Beer in New Zealand: history, traditions and breweries
New Zealand is famous for hops with aromas of tropical fruit and white wine – and for a lively craft beer scene.
History
The Māori had no alcoholic drinks before the Europeans arrived. Beer came to the country with sailors, whalers and settlers.
In 1773 Captain James Cook brewed New Zealand’s first beer at Dusky Sound in the south-west of the South Island. He used branches and leaves of the rimu tree to protect his crew from scurvy.
In 1835 Joel Samuel Polack opened the first commercial brewery in Kororāreka, today’s Russell. From 1917 to 1967 pubs had to close at 6 pm, which led to the hurried “six o’clock swill”.
In 1958 New Zealand Breweries launched a lager meant to compete with imported beers after the government had severely restricted imports. It was first called Steinecker and from 1962 Steinlager.
In 1981 the former rugby international Terry McCashin launched Mac’s in Nelson, a pioneer of the craft beer scene. New Zealand’s hops also grow around Nelson today.
Traditions and drinking culture
Pale ales and pilsners with New Zealand hops such as Nelson Sauvin, whose aroma recalls Sauvignon Blanc grapes, are popular. A classic is “New Zealand draught”, a mild, amber beer.
Wellington is regarded as the capital of New Zealand craft beer: there are particularly many breweries and bars in a small area.
Fun facts
- Cook’s beer was more medicine than pleasure: it was meant to protect the crew from scurvy.
- Garage Project started in 2011 in a former petrol station in Wellington’s Aro Valley.
- Steinlager was first called “Steinecker” – after the company whose brewing equipment the brewery used.
- The Nelson Sauvin hop was released in 2000 and became world-famous for its white-wine aroma.
Typical beer styles
- New Zealand pilsner
- Pale ale and IPA
- New Zealand draught
- Lager
Beer cities and their stories
Dusky Sound
In this fiord in Fiordland, James Cook brewed New Zealand’s first beer on Resolution Island in 1773.
Russell (Kororāreka)
New Zealand’s first commercial brewery was founded here in 1835.
Nelson
New Zealand’s hops grow around Nelson. Terry McCashin launched his Mac’s here in 1981.
Wellington
Garage Project started in an old petrol station in 2011. The city is regarded as the capital of New Zealand craft beer.
Dunedin
Speight’s has brewed here since 1876, and Emerson’s was founded here in 1993.
Greymouth
Monteith’s has brewed on the West Coast since 1868. During the gold rush the town was an important port.
Breweries and their stories
Speight’s
The beer with the slogan “Pride of the South” is the beer of the South Island.
Known for: Gold Medal Ale
Mac’s
Terry McCashin, a former All Black, launched the beer on 26 September 1981.
Known for: Mac’s Gold
Emerson’s
Richard Emerson founded the brewery; it has belonged to Lion since 2012.
Known for: Bookbinder, Emerson’s Pilsner
Garage Project
Started in a former petrol station and became known internationally for its unusual beers.
Monteith’s
Traditional brewery on the West Coast of the South Island, now part of DB Breweries.
Known for: Monteith’s Original Ale
Timeline
- 1773Dusky Sound
Captain James Cook brews New Zealand’s first beer – from rimu branches, against scurvy.
- 1835Russell (Kororāreka)
Joel Samuel Polack opens the country’s first commercial brewery.
- 1868Greymouth
The Monteith’s brewery is founded on the west coast of the South Island.
- 1876Dunedin
Speight’s starts brewing in Dunedin – “Pride of the South”.
- 1917whole country
Pubs have to close at 6 pm. The rule is only dropped in 1967.
- 1958whole country
New Zealand Breweries launches a lager meant to compete with imported beers. From 1962 it is called Steinlager.
- 1981Nelson
Former All Black Terry McCashin launches his Mac’s.
- 1993Dunedin
Richard Emerson founds his brewery in Dunedin.
- 2000Nelson
The Nelson Sauvin hop is released. Its aroma recalls Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
- 2011Wellington
Garage Project starts in a former petrol station. Wellington becomes the capital of New Zealand craft beer.