Christchurch's Best Craft Breweries And Bars
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.
Did your favourite watering hole make the cut?
1. Moon Under Water
Moon Under Water 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 fear, as 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
- Child friendly
- Dog friendly
2. 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
3. Three Boys Brewery
What started as a garage brew experiment 15 years ago has become 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 and then. With a passion for supporting locals, 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
4. 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, always ready for your next pour and a 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.
Good for:
- Casual
- Rare finds
5. Brew Moon Brewing Company
The Brew Moon Brewing Company is family-owned and operated, 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
- Child friendly
- Pizza
6. The Laboratory
Owned and operated by the good people who used to run The Twisted Hop, Martin and Lisa describe themselves and the ‘Scientists’ at their laboratory as craft brewers and culinary chemists. The Laboratory 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 micro-brewery and cinema right on site! This is one worthy of the drive out of town.
Good for:
- Casual
- Courtyard
- Functions
- Great food
7. 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. The friendly staff will help you find something to love.
Good for:
- Epic views
- Tastings
- Great food
8. The Brewery
Pizza and beer have always been a perfect duo 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
9. Volstead Trading Co.
Volstead Trading Company provides a modern selection of craft beers and cocktails, with a focus on creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for their customers. 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 takeaway in filled riggers. Additionally, they offer a delectable food menu, with delicious bar snacks - perfect for a girls' or boys' night - as well as larger main course plates for dinner dates!
Good for:
- Pizza
- Insta worthy
- Takeaways
10. Punky Brewster
You must check out Punky Brewster, 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 – and also get served some great beer, delicious food, wines, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages at their bar! How good does that sound?
Good for:
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Plant lovers
- Cosy vibes
11. Two Thumb Brewery Co.
Feel like having a good drink and leaving with a good conscience? Look no further than Two Thumb Brewery in Christchurch. 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 - and that's not all! 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
380 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
