For lovers of beer and travel alike, the vibrant and bustling city of Christchurch offers a unique and immersive experience that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. Welcome to the Garden City of New Zealand, a city which not only boasts a rich historic heritage and stunning landscapes but also pays proud homage to its ever-growing and diverse craft beer scene. A trip to this enchanting city is far from complete without a visit to its local breweries which serves not just a pint of beer, but also a firsthand experience of the culture, craft, and local flavor that these breweries so fondly embody.
Start your brewery expedition with the renowned Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn. This is steeped in history, being one of the oldest pubs in the city, and is tucked away in the charm of Kilmore Street. Pomeroy’s astounds visitors with an extraordinary selection of local and imported craft beers, matched with a warm and bustling atmosphere. The inn also offers tasting sessions, where quaint wooden paddles hold your choice of three different brews to sample, making it the perfect place to begin.
Then, move on to the Cassels and Sons Brewing Co., another significant name in the Christchurch beer scene. Their story began in 2009 when they brewed their first batch of beer using a homemade wood-fired kettle in a converted dairy. This family-owned business echoes the sentiment of craft beer, incorporating traditional brewing techniques in unique ways, with a focus on quality ingredients and flavors. Be sure to try their drink christchurch award-winning Milk Stout and Extra Pale Ale, while absorbing the history of the brewery told through its stunning architecture.
Next stop is The Laboratory in Lincoln, a brewpub that serves as an experimental hub for their local craft beers. Designed as a community-based project, the brewpub is another establishment that signifies the city’s dedication to beer. The mesmerizing process of brewing can be observed through the large glass window in the brewery while you enjoy their unique beers in the quirky, cozy setting of the pub.
Your Christchurch brewery adventure would be incomplete without a visit to Eagle Brewing, nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of the Port Hills. As an award-winning boutique brewery, they produce a broad range of British, American, and Belgian style beers. Renowned for their Pale Ales and Porters, their beers are crafted using the finest ingredients and traditional brewing methods, resulting in full-bodied, flavorful beers that are loved locally and internationally.
Lastly, Three Boys Brewery, one of the city’s pioneer craft breweries, continues to bring innovation to the Christchurch beer scene. Their beers range from traditional English styles to those that push the boundaries of brewing. Three Boys pride themselves on producing beers that are not only made to be loved but also to be memorable.
As tourist destinations, the local breweries of Christchurch provide an immersive experience, wrapping you in their distinct identities, and sharing a piece of their history and craft with every glass. With traditional brew methods, local ingredients, and a community-focused spirit, you do not just taste beer; you get to experience the city itself through each pour. So, come, raise a toast to Christchurch’s local breweries! Great beer, beautiful city, we can’t think of a better combo, can you?