The Top 10 Craft Beer spots in Christchurch

152 Somerfield Street, Somerfield, Christchurch

Moon Under Water features all charm of a classic pub but with a great selection of brews, good food and excellent service. If you like dark beer Moon Under Water is the spot for you. They don’t shy away from stouts and have hosted events like the New Zealand Stout Challenge which saw every tap go stout for one night only. Even if you don’t like dark beer, don’t fear as master publican/owner Matt Kamstra sources one of the widest ranges of craft sours, pilsners, IPAs, APAs, lagers and ciders you’ll find.

Good for:

• Live music
• Courtyard
• Casual
• Child friendly
• Dog friendly

292 Kilmore Street, Christchurch

Pomeroy’s is everything you would expect from an ol’ English-style public house (aka a pub!). Except unlike any old pub, Pomeroy’s boasts a carefully curated list of the finest New Zealand and local craft beers. Grab a winning favourite or get adventurous, either way you’ll find something to suit your taste with over 30 drops on tap. Then tuck away in one of their homely nooks or catch the last rays in their lively courtyard.

Good for:

• Live music
• Courtyard
• Casual

592 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch

What started as a garage brew experiment 15 years ago, has turned into the largest family-run brewery in Christchurch. Tour Three Boys' fully operational brewery to learn how the magic happens from hop selection to final pour. If tours aren’t your thing, pop in to fill a rigger, order a keg or sit down and enjoy a cold one right there. A passion for local, their ingredients come from as close by as possible to create the newest trends or old-time favourites.

Good for:

• Casual
• Brew tours
• Functions
• Pies

96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central

Do you know the Beer Man? Since 2015, Chris Ruske has been on a mission to bring great beer to the people of Christchurch while supporting the micro brewing operations around Canterbury. You’ll find him at Riverside always ready for your next pour and casual chat. A self-proclaimed “Beer DJ” he takes public requests and then tries to get it on tap. You’ll find local brews from Three Boys, Two Thumb, Brew Moon, Beer Baroness, Eruption, Ghost, and more on tap now.

Good for:

• Casual
• Rare finds

342 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central

If you love an American style dive bar or simply appreciate a friendly local, this spot is for you. 12 Bar brings together beer, food and music to create a good vibe that visitors come back for. There’s no shortage of craft beer here. Their taps are hooked up to quality New Zealand pours. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find several carefully curated several fridges by The Beer Library stacked with the best bottled beer and cider NZ has to offer. Enjoy on site or takeaway.

Good for:

• Casual
• Child friendly
• Dog friendly

84 Falsgrave Street, Waltham, Christchurch

Granville and Nadine Denton opened Brew Academy in 2019 to bring brewing education to the people of Christchurch. Put simply, they love beer and think everyone should give home brewing a go. At their Waltham location you can learn to brew, grab a pint from their tap room, and get a mean feed from Smoke ’n’ Barrel, who operate out of the same premise. There’s a lot on offer at Brew Academy, and good beer ties it all together.

Good for:

• Making your own!
• Live Music
• Classes

12 Markham Street, Amberley

The Brew Moon Brewing Company is family owned and operated, providing locals and travellers alike with a relaxed spot to enjoy local crafted beer and gourmet pizza. They passionate about creating hand-crafted beer with quality ingredients. The original Amberley Pale Ale, Darkside of the Moon and Hophead IPA are still available, amongst a raft of others regulars have come to love, including Blood Moon Red IPA, Luna Wit Wheat Beer and Czech Me Out Pilsner.

Good for:

• Casual
• Child friendly
• Pizza

17 West Belt, Lincoln

Owned and operated by the good people who used to run The Twisted Hop, Martin and Lisa describe themselves and the ‘scientists’ at their new laboratory as craft brewers and culinary chemists. In a large old brick building that they built out of recycled materials, The Laboratory offers an excellent range of craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and tapas-style plates. There’s an impressive array of beer on tap and sold by the bottle with plans for the Laboratory’s own brewery soon on-site. This is one worthy of the drive out of town.

Good for:

• Casual
• Courtyard
• Functions
• Great food

Level One, The Terrace, 126 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch

Nestled on level one of The Terrace overlooking the Avon river, The Craft Embassy specialises in an epic range of independent craft beers made by New Zealand brewers. From sours to pilsners to stouts to pale ales, the beer list is always evolving, always interesting and always delicious. On top of this, Craft Embassy is charmingly accessible – it doesn’t matter if you’re a certified beer sommelier, a green-bottle-only kind of person or simply don’t like the stuff – there is something for everyone and the friendly staff will help you find something to love.

Good for:

• Epic views
• Tastings
• Great food

3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch

Pizza and beer have always been perfect marriage and The Brewery in Woolston delivers every time. They are home to the famous Cassels and Sons Brewery and Garden City inspired wood-fired pizzas. Ten taps are dedicated to guest brewers from around New Zealand and nine Cassels & Sons taps include three cask-conditioned, hand-pulled options. Wooden tables offer ample indoor and outdoor seating with a sprinkle of fairy lights for ambience. A local favourite, The Brewery is busy every day of the week so call ahead.

Good for:

• Casual
• Courtyard
• Pizza