Canyon Brewing

At Neat Places, we’re fond of a good pint (shock horror). And when it’s brewed with sustainability in mind and enjoyed in one of New Zealand’s most scenic beer gardens… Well, it’s destined to be a full-blown love affair. Tucked into a picturesque hillside in Arthurs Point, Canyon Brewing is blessed with views overlooking the magnificent Shotover River. But when their craft brews and tasty dishes come into focus? That’s the real attraction.

Everything at the restaurant is made to share, with a seasonal menu that spotlights epic sourdough pizzas all year round. With beanbags sprawled across the lawn, ample space for kids and dogs to run rogue, outdoor picnic tables, cosy indoor nooks and lush hops acting as nature’s bunting, we can’t gush enough about this lunch and dinner destination.

While the brewery has been on the scene for some time, it switched hands at the end of 2020 to the same locals behind The Boat Shed Cafe. Since then, there’s never been a boring moment with innovation and sustainability steering their vision to create beer that’s more delicious than ever – and gentler on the earth.

In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact of malting barley production, Canyon became one of the first breweries in New Zealand to grow their own, focussing on quality over quantity. Their first Queenstown crop yielded 20 tonnes which resulted in the region’s first brewed and grown lager: Canyon Gold. The loop is sealed nice and tightly, with the by-product of their malting barley repurposed into delicious dishes at the restaurant or taken back to feed livestock on their local farms. 

The team has also partnered with local businesses on various community-focused projects. “Be Here Now” is a collaborative brew with Sherwood that supports local carbon removal initiatives, the release of “Vacation Hazy Pale Ale” fundraised to help restore and maintain backcountry huts, and one of Canyon’s first sours used fresh botanicals from Sherwood’s organic garden paired with leftover cherry pulp from a Cromwell juicer. That’s a lot worth toasting to.