Three Boys Brewery

Standing proud from its sunny position on Ferry Road in Woolston, Three Boys Brewery is a bonafide local watering hole that has quietly plied its craft for over two decades.

As a two-time Champion Brewery of New Zealand, you're bound to have spotted one of their many tasty drops on shelves and taps across the country. They're one of New Zealand's largest independent breweries, though its status as a pretty much perfect spot for a sip is something thirsty locals have been conveniently keeping a secret all these years.

The taproom sits within a high-ceilinged industrial space splashed with natural light. Pendants, skylights, barrel tables and vintage furniture mingle well, establishing a setting that's equal parts eclectic and inviting. A deep green steel-framed glass wall separates the taproom from the working brewery floor while providing a window right into it. Enjoy a pint while contemplating this steampunk dream: towering stainless steel tanks, pipes and hoses, all spick and span, glistening in full view. Up a set of stairs above the bar, you'll discover a mezzanine lounge offering a bird's-eye view into what makes Three Boys tick.

To start, their core range covers the essentials, and is what has put the brewery on the map. Their take on the classic bohemian pilsner style is the biggest seller, the IPA is refreshingly excellent, and the Oyster Stout holds the title of New Zealand's most awarded beer. No, really. Beyond the staples, a rotating lineup keeps things interesting, with fresh releases, low and non-alcoholic options, and tasty kombuchas joining the taps regularly. Everything is brewed on site with local ingredients championed throughout: revered Gladfield malt, Canterbury-grown barley and hops sourced predominantly from Motueka and as far south as Cheviot – all in service of fizzing innovation at the leading edge of NZ beer culture.

Honest and unpretentious, any clean container can be filled from the taps, and you're invited to BYOF (bring your own food). Forgot to pack a lunch? Platters and pizzas are available in-house, food trucks rotate on Fridays and Saturdays, and community events round out a relaxed weekly programme.

Local to its core and practically part of Canterbury's DNA, Three Boys Brewery is no mirage: it's perhaps the city's best-kept oasis, hiding in plain sight.