Best Breweries in Wellington – A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide

When it comes to craft beer in Aotearoa – New Zealand, Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington knows how to pour with passion. This vibrant capital is not just famous for its windy hills and café culture — it’s also home to more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else on Earth. According to NZ Herald, Wellington boasts 1.35 breweries per 10,000 people, making it the second-largest brewery capital in the world.

Whether you’re a seasoned hop-head or someone who simply enjoys a crisp lager on a sunny afternoon, Wellington’s brewery scene offers a flavoursome adventure through local creativity, innovation and good old-fashioned brewing magic.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
— Attributed to Benjamin Franklin

Raise a Glass to These Local Brewing Legends

Let’s take a look at some of the Best Breweries across the city, each one serving up something unique with a generous side of manaakitanga (hospitality).

🍺 Garage Project – Wild Ideas, Legendary Brews

📍 Aro Valley

From a humble garage to a household name, Garage Project has brewed its way into Wellington’s cultural fabric. Founded in 2011 by Ian and Pete Gillespie with Jos Ruffell, this innovative crew launched their now-legendary “24 beers in 24 weeks” experiment sparking a movement that redefined what Kiwi beer could be.

Why Visit:

• Aro Valley’s taproom is an explosion of creativity, from the art-covered cans to the flavours inside them.
• The Wild Workshop (just down the road) is where spontaneous fermentation meets barrel-aged wizardry.
• You’ll find everything from hazy IPAs and rich stouts to sour ales and funky one-offs — often all in one tasting paddle.

🧡 Local Tip:
Arrive early on weekends, especially if you want to grab a stool in the tasting room. Don’t miss seasonal drops like Pernicious Weed or Aro Noir and keep an eye out for their experimental releases that never make it to supermarkets.

🍻 Parrotdog Brewery – Laid-Back Vibes by the Sea

📍 Lyall Bay

Brewed with care since 2011, Parrotdog started with four mates and a big idea. Today, their Lyall Bay HQ is a go-to for beer lovers looking for bold brews and chill beachside vibes.

What’s on Tap:

• Local legends like the Bitter Bitch IPA (a hop-forward classic)
• A full lineup of seasonal ales and crafty one-offs
• Food truck eats, woodfired pizza, and live music make this a social weekend favourite

🧡 Local Tip:
Perfect spot after a surf or beach walk. Grab a seat in the sunny outdoor courtyard and pair your pint with a cheeky slice of pizza. Check their socials for event nights and collab beers.

🍺 Fork & Brewer – Central City Meets Craft Excellence

📍 Bond Street, Wellington CBD

Right in the heart of town, Fork & Brewer is both a brewpub and a delicious dining spot, ideal for those wanting to taste locally made beer alongside thoughtfully prepared kai.

Why It’s Worth a Stop:

• Rotating tap list of in-house brewed beers, including approachable lagers, punchy IPAs and quirky sours
• A strong food focus with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
• Open-plan layout lets you peer into the brewing tanks as you sip

🧡 Local Tip:
Try to time your visit for happy hour in the early evening, you’ll find great deals on food and beer. Their tasting trays are generous and a great way to sample what’s new.

🤘 Boneface Brewing Co. – Hop Monsters and Metal Vibes

📍 Brewtown, Upper Hutt

If you like your beer with bold flavour and your taproom with attitude, Boneface brings the noise. Named in honour of a love for heavy metal, this brewery is as gutsy as it is welcoming.

Signature Brews Include:

• Alpha Queen Pale Ale – dry-hopped and delicious
• The Kilt – a Scottish ale with malty depth
• A strong lineup of seasonal releases with comic-book branding and wild flavour combos

🧡 Local Tip:
Head to Brewtown with an empty stomach, there’s a selection of food joints on-site and the brewery often hosts special events, tastings and music nights. Check out their epic merch too!

🍻 Te Aro Brewing Co. – Heart of the City, Soul in the Beer

📍 Ghuznee Street, Central Wellington

A microbrewery that packs a punch, Te Aro Brewing Co. focuses on small-batch beers that celebrate freshness and sustainability. Their pale ales and hazies are crowd-pleasers — and their rotating guest taps make every visit different.

What to Expect:

• Clean, modern, minimalist taproom
• Cheeseboards, charcuterie, and comfy seats perfect for long tastings
• Enthusiastic staff who truly care about the beer they pour

🧡 Local Tip:
If you’re into cheese and beer pairings, this is your spot. Visit mid-week for a more laid-back tasting experience and time to chat with the brewers.

🕊️ Kererū Brewing Company – Nature-Inspired Sips

📍 Upper Hutt

Named after the native kererū (wood pigeon), this brewery is all about sustainability, flavour and community spirit. From porters and IPAs to their legendary feijoa wheat beer, Kererū Brewing Co. is a firm local favourite.

Why Visit:

• Family-friendly atmosphere with lots of space to relax
• A great place to unwind on a sunny afternoon with kids or friends
• Tasty bites from their on-site kitchen and regular live events

🧡 Local Tip:
Check their event calendar — they often host open brewery nights, tastings and gigs. Their mixed packs make awesome road trip companions or gifts to take home.

🌿 A Toast to Local Craft and Community

Wellington’s breweries aren’t just places to grab a drink — they’re gathering spots where ideas flow as freely as the taps. With a strong culture of collaboration, sustainability and kaitiakitanga (care for the land), this city continues to lead the way in Aotearoa’s craft beer revolution.

No matter where you end up, raise a glass to good company, bold flavours and the joy of exploring one of New Zealand’s most creative craft beer hubs.

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