alcohol options. For those who want to explore NZ brewing history and culture, Beer Jerk offers a unique selection. Additionally, The Beer Library in Christchurch provides on-site and off-site sales, as well as Christmas shipping options.

Online beer retailers in New Zealand

There are several online beer retailers in New Zealand, each offering a wide variety of beers.

Beer Cellar NZ

Beer Cellar NZ offers hand-picked beers delivered to your door. They stock a range of beers from different countries, including New Zealand, the United States, Belgium, and Germany.

Beer Jerk

Beer Jerk is a 100% NZ-owned and operated business that has been curating and sharing independent beers with New Zealanders since 2015. They offer a range of mixed packs, subscriptions, and gifting options, with free shipping on orders over $150.

Fine Wine Delivery

Fine Wine Delivery stocks a range of craft beers, including Ale, Pilsner, Porter, IPA, and Stout. They also sell zero-alcohol, gluten-free, and low-alcohol options, as well as six-packs and crowlers. Fine Wine Delivery stores all its beer chilled to ensure freshness.

The Beer Library

The Beer Library offers a range of mixed packs and subscriptions, as well as on-premise and off-premise sales from their taproom and bottle shop in Christchurch. They also have a craft beer advent calendar and offer Christmas shipping.

Bottle Stop

Bottle Stop delivers orders straight to your door in Australia, with a vast array of craft beers and traditional favourites, including crisp lagers, flavoursome pale ales, and hoppy IPAs.

NZ-based craft beer shops

New Zealand is a beer-making nation with around 150 commercial breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs. Here are some of the best NZ-based craft beer shops:

The Beer Library

The Beer Library in Christchurch is a craft beer taproom and bottle shop open for on-site drinking and off-premise sales. They offer a wide range of craft beers, including exclusive mix packs, subscriptions, and gift packs. Their opening hours are Tuesday to Wednesday from noon to 7 pm and Thursday to Saturday from noon to 8 pm.

Beer Cellar NZ

Beer Cellar NZ offers a wide selection of hand-picked beers delivered to your door. They have a variety of beers from different countries, including New Zealand, and provide mixed cases, gift packs, and specials.

Garage Project

Garage Project is a pioneering craft brewery in Wellington's Aro Valley, known for its innovative approach. They have crafted over 300 distinct brews and have earned accolades such as Champion Large Brewery at the New Zealand Beer Awards in 2021 and 2022. You can sample their creations at the Cellar Door in Wellington or their Kingsland, Auckland taproom.

Monteith's Brewery

Monteith's Brewery, nestled on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand's South Island in Greymouth, offers a unique beer experience. They are known for their innovative approach and diverse range, from classic ales to seasonal specialties. You can take a brewery tour or indulge in a tasting session to experience their craft.

Yeastie Boys

Yeastie Boys, founded in 2008 in Wellington, is an independent craft brewery renowned for its American-style porter, "Pot Kettle Black." They bring innovation and irreverence to the beer scene with their year-round favourites and creative seasonal releases. Yeastie Boys matches their brews with music and culture rather than traditional food pairings, establishing a unique identity in the craft beer world.

Beer subscription services

If you're looking to buy New Zealand beer, there are several beer subscription services that can introduce you to a wide range of craft beers from the region. These services offer a convenient and exciting way to explore the diverse and vibrant world of New Zealand beer without leaving your home.

Craft Box Direct

Craft Box Direct offers a monthly beer subscription service that delivers 12 hand-picked beers from award-winning New Zealand breweries to your door. Their Judges' Selection Box features beers from new and small breweries that are not available in stores, ensuring a unique and exclusive experience. Craft Box Direct prioritises freshness, sending beers directly from the brewery to your home, so you can enjoy each brew at its best. Their selection includes non-alcoholic options and gift vouchers, making it a versatile choice for beer enthusiasts.

Beer Jerk

Beer Jerk is a New Zealand-owned and operated company that curates independent beers from across the country. They offer customisable subscriptions, allowing you to treat yourself or surprise a loved one. With their Pre-Paid Beer of the Week Club, you'll receive eight deliveries over 48 weeks, exploring a diverse range of boutique breweries. Beer Jerk also offers mixed packs, such as The Hazy Drop and The Dark Drop, providing a journey through different flavours and styles.

The Beer Library

The Beer Library provides a variety of beer subscription options to suit all tastes. Whether you're a fan of hoppy, malty, Belgian, or mixed packs, they have something for everyone. You can order a one-off gift or a recurring subscription without any term commitments, giving you the flexibility to explore. Their 6-pack subscriptions include the Belgian/Farmhouse, Malty Beer, Random, and Hoppy Beer options, ensuring a delightful journey of flavours.

These beer subscription services offer a fantastic opportunity to discover new favourites, support independent breweries, and indulge in the finest craft beers New Zealand has to offer. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, these services will elevate your beer-tasting experiences and keep you eagerly anticipating each new delivery.

Taprooms and breweries in NZ

New Zealand is a beer-making nation with around 150 commercial breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs. There are plenty of taprooms and breweries to visit, and here are some of the best:

North Island

Brewtown, Wellington

A craft beer village with five breweries and a distillery, Brewtown offers more than just drinks. Visitors can enjoy paintball, go-karting, ice-skating, and ten-pin bowling. There are also behind-the-scenes brewery tours and plenty of food, including burgers.

Monteith's Brewery, Greymouth

The Monteith's Brewery experience starts in the Beertopia Room, which houses the Monteith's Museum. Here, you'll learn about the heritage and origins of Monteith's, which started in 1868. You'll then move into the brewery to see, touch, taste, and smell the ingredients used to produce their range of craft beers. There is also an onsite restaurant serving hearty food.

Good George Brewery, Hamilton

In 2011, Good George Brewing converted the historic St George's Church in Hamilton into a state-of-the-art brewery. Today, they create craft beer, cider, and gin, and offer brewery tours. Visitors can also enjoy a meal and more beer at the Good George Dining Hall.

Brewaucracy, Hamilton

This taproom, an extension of the brewery, lets you sample their beers as fresh as they can be. You can see where and how the beer is made, and even talk to the brewer. Brewaucracy also showcases guest beers from other brewers in the region and special brews from other parts of New Zealand. They have food trucks every week, and when there's no food truck, you're welcome to bring your own or order in.

The Twisted Hop, Christchurch

A must-visit brewpub in Christchurch, specialising in English-style cask-conditioned real ales. The Twisted Hop offers a range of on-site brewed craft beers and a vibrant atmosphere with regular events.

South Island

Emerson's Brewery, Dunedin

Experience the full brewing process, starting at the malt room and ending in tasting. After the 45-60 minute tour, head to the Emerson's taproom to sample pale ales, New Zealand pilsner, English porter, and more. There is also an onsite restaurant serving shared platters and snacks.

Speight's Brewery, Dunedin

The Speight's brewery tour takes you back to their beginnings in 1876 and shows you which ingredients are used to create their award-winning ale. After the tour, you can pour your own tasting samples, then head to the Ale House for a pint and some food.

Parrotdog Brewery, Wellington

Tucked away in Lyall Bay, Parrotdog Brewery offers behind-the-scenes brewery tours, social drinks in a dog-friendly outdoor area, and live music and burgers inside.

International beer delivery to NZ

If you're looking to get international beer delivered to New Zealand, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you could consider using a local beer delivery service such as Beer Jerk or Fine Wine Delivery, which offer a wide range of craft beers, including international options. These services often provide free shipping over a certain order value, and you can find unique and exciting beers from independent breweries.

Alternatively, you can explore international shipping options provided by some beer producers themselves. For example, Kereru Brewing offers easy and convenient international shipping with FedEx to various destinations, including Australia, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. They cover all duties and taxes, making the process more straightforward for customers. Their website provides detailed information about shipping rates and expectations for delivery times.

If you're interested in receiving a variety of international beers on a regular basis, subscription services could be ideal. Beer Jerk, for instance, offers customisable subscriptions that deliver fresh and interesting independent beers to your doorstep. This option ensures a diverse beer-tasting experience without the hassle of repetitive ordering.

Lastly, for those seeking a more personalised experience, The Beer Library in Christchurch, NZ, offers both on-site and off-site sales. With a range of craft beers and snacks available, you can hand-pick your favourites or discover new ones in-store and have them delivered to your home.

Frequently asked questions