Buy Craft Beer Online in NZ

Wellington's Garage Project and Parrotdog sit next to Upper Hutt's Panhead and Sawmill from Matakana. From across the Tasman, Coopers brings its bottle-conditioned ales.

Styles of Craft Beer

  • Pale ale and APA: citrusy and hop-led without heavy bitterness.
  • IPA: stronger and hoppier, from piney West Coast to tropical hazy styles.
  • Pilsner: crisp lager, often with a Kiwi twist of local aroma hops.
  • Stout and porter: dark, roasty beers with coffee and cocoa character.

How to Choose Craft Beer

New to craft? A pale ale such as Parrotdog Raptor APA shows off hop aroma while staying balanced. For smooth and fruity, a hazy like Sawmill Hazy Pale Ale is softer on bitterness. Dark beer fans can try Panhead Blacktop Stout. For the wider range, browse all beers.

Craft Beer FAQs

What makes a beer craft beer?

Craft beer generally means beer brewed with a focus on flavour and style rather than volume, often by smaller or independent brewers. It tends to use more hops, specialty malts or unusual ingredients, and brewers release a wider range of styles, from hazy pales to sours and stouts.

What is a hazy pale ale?

A hazy pale ale is an unfiltered pale ale with a cloudy look and a soft, rounded body. Late and dry hopping give juicy tropical and citrus aromas, while bitterness stays lower than a classic pale ale. Many New Zealand brewers make hazy styles.

Why are New Zealand hops so popular in craft beer?

New Zealand hops such as Nelson Sauvin, Motueka and Riwaka are prized for distinctive aromas of tropical fruit, white wine grapes, lime and citrus. They are grown mainly around Nelson and used by brewers worldwide.

Should craft beer be drunk fresh?

Yes, most hop-forward craft beers such as pale ales, IPAs and hazies taste their freshest soon after canning, as hop aroma fades over time. Keep them cold and out of light, and check the packaging date when choosing.