Canterbury has been a serious craft beer region for years. The combination of excellent local water, Canterbury grain and hops, and a drinking culture that has always valued quality over volume has produced some of New Zealand's best independent breweries. Christchurch city itself has a good cluster of taprooms and craft beer bars, and the wider Canterbury region adds further excellent options within an hour's drive.
The post-earthquake rebuild helped the craft beer scene — new spaces, new operators, and a generally younger, more adventurous consumer base. Whether you're a hophead chasing the latest limited release or just after a well-made pint in a good room, here's where to go.
Cassels & Sons Brewery — The Tannery, Woolston
Cassels is one of New Zealand's most respected craft breweries and The Tannery in Woolston is a destination in its own right. The heritage brick complex houses the brewery, a fantastic bar, and a restaurant. Their milk stout is legendary — arguably the best in the country. The beer garden is excellent in summer. Worth making the short drive from the CBD for a proper brewery experience.
Three Boys Brewery
Three Boys is one of Canterbury's pioneering craft breweries, established in the early days of New Zealand's craft beer movement. Their range of ales, IPAs, and seasonal releases has always demonstrated genuine brewing skill. Look for their beers on tap at good craft beer bars across the city — the Oyster Stout is a seasonal classic.
Eruption Brewing — Lyttelton
Eruption's taproom on London Street in Lyttelton is a great place to try locally brewed beers in the right setting — a harbour town with an independent spirit that suits craft beer well. The range covers hop-forward and malt-driven styles and the taproom atmosphere is relaxed. Combine with a visit to the Saturday market for a strong Lyttelton day.
The Volstead — Christchurch CBD
One of the CBD's best craft beer bars — a well-curated tap list covering local and imported beers, knowledgeable staff, and a good whisky selection alongside. The Volstead is the kind of bar where you can trust the recommendations from behind the bar. Good food menu to accompany the drinks. Popular on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn — Kilmore Street
Pomeroy's is a Christchurch craft beer institution — an old-school British-style ale house with an excellent rotating tap selection focused on NZ independent breweries. The beer garden is popular in summer, the atmosphere is genuinely pub-like, and the food menu is built to complement the beer rather than compete with it. A reliable Friday evening destination.
Wunderbar — Lyttelton
Wunderbar is not specifically a craft beer bar but it has always had a good selection alongside its identity as Lyttelton's best music venue. The combination of live music and quality tap beer in an eclectic, characterful space makes it one of the most enjoyable evenings in the Canterbury area. Check the gig calendar — the music programme is excellent.
Christchurch Riverside Market Beer Options
The Riverside Market has several operators serving craft beer in the food hall context. It's a good introduction to the local brewing scene if you're visiting and want to sample several styles. The casual, walk-around format suits afternoon beer exploration well and the riverside setting makes it pleasant year-round.
Local Tips
- Cassels at The Tannery is the essential Christchurch craft beer experience — don't skip it.
- Canterbury's craft beer scene rewards exploring beyond the CBD — Woolston and Lyttelton are worth the short drive.
- Many tap lists rotate frequently — follow breweries on social media for limited release announcements.
- New Zealand craft beer is often stronger than it tastes — pace yourself on the IPAs.
- Pomeroy's is cash-friendly and generally has the most consistent cask ale options in the city.
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