Thanks for the comment, John! This wasn’t on my radar but I’ll add it to the list, really appreciate it. I’m not gonna lie I am really bummed we were so close to McLeods and didn’t go 😢
A few of my favourites are north of Auckland. McLoeds in Waipu. Must have Paradise Pale Ale. Kaitaia Fire Chilli Pilsner is good. Sawmill Brewer in Matakana has a very good taproom. Liberty. Knife Party. 8 Wired.
I don't even like beer, but I really enjoyed your video. It's always good to see someone express his dedication and enthusiasm for a craft. And your pronunciation of local names is better than many locals. Good job!
Hey thanks so much for saying that! I really appreciate that! The craft beer scene here has been so awesome and I know I wanted to watch a video just like this before coming here so hopefully it can help others. Cheers!🍻
Tuatara Brewery on the Kapiti Coast is awesome 😎 they did a limited run of a dragon fruit beer that was really nice, and they do lots of other real nice ones too. (And it's just across the road from two of the best coffee places around - Dark Horse and The Roastery) BrewTown in Upper Hutt is really cool too, a whole bunch of breweries/restaurants in a repurposed tyre factory, they have markets and comedy gigs and concerts there too, and there is an entertainment place there that has ice-skating, go carts, mini golf, axe throwing, archery tag and an arcade. One of the real popular breweries there is Panhead.
Thanks for saying this, I got a Lakeman beer for Christmas and I gotta say, can art is 10/10 and the beer was flat out delicious. It is on my list to go there before we leave! Cheers 🍻
If you are into darker beers, then you must try Cassel's Milk Stout. Best stout ever. Never been to their brewery in Christchurch, but its another brand to look out for.
Great recommendation. We definitely indulged in their milk stout at the Brewery in Christchurch. Really cool spot! That’s one of the better stouts we’ve had down here for sure 🍻
The workshop in Raglan. Probably the best, easiest drinking lager ive ever had. They do tours of the brewery, its a couple minutes away walk from the township and im yet to have a look.
You are like a walking beer dictionary of New Zealand.....plus this is the biggest promotion of craft beer in NZ that I have seen on social media - a 12 minute video by a Canadian. I think Kiwis need to make a bigger noise about its achievements.
Thanks for this comment, John, I really appreciate it. If there was a video I wanted to watch before travelling to New Zealand this would be high up on the list. I am very thankful we’ve been able to see so many awesome spots and meet some amazing people along the way so we can show that off to other people who are also looking to find some great beer brewed from independently owned craft breweries throughout the country. Cheers John, thank you for always watching 🍻
Just went this past weekend! Currently editing the video, you're right, it's really awesome. Very glad we went and it couldn't have been easier!! Cheers 🍻
Best fried chicken hey? That sounds like a good pairing with their beer! We’ve had a really good time trying their beers at different festivals but we need to make our way to their breweries. Thanks for the comment 🍻
Great video, mate! I'm a little sad you came to Hamilton and didn't come to visit us at Brewaucracy, or our good friends at Bootleg and Hopnotic. No shade to Good George, who have been a huge success, but it would have been great to see you feature some of us without their deep pockets and truckloads of marketing! 🤣Anyway, glad you enjoyed the beer, and keep up the amazing work! 🍻
Hey Greig, thank you for the kind words! I am sad to say I wasn’t able to see Brewaucracy, but I was able to check out Bootleg and have had nothing but great things to say about them. I was curious if anyone was going to see anything about Good George haha because we don’t typically feature the big boys and try to focus on smaller guys, but I was actually impressed with their customer service, swag, beer, and overall hospitality. They killed it when we were there. Thanks a lot for watching, I hope to someday drink your beer in your taproom!! Cheers 🍻😃
Kingsland** not Kingston for Urbanaut ❤ also I'd like to add that Urbanaut was probably the best employer I've ever had, they are amazing & deserve all the love & support! A few more I'll add in here that I loved; Moons in Dunedin (Dogstar Brewing), Bootleg Brewery in Hamilton, Free House (Flavourtorium) in Nelson. We've still got so many more breweries to check out in NZ! 🍻
Awesome job man! Just to add a few more make sure you head to Parrot Dog - Wellington, and Workshop - Raglan. If you are around that way make sure to check them out!
Definitely have to check out Hop Federation in Riwaka, and Mussel Inn in Takaka. If you make it back to Christchurch check out Beers, they are a micro brewery and serve American style BBQ.
Awesome suggestions! We’ve been out to Hop Fed, they are now brewing out of Motueka and they have a small taproom at the Riwaka Hotel (It’s pretty cool). Mussel Inn is on the list - should be there in a few weeks! Beers - thanks for saying this. I’ve met them at Beervana and Dunedin Craft Beer Festival- really great folks and awesome beer. I’m going back to Christchurch in two weeks so thank you for reminding me!! 😃🍻
Great video. Next time youre in Welly catch the train to upper hutt and go to Brewtown. In particular Bonehead. Thats worth the trip alone. Also out there is TeAro and Panhead. Plus a short stroll to Keruru. As someone has mentioned above Parrot Dog on Lyall Bay is good too. Very down to earth.
BTW so glad you mentioned Three Boys, my fav NZ brewery. Funk Estate is also bloody good & their Soul Train Peach Tea Ipa, I first tried at the Dunedin Beer & Food Festival, is one of my all time fav NZ beers (along with Three Boys Tres Amigos).
Mussel Inn is on the list, should be there soon! Lakeman is great, I thought behemoth was just okay, Duncan’s is 10/10. DV and Parrotdog are awesome and we had a great time at Whistling Sisters. Great list!!
This is a fantastic video, Donovan! 👏 I'm not a beer lover, but those breweries look so cool. We'll definitely visit one 😜. Do we have similar places in Canada? You should publish a Travel Guide to NZ Breweries! 👍👍 Looks like you're enjoying NZ. Good for you. 👍
Thank you so much! They are a lot of fun haha 🍻 yeah a lot of great craft breweries in Canada as well, both countries have great literature on the breweries available, different craft beer guides you can get free or buy for $2-$3 depending on what province you are in and New Zealand has the Pursuit of Hoppiness that comes out quarterly and showcases a lot as well :)
It seems that BC / Vancouver (where I've lived 6x off & on since '99) & NZ craft breweries have grown up alongside each other. The 'corporate' craft beers from the big players, through to the done-good (Emersons) & bought out players, then the true craft breweries, so many similarities.The cafe style feels like Railtown in Vancouver too, retro chic industrial laid back. Watched this video a couple of times now (taking notes).
Yeah that’s a really good observation! I lived in Vancouver for 2 years when a lot of new breweries were starting to come in (About 10 years ago now) and I completely agree. There’s a few bigger guys who have been bought out like Emerson’s and Panhead for example that are still making some really good beer so I might need a follow up video with that haha Thanks so much for watching!! 🍻😃
All that and behemoth doesn't even get a mention. I also like crimson badger, three sisters and Duncan's. Not sure if those last 3 have tap rooms though. And one with a great atmosphere mcleods pizza barn in waipu, also love their Chilli pils
Hey Ry, lol And definitely check out Renaissance next time you're in Blenheim, Donovan. They've got some good beers and a mate of mine, Sean, is the head brewer. He's a good guy :)
@@Lucalikesstuff couldn’t agree more with your recommendation! We went and saw Sean there when we moved to Nelson (Met him at Beervana). We feature Renaissance a little bit in my vlog titled “Moving on” Cheers!! 🍻
Haha sorry Peter, haven’t been there. Been to Renaissance in Blenheim and that is great. I will say I’ve tried a few Moa’s and I enjoyed the purple can with Motueka hops. Are they independently owned? I thought they were purchased by a larger company for almost 2m or something
@@donovankelly12 no Moa are definitely privately owned there ceo is Steve Smith great location for a summer drink in between the vines of a vineyard totally worth a lunchtime visit for an ale or two.
Pav low vah. Named after a Russian ballarina who toured both nz and Australia in the early 20th century. Hense the confusion over which country created it first
Based on the Russian Merange cake, that the ballerina Pavlova was feeling homesick for, and was made to make her feel better. New Zealand Pavlova is not a patch on the real thing. But that is purely my opinion.
No Emerson’s for me on this list, only independently owned breweries. Not a bad tap room though, you can tell they put a lot of work and money into it! Cheers 🍻
Great question! Nobody wins haha both countries have great beer. Due to the population in Canada I think it’s safe to say you’ll find more beer styles and breweries who can specialize in a more niche style of beer but all in all Canada has some of the best grain in the world and New Zealand has some of the best hops in the world 😃🍻 so both are just great
Mount Brewing Co in Tauranga, Mata Brewery in Whakatane make some super epic craft beers!!
My parents just checked out Mount Brewing Co on their stop through there, said it was awesome! Thanks for sharing 🍻
Another for Workshop Brewing in Raglan and the bestest in NZ is McLeods in Waipa, Northland. Plus their tap room is a pizza barn too!
Thanks for the comment, John! This wasn’t on my radar but I’ll add it to the list, really appreciate it. I’m not gonna lie I am really bummed we were so close to McLeods and didn’t go 😢
A few of my favourites are north of Auckland. McLoeds in Waipu. Must have Paradise Pale Ale. Kaitaia Fire Chilli Pilsner is good.
Sawmill Brewer in Matakana has a very good taproom.
Liberty. Knife Party.
8 Wired.
Thank you for sharing your favourites! I e tried them all but still need to visit a few in person 🍻
The passion you have for craft beer really shows when you talk about these breweries, very easy to watch. Great video Donovan.
Thank you! Great to hear that, experiencing different craft breweries is one of my favourite parts of travel and I’m glad it shows!! Cheers 🍻
So stoked seeing overseas people enjoying our beers. 😃😃
It’s been one hell of a ride!! 😅🍻
I don't even like beer, but I really enjoyed your video. It's always good to see someone express his dedication and enthusiasm for a craft. And your pronunciation of local names is better than many locals. Good job!
Hey thanks so much for saying that! I really appreciate that! The craft beer scene here has been so awesome and I know I wanted to watch a video just like this before coming here so hopefully it can help others. Cheers!🍻
You guys just popped up in my feed. Gave it a look. Subscribed. Excellent work!!!
So glad you enjoyed!! Thanks for saying that, it means a lot! 😃🍻
Invercargill Brewery has a skin bishop,they smoke the malt!Delicious!
Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I tried to go there when we were down there but they were closed at the time unfortunately.
Tuatara Brewery on the Kapiti Coast is awesome 😎 they did a limited run of a dragon fruit beer that was really nice, and they do lots of other real nice ones too. (And it's just across the road from two of the best coffee places around - Dark Horse and The Roastery)
BrewTown in Upper Hutt is really cool too, a whole bunch of breweries/restaurants in a repurposed tyre factory, they have markets and comedy gigs and concerts there too, and there is an entertainment place there that has ice-skating, go carts, mini golf, axe throwing, archery tag and an arcade. One of the real popular breweries there is Panhead.
Ah nice! I’ve heard a lot of great things about BrewTown, I’d like to make a trip over there. Thanks for sharing! 🍻
Tuatara are shifting their operations over to BrewTown soon too. 😅
Jimmy coops in Taupo is the place to get Lakeman craft beers. These guys are awesome and the burgers are amazing.
Thanks for saying this, I got a Lakeman beer for Christmas and I gotta say, can art is 10/10 and the beer was flat out delicious. It is on my list to go there before we leave! Cheers 🍻
Mccleods in waipu northland is amazing too ! Great video !
Heard so many great things!! I’m kicking myself for not going there 😂 thanks so much for saying that 🍻
Gotta do Northend Brewery in Waikanae. Tasty beer with delicious smoke house restaurant attached.
If you are into darker beers, then you must try Cassel's Milk Stout. Best stout ever. Never been to their brewery in Christchurch, but its another brand to look out for.
Great recommendation. We definitely indulged in their milk stout at the Brewery in Christchurch. Really cool spot! That’s one of the better stouts we’ve had down here for sure 🍻
The workshop in Raglan. Probably the best, easiest drinking lager ive ever had. They do tours of the brewery, its a couple minutes away walk from the township and im yet to have a look.
Thanks for commenting this, haven’t heard of that one yet but just took a peak online. It looks awesome!! 🍻
Finally you did proper New Zealand Craft Beers.
Been making videos about drinking craft beer throughout New Zealand for almost a year now! It’s been a hell of a time 🍻
You are like a walking beer dictionary of New Zealand.....plus this is the biggest promotion of craft beer in NZ that I have seen on social media - a 12 minute video by a Canadian. I think Kiwis need to make a bigger noise about its achievements.
Thanks for this comment, John, I really appreciate it. If there was a video I wanted to watch before travelling to New Zealand this would be high up on the list. I am very thankful we’ve been able to see so many awesome spots and meet some amazing people along the way so we can show that off to other people who are also looking to find some great beer brewed from independently owned craft breweries throughout the country. Cheers John, thank you for always watching 🍻
Can’t say how glad I am I found your channel great content thanks got my sub cheers 🍺
Thanks a lot for saying that, it means a lot!! Cheers 😀🍻
Are you going to go to pupu springs near takaka its a must do and you can drive straight to it.
Just went this past weekend! Currently editing the video, you're right, it's really awesome. Very glad we went and it couldn't have been easier!! Cheers 🍻
Parrotdog in Wellington has great beer and the best fried chicken in the country, DVB in Welly also has some of the best beer ive had in the country
Best fried chicken hey? That sounds like a good pairing with their beer!
We’ve had a really good time trying their beers at different festivals but we need to make our way to their breweries. Thanks for the comment 🍻
You should totally head to Churlys in Mt Eden, Behemoths home brew pub
Yeah I went there actually with the Auckland Craft Beer Group on meetup, not a bad spot!
Epic. Onehunga, Auckland. They have great beer and the front of a plane in the taproom/warehouse.
I’ve heard great things!! Thanks for the recommendation 🍻😃
Mac’s Brewery ! Been around since forever
Great video, mate! I'm a little sad you came to Hamilton and didn't come to visit us at Brewaucracy, or our good friends at Bootleg and Hopnotic. No shade to Good George, who have been a huge success, but it would have been great to see you feature some of us without their deep pockets and truckloads of marketing! 🤣Anyway, glad you enjoyed the beer, and keep up the amazing work! 🍻
Hey Greig, thank you for the kind words! I am sad to say I wasn’t able to see Brewaucracy, but I was able to check out Bootleg and have had nothing but great things to say about them.
I was curious if anyone was going to see anything about Good George haha because we don’t typically feature the big boys and try to focus on smaller guys, but I was actually impressed with their customer service, swag, beer, and overall hospitality. They killed it when we were there. Thanks a lot for watching, I hope to someday drink your beer in your taproom!! Cheers 🍻😃
@@donovankelly12 excellent!
Kingsland** not Kingston for Urbanaut ❤ also I'd like to add that Urbanaut was probably the best employer I've ever had, they are amazing & deserve all the love & support!
A few more I'll add in here that I loved; Moons in Dunedin (Dogstar Brewing), Bootleg Brewery in Hamilton, Free House (Flavourtorium) in Nelson. We've still got so many more breweries to check out in NZ! 🍻
Yes thanks for throwing that information in!! Couldn’t agree more ❤️😃🍻
Working in Wanaka right now, definately hitting those gems soon :)
Yeah B. effect and Wanaka Beerworks are highly touted as well!! 🍻😃
Awesome job man! Just to add a few more make sure you head to Parrot Dog - Wellington, and Workshop - Raglan. If you are around that way make sure to check them out!
Hey thanks a lot! I do wish we had visited Parrot Dog, seen em at the festivals and have bought their beer, next time fore sure!! 🍻😃
Should check out the Brew Moon in Amberley, North Canterbury.
Great recommendation! Met those folks at the beer festivals but haven’t made my way down there yet. Cheers! 🍻
Loved the editing on this video.
Thanks a lot!! Really appreciate it 🍻
Definitely have to check out Hop Federation in Riwaka, and Mussel Inn in Takaka. If you make it back to Christchurch check out Beers, they are a micro brewery and serve American style BBQ.
Awesome suggestions! We’ve been out to Hop Fed, they are now brewing out of Motueka and they have a small taproom at the Riwaka Hotel (It’s pretty cool).
Mussel Inn is on the list - should be there in a few weeks!
Beers - thanks for saying this. I’ve met them at Beervana and Dunedin Craft Beer Festival- really great folks and awesome beer. I’m going back to Christchurch in two weeks so thank you for reminding me!! 😃🍻
Fabulous video- but i am feeling a tad tipsy after watching this. Thanks for the beer road trip
Glad to hear that! Not gonna lie, I was a tad tipsy making the video haha you are more than welcome.
Great video. Next time youre in Welly catch the train to upper hutt and go to Brewtown. In particular Bonehead. Thats worth the trip alone. Also out there is TeAro and Panhead. Plus a short stroll to Keruru. As someone has mentioned above Parrot Dog on Lyall Bay is good too. Very down to earth.
Sounds like a blast, thanks for sharing that! Boneface is getting a lot of love in this comment section so I’ll need to plan a visit!
Your first pronunciation of Pavlova was correct!
hehe, Jumpah! You got it!
Haha thank you!
BTW so glad you mentioned Three Boys, my fav NZ brewery. Funk Estate is also bloody good & their Soul Train Peach Tea Ipa, I first tried at the Dunedin Beer & Food Festival, is one of my all time fav NZ beers (along with Three Boys Tres Amigos).
They were really awesome!! Just didn’t bring my camera in there unfortunately. I appreciate the other recommendations!! Cheers 🍻😃
check out mussel inn, Lakeman, behemoth and duncans
oh, and double vision, parrotdog and whistling sisters
Mussel Inn is on the list, should be there soon! Lakeman is great, I thought behemoth was just okay, Duncan’s is 10/10. DV and Parrotdog are awesome and we had a great time at Whistling Sisters. Great list!!
Croucher Brewing in Rotorua!
Hadn’t heard of them, thanks for sharing!! 🍻😃
This is a fantastic video, Donovan! 👏 I'm not a beer lover, but those breweries look so cool. We'll definitely visit one 😜. Do we have similar places in Canada? You should publish a Travel Guide to NZ Breweries! 👍👍 Looks like you're enjoying NZ. Good for you. 👍
Thank you so much! They are a lot of fun haha 🍻 yeah a lot of great craft breweries in Canada as well, both countries have great literature on the breweries available, different craft beer guides you can get free or buy for $2-$3 depending on what province you are in and New Zealand has the Pursuit of Hoppiness that comes out quarterly and showcases a lot as well :)
I cn't drink any non-distilled drinks w/o allergic reaction😲. I am G&T person👍😜. I noticed a cool gins on the shelves in your video😜👍
It seems that BC / Vancouver (where I've lived 6x off & on since '99) & NZ craft breweries have grown up alongside each other. The 'corporate' craft beers from the big players, through to the done-good (Emersons) & bought out players, then the true craft breweries, so many similarities.The cafe style feels like Railtown in Vancouver too, retro chic industrial laid back. Watched this video a couple of times now (taking notes).
Yeah that’s a really good observation! I lived in Vancouver for 2 years when a lot of new breweries were starting to come in (About 10 years ago now) and I completely agree.
There’s a few bigger guys who have been bought out like Emerson’s and Panhead for example that are still making some really good beer so I might need a follow up video with that haha
Thanks so much for watching!! 🍻😃
i'll say it again, mcleods pizza barn. Longboarder beer with a wharfinger pizza. aint no better
Yeah I wish I made it over there. McLeods brew some amazing beer, have yet to try a bad one. Thanks for the comment 🍻
Heck yeah amazing 👏
All that and behemoth doesn't even get a mention. I also like crimson badger, three sisters and Duncan's. Not sure if those last 3 have tap rooms though. And one with a great atmosphere mcleods pizza barn in waipu, also love their Chilli pils
Duncan’s is awesome, really amazing people there. have yet to experience their taproom though!! Thanks for the other recommendations!
A "Hoodie" is still called a hoodie in New Zealand.
Have you tried the Smoking Barrel in Motueka? Try one of their cheeseburger donuts.
No I haven’t as of yet! I have driven by a few times and recalled the recommendation but still need to go check it out, I definitely will 👍
Hey Ry, lol
And definitely check out Renaissance next time you're in Blenheim, Donovan.
They've got some good beers and a mate of mine, Sean, is the head brewer. He's a good guy :)
@@Lucalikesstuff couldn’t agree more with your recommendation! We went and saw Sean there when we moved to Nelson (Met him at Beervana). We feature Renaissance a little bit in my vlog titled “Moving on”
Cheers!! 🍻
@@donovankelly12 us two are brothers lol. The hops are growing nicely this year. Our harvest should start around the 20th of February.
How did you not do Moa in Blenheim probably the best in NZ in independent brewing sad sad day it doesn’t even rate a mention 😭
Haha sorry Peter, haven’t been there. Been to Renaissance in Blenheim and that is great. I will say I’ve tried a few Moa’s and I enjoyed the purple can with Motueka hops. Are they independently owned? I thought they were purchased by a larger company for almost 2m or something
@@donovankelly12 no Moa are definitely privately owned there ceo is Steve Smith great location for a summer drink in between the vines of a vineyard totally worth a lunchtime visit for an ale or two.
Jumper or jersey both are used in nz
Awesome thanks for that! 🍻
You need to check out Boneface Brewery - best beer in NZ
Emerson is good.
Yeah they got a nice taproom and brewery, I’m a fan of their Bird Dog IPA
Brewtown Upper Hutt - Boneface and Panhead
I heard a lot of great things about Boneface! Thanks for the comment 🍻
the Theoretical Brewer in New Plymouth
Ooo nice, haven’t heard of them. Thanks for sharing!! 🍻
Pav low vah. Named after a Russian ballarina who toured both nz and Australia in the early 20th century. Hense the confusion over which country created it first
Thanks haha cheers 🍻
Created in NZ, but named by a West Australian baker,who made one for her a few months later.
Based on the Russian Merange cake, that the ballerina Pavlova was feeling homesick for, and was made to make her feel better. New Zealand Pavlova is not a patch on the real thing. But that is purely my opinion.
@@LOOGamala fair enough. I personally think the kiwi version is best. But then I'm biased, I was born and live in NZ
Abandoned brewery, Sunshine & Baylands.
Great recommendations!! Haven’t been there or tried them. Thanks for sharing 🍻😃
No Emersons?~
No Emerson’s for me on this list, only independently owned breweries. Not a bad tap room though, you can tell they put a lot of work and money into it! Cheers 🍻
Two words (Brew town)
Still haven’t made it there!
@@donovankelly12 good things happen to those who wait
Dude. Don't mean to be an arse but it looks like you've found out about the sun...
Hahaha not at all man, all good. I sure did find it.
Canada or New Zealand breweries and you are wearing a different hat this time
Great question! Nobody wins haha both countries have great beer. Due to the population in Canada I think it’s safe to say you’ll find more beer styles and breweries who can specialize in a more niche style of beer but all in all Canada has some of the best grain in the world and New Zealand has some of the best hops in the world 😃🍻 so both are just great
Pav-lo-va
Thanks 👍