Shining Peak Brewing

Drink beer, do good. That’s what Shining Peak Brewing Company boldly encourages patrons to do when they enter their New Plymouth microbrewery. So while you’re sipping a bloomin’ great drop, a local Taranaki charity simultaneously receives 5% of your beer purchase. Straight out the gate, Shining Peak Brewing is sounding mightily fine to us. 

Located in an industrial art deco warehouse, the building started life as a motor repairs workshop and has been dramatically transformed in recent years, by superb renovation, into a fully operational brewery and taproom. Giant beer brewing vessels fall into formation along one side of the wall, and the seating cleverly slots around the ale production. The comforting din and hoppy wafts of real-time brewing (including people up ladders) accompany the relaxed vibe, and the comfy booth seats are the perfect nook to soak it all up.

For a small brewery, Shining Peak has a prolific output with a varied selection of beers to choose from; Skunk Juice Hazy to Taranaki Amber to Fanny Fantham’s Lager, every beer is a banger so you really can’t go wrong. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the options and can provide mini samples so you can try before you buy. Tasting paddles are available for those wanting a ​​soupçon of everything, and if you run out of time, you can pick up a takeaway with a couple of fridges jammed full of cans and riggers to take home. 

If you want to stay longer and grab a bite, Shining Peak Brewing is a wonderful place to dine on the hop (pun intended). A carefully crafted menu strikes the right note for the setting, and there are even beer pairing suggestions for every dish (yep, they’re good). Think yummy shared plates like smoked brisket croquettes w beer bbq sauce, hearty burgers and even a dedicated menu for kids. 

As you gaze longingly at your pint, you may realise it’ll be hard to descend from this magnificent shining peak.