Fresh Hop Season: Local Christchurch Breweries Worth a Visit

A two-time Champion Brewery of New Zealand, Three Boys Brewery has been quietly doing its thing in Woolston for over two decades. Standing proud from its sunny position on Ferry Road in Woolston, the taproom sits within a high-ceilinged industrial space splashed with natural light, where barrel tables and vintage make for a setting that’s equal parts eclectic and inviting. It's a true bring-your-own-vessel setup, any clean container can be filled from the taps, and you're welcome to bring your own food too. With a glass wall revealing a working brewery for all eyes to see, it really is the beer that does the talking here.

They’re a spot known to experiment, and have two beers launching for the season, both available in the taproom and at various establishments around town from May 2 until they’re drunk dry. The Fresh Hop Nelson Sauvin IPA (6.1%) uses Bold River hops from North Canterbury – expect a dank and intense profile. The Fresh Hop Riwaka Pilsner (5.1%), a transpacific collaboration with Seattle's Stoup Brewing, is lighter and more refreshing, with freshly picked Riwaka hops from the same farm. In short, it’s an extra hoppy drop!

Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn has served as one of Christchurch’s cosiest watering holes since 2001, and for good reason. It’s all things ol’ English-style pub full of nooks, oozing charm and character. And like any good pub, they’ve got the brews to match. Beer Baroness is the brewery behind this excellence, perfecting a beloved core range while experimenting with seasonal and collaborative brews.

At Baroness, flavour comes first, and awards have followed: gold for the Lady Danger Hoppy Red Ale and silver for the First Lady APA at the New Zealand Beer Awards. Pair either of these with a sunny day lounging out in Pom’s courtyard and you’ll never want to leave. Alongside a fresh batch of these two aforementioned staples, this season they’ve crafted a ‘Canterbury’ Pilsner using Riwaka Green Hops from Bold River Hops by Okura Farms (5.5%) and a 100% Gladfield Malt from Dunsandal. Come 2 May, these will be poured alongside a standout selection of different breweries showcasing different styles and green hop varieties.

Part working brewery, part neighbourhood hangout, Renegade Brewing Co is one of Sydenham's latest haunts and the passion project of husband-and-wife team Thomas and Amy Deverson. Everything about their operation is grassroots, from the fit-out to the ethos, helping them fit in perfectly into the increasingly eclectic industrial precinct. Offering a varied and unique selection, small 600-litre batches keep things fresh, consistent and interesting. With no bottling, canning or distribution beyond Christchurch, everything here is truly local and waste-conscious, available by the pint or take-home rigger. You’ll also find house-made cider, kombucha and ‘Hop-Tonic’, plus a handful of non-beer options.

They’re leaning into the beautiful and delicate fresh flavours of the season, coming up with a Fresh Hop Golden Ale, using Nectaron hops from Bold River Hops in North Canterbury. A light golden malt base (Canterbury-sourced from Gladfield Malt in Dunsandel) lets the hops shine: expect fresh-cut greenness with notes of apricot and nectarine. What’s more, at Hop On Hop Off, guest beers from Eddyline (Nelson hops) and Altitude Brewing (Garston-grown hops) will join the taps.

Husband-and-wife duo Cam and Penny opened Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom after first quenching their thirst across America, before returning home to hone their crafts. Operating from sunny seaside New Brighton, their aqua blue facade is hard to miss, behind which operates a taproom big on community and serious on brews. It’s a place for locals by locals, yet anyone visiting from further afield will always be welcomed with open arms.

Beers range from core IPAs and lagers to limited releases and a floral series for the adventurous, with their New Brighton Lager and Quick Pitch Hazy favoured by local Brightonites. This season they opted for two very different styles, that both utilise hops from Bold River in the Hurunui.

The Home Field (4.5%) is a Belgian-style farmhouse ale: spicy yeast character meets planty, woody fresh hop flavour. Light and approachable, a nice showcase of the hops. The West Coast IPA (6%) takes a gruntier approach, dry hopped with fresh Nectaron, a revered NZ hop yielding an aroma-heavy, hop-field intensity.

A proper neighbourhood pub huddled close to the Port Hills. Moon Under Water boasts eighteen taps, up to seventy bottled beers, and a kitchen turning out burgers, pizzas, and the occasional wild game special. Blankets and hot water bottles in winter, a packed courtyard in summer. Much like Orwell’s eponymous pubs, this place is pretty much perfect, though it differs on one crucial measure: it exists!

A working brewery, bar, restaurant and rooftop deck inside Lyttelton's restored former BNZ building. Eight core beers, a 1200L brewhouse visible from the bar, and harbour views from the roof. For every ten pints poured, a native tree gets planted on the hills. A classic example of the moody port town's class and character.

The home of beer in Amberley and an anchor of the North Canterbury hospitality scene since 2002, Brew Moon Brewing Company sits proud on historic Markham Street. Wood-fired pizzas, sixteen taps, and a mix of long-standing favourites (Hophead IPA, Darkside Stout) alongside seasonal releases. Like most destinations at the footstep of the 03, it’s well worth the drive.

A craft beer fillery turned full-service bar, Punky Brewster has been a come-as-you-are destination since 2015. Beer nerds and those just getting familiar with the stuff are equally welcome through the big roller door. Inside they’ll find twenty-three taps pouring the likes of Garage Project, Behemoth and McLeods, plus a huge range of chilled cans and rigger fills. Toasties on Bellbird Bakery sourdough make this one a no-brainer.

Built from earthquake-salvaged materials, The Laboratory brews onsite and pours hand-pulled English-style ales from the cask. An eclectic mix of mismatched old furniture, kitsch Royal Doulton wash basins, lamps and knick-knacks make for a space that blends history, creativity, and community. Here, you’re rewarded for venturing into the Lincoln with good beers, wood-fired pizzas, a log burner, and a 15-seat boutique cinema upstairs. You can even book it out for a private screening for you and your friends, a kid’s birthday or show your own film. 

A stalwart of the Christchurch rebuild, and a true symbol of what locals have come to love about this hearty city is none other than Smash Palace. Now settled into permanent digs on High Street, the original bus-bar remains, Thursday bike nights continue, and the burgers, made from scratch in homemade buns, are among the city's best. Good, loud music, cheeky service, bowls of cheerios, indoor alcoves and endless outdoor seating. Long live the bus!

Family-owned and operating out of The Tannery, Cassels Brewing Co pairs some of the city’s best wood-fired pizzas with award-winning beers brewed onsite. A relaxed, family-friendly setting that serves as a well-earned end to a day browsing charming shopping precinct, or the perfect pitstop on your way back from the coast.