Crazy about Hazy? All about the stouts? Time to read our CHC Craft Beer Guide

First up, Pomeroy's. Let’s face it, they are pub royalty around these parts. The fitout is a faithful ode to a traditional English pub, carpet and all. Pomeroys does a sterling job of giving patrons a taste of England and, whatsmore, they have an extensive and very fine selection of beer. Take your pick from their famous ever-changing blackboard - choosing one will be the hardest part. There are even a couple of hand pulls for the die-hard fans of room temperature ale (it ain’t everyone's cup of tea). If you’re feeling peckish while you’re here, they also serve tip-top pub grub.

There is a lot to love about Moon Under Water. This laidback neighbourhood bar does not shy away from stocking a healthy range of craft beers and stouts. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff, led by master publican/owner Matt Kamstra, are on hand to steer you capably towards your next pint. In fact, Moon Under Water sources one of the widest ranges of craft sours, pilsners, IPAs, APAs, lagers and ciders. Look out for taps serving “Moon Unit” brews from their associated brewing company, as these guys know what they’re doing.

Down the southern end of town, you’ll find Two Thumb Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom. Crafty in more than just its fine tipples, there’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment on site, the rainwater catchment is utilised, and the brewery is completely solar-powered. The original Two Thumb brew bar, on the north side of town, is still a favourite local watering hole and hosts gigs from its garage-style space, and the newest addition to the Two Thumb family, Harbourside, is located a scenic 45 minutes away in Diamond Harbour. From classic lagers to creative and unique seasonal releases, all of Two Thumb’s beers are batch-brewed by hand (using locally sourced malts and hops), and at all outposts you’re guaranteed a quality pint in a friendly atmosphere.

The Craft Embassy, smack bang on Oxford Terrace, permeates with craft beer followers. With over thirty taps of craft beer, their impressive yet fail-safe selection will delight even the trickiest of customers. With plenty of space to spread out, and picturesque river views, this is a great spot for bigger crowds and mixed tastes.

Dux Central is a multi-talented bar offering a mash up of different options at its East Block locale (including a well-stocked craft beer bar). The Brew Bar, as it is known, pays homage to a ridiculous amount of craft beers, 200 and counting! So if you’re looking for an exponential amount of choices, you’ve hit the jackpot here. The fun and relaxed atmosphere means you can happily sip away on a couple of pints before scoping out their well versed menu.

Take a little road trip out of the central city to Lincoln and you'll stumble across The Laboratory an excellent pub that offers an excellent range of craft beer brewed onsite. The Laboratory dabble in creating a line-up of delicious beers including some English style hand-pulled real ales straight from the cask. ENA Milk Stout instantly grabbed our attention, a tribute to Coronation Street battleaxe Ena Sharples who love to sink a few at the Rovers Return. 

If you’re in a hurry, Punky Brewster could delay you. Nonetheless, they have such an outstanding offering you’ll want to go and check it out, time pressure or not. Their fridges are toe-to-toe (can-to-can?) packed full of obscure and well-loved craft beers from across Aotearoa. Rachel and her family, live and breathe craft beer and will be odds on to recommend a yummy beer for you to imbibe. Bring a rigger and take advantage of their curated beer taps too, or sit down and enjoy your pint on-site.

A library of beer? Surely this can only spell one thing: a jolly good time! The Beer Library boasts an eclectic array of independent craft beer and IPAs from New Zealand and around the world. They secure all the latest releases from the big dogs and have a fully functioning draft station for growler and rigger fills. You can even visit their online shop and have beer delivered to your door, if you’re that way inclined.

The Good Drop in Rangiora provides just that, a good drop. They have space for you to sit and stay and eat, but also a refillery option if you need to grab and dash. They specialise in seasonal brews, mixing up their offering with regularity, and also spotlight Yellow Box Brewing who is brewing beer locally in Rangiora. Whether you decide to stay or go, a visit is bound to reap malty hoppy goodness.

It doesn’t get much fresher and local than Southpaw. You can grab beers straight from the source at their brewery in Hornby South. It’s a small takeaway spot but still has a solid selection of their core line-up. Keep your eyes peeled for their award-winning Riding Pine Red IPA and their OG offering Uncle Charlie, a very tasty American Pale Ale.