Drinks
9 February 2026
Best craft beers and breweries in Christchurch
Explore Christchurch’s vibrant craft beer scene. Find the best breweries, independent taprooms, and beer gardens in Ōtautahi for your next local brew.
Where are the best breweries and craft beer spots in Christchurch?
There's nothing better than an ice-cold beer on a hot summer's day – or any day for that matter! We think we've found the best craft beer spots in Ōtautahi Christchurch and slightly further afield. These breweries and bars are worth checking out if you're thirsty.
What are the most iconic Christchurch breweries?
The Brewery Bar & Restaurant
Pizza and beer have always been a perfect duo, and The Brewery Bar & Restaurant, located in front of The Tannery in Woolston, delivers every time.
They are home to the famous Cassels Brewing Co and woodfired pizzas. Ten taps are dedicated to guest brewers from around New Zealand, and nine Cassels 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, this spot is busy every day of the week, so call ahead.
Good for:
- Casual vibes
- Courtyard setting
- Woodfired pizza
- Dog Friendly
Three Boys Brewery
Founded in 2004 in Christchurch by Ralph Bungard and Brigid Casey, Three Boys Brewery is a renowned, independent craft brewery known for its commitment to quality and sustainability.
As of late 2025, it was sold to head brewer Damien Treacher and partner Jason Bass, who've carried on the passion for supporting local.
This two-time champion brewery source their ingredients from as close by as possible to create the newest trends or old-time favourites.
Head to their Ferry Road location to tour their fully operational brewery, or pop in to fill a rigger, order a keg or sit down and enjoy a cold one right there and then.
Good for:
- Casual atmosphere
- Brew tours
- Functions
- Enjoy onsite or take away in a rigger
- Dog friendly
Two Thumb Brewing Co.
Feel like having a good drink and leaving with a good conscience?
Look no further than Two Thumb Brewery, with several locations, including Manchester Street, Colombo Street, Redcliffs, and Diamond Harbour.
Their beers are carefully crafted in small batches, meaning you get to savour the rich flavours and delightful aromas from locally sourced malts and hops.
The best part is that the brewery is entirely solar-powered and has a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system, which means you enjoy the best possible beer while caring for the planet.
Cheers to that!
Good for:
- Environmentally friendly
- Cool branded merch
- Large food menu
- Four locations across Christchurch
- Dog friendly
Where are the inner-city taprooms serving craft beer?
The Craft Embassy
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 and pilsners to stouts and pale ales, the beer list is constantly evolving, and always exciting and delicious.
On top of this, The Craft Embassy is charmingly accessible; it doesn’t matter if you’re a certified beer sommelier, a green-bottle-only kind of person, or don’t like the stuff — there is something for everyone.
Good for:
- Epic views of the city
- Central city location
- Tastings
- Great food
Canterbury Brewers Collective
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 microbrewing operations around Canterbury.
You’ll find him at the Canterbury Brewers Collective at Riverside Market, always ready for your next pour and a casual chat.
A self-proclaimed 'beer DJ,' he takes public requests and then tries to get them on tap. You’ll find local brews from Three Boys, Two Thumb, Brew Moon, Beer Baroness, Eruption, Ghost, and more on tap here.
Good for:
- Casual
- Rare finds
- A range of brews
- An easy drop-in when you're in the city
Moon Under Water
Moon Under Water, located just off Colombo Street in Sydenham, features all the charm of a classic pub but with an even better selection of brews, good food and excellent service.
If you like top-fermented beer, this 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 worry, owner Matt Kamstra sources one of the widest ranges of craft sours, pilsners, IPAs, APAs, lagers and ciders you’ll find in New Zealand!
Good for:
- Live music
- Courtyard
- Casual vibes
- Child friendly
- Dog friendly
- Delicious food
Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn
Pomeroy’s is everything you would expect from an ol’ English-style public house (aka a pub!).
Unlike any old pub, Pomeroy’s boasts a thoughtfully curated list of the finest New Zealand and local craft beer for your tasting pleasure!
Grab a winning favourite or get adventurous, 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 of the sun in their lively courtyard.
Good for:
- Live music
- Courtyard
- Casual
- Delicious food
Where can you fill your own beer rigger in Christchurch?
Punky Brewster
You must check out Punky Brewster in Addington, Christchurch's first craft beer fillery and bar!
They've got some of the best range of craft beer suppliers and stocked products from all over New Zealand behind their doors!
You can fill your own vessel — an empty rigger, milk bottle, bucket or wheelie bin… whatever you can find — or dine in and get served some great beer, delicious food, wines, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages at their bar!
Good for:
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Plant lovers
- Cosy vibes
- Enjoy onsite or take away in a rigger
- Dog friendly
Volstead Trading Company
Volstead Trading Company on Riccarton Road provides a modern selection of craft beers and cocktails, with a focus on creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
Their drinks menu features an extensive range of local, national, and international beers, ciders, and creative cocktails, available for both on-site enjoyment and to take away in filled riggers.
Additionally, their food menu offers a small range of pizzas and bar snacks that perfectly complement your brew of choice.
Good for:
- Pizza
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Enjoy onsite or take away in a rigger
- Dog friendly
Where are some craft breweries worth a drive?
The Laboratory
The Laboratory is a popular brewpub and restaurant in Lincoln, owned and operated by Mark and Leigh Drewitt, who took over the business in 2023.
Known for its quirky, rustic design, 'The Lab,' as the locals call it, offers an excellent range of craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and tapas-style plates in a large old brick building built from recycled materials.
There’s an impressive array of beer on tap and sold by the bottle, plus an incredible microbrewery and cinema right on site!
This is one worthy of the drive out of town.
Good for:
- Casual atmosphere
- Courtyard
- Functions
- Great food
- In-house movie theatre
- Dog friendly
Southpaw Brewing
After years of brewing in Hornby, Southpaw Brewing has returned to the seaside suburb of New Brighton, where the new brewery tap-room and cellar door has put down its roots.
The Southpaw Brewing team knows a thing or two about craft beer.
Established in 2016 by local couple Cam and Penny, the brews are inspired by travels through America with a twist of home flavour.
This is the perfect spot to grab a pre-dinner pint or settle in for a sunny afternoon, enjoying the variety of American-style beer on offer, each brewed with the best local ingredients
Good for:
- Locally made
- American style
- Seaside vibe
- Dog friendly
Brew Moon Brewing Company
North of Christchurch, in Amberley, you'll find Brew Moon Brewing Company.
A family-owned and operated business, providing locals and travellers a relaxed spot to enjoy locally crafted beer and gourmet pizza.
They are passionate about creating a 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 other options, including the award-winning Sour Face Feijoa Gose, Czech Please Pilsner, and the Waipara New England IPA.
Good for:
- Casual dining
- Child friendly
- Outstanding food
- Dog friendly
Don't miss a thing
Sign up to our newsletter to get valuable updates and news straight to your inbox.
)
)
)