Pouring Through Wellington: A Craft Beer Lover’s Budget Guide to New Zealand’s Beer Capital

Compact enough that you can explore it all on foot but not lacking in character, Wellington has enough to keep an afternoon busy, from a brewery tap-room, a converted garage, a cellar with an impressive collection, and a bottle shop. For beer lovers, it’s a piece of cake for them to experience 8 sides of drinking culture, without spending too much on transport. Those visiting from the US, however, should be mindful of the length of the flights and prices, which can be high, and so eat deeply into the travel budget. Knowing what to expect from the day before you even leave for work – and knowing that you can have an extra glass of local beer, visit an independent brew, and pick up a few bottles for the road without breaking the bank. The best Wellington beer tour begins with a real budget, not a lofty beerography.

Keeping a Beer Trip on Budget

The easiest way to be in control is to allow yourself a set amount of money for the vacation. This can be done with prepaid cards or Paysafecard, which is a voucher purchased in a store that has a 16-digit PIN you can enter online. The amount cannot be overdrawn when it is purchased, and Paysafecard does not feed into the information of your bank. One practical tip for travelers: The PINs are country-dependent, and an applicable voucher to a country purchased at a location in another country is valid only in that country. 

The same logic applies to anyone browsing paysafecard casinos during downtime on the road: the voucher caps what leaves your pocket, but it does not replace checking that a site is licensed to serve players in the country you are in. For a few days in the capital, set a daily number for tasting flights and a separate one for everything else. Brewery taprooms often sell small pours, which lets you sample more styles without committing to a full pint of each.

Breweries and Bars Worth the Walk

Central Wellington is compact. According to Tourism New Zealand, the Craft Capital Beer Trail connects the local brewers to beer bars and specialty beer shops together in a self-guided tour, hopping between the north and south sections to be enjoyed on a single day or multiple visits. Both Parrotdog at Lyall Bay and Fortune Favours are listed on the national tourism board’s own website, while Heyday Beer Co is housed in the former car battery station, a case in point of backstreet spaces chosen to be home to brewpubs.

Out of town, Upper Hutt’s Brewtown houses several breweries and a distillery as well as restaurants and even a go-kart track. Duncans Brewing and North End Brewing offer tastings at various sites along the Kāpiti Coast that break down how beer is made and all about the ingredients. Or if you have flexibility in your plans, set your dates for August: Beervana is the largest beer festival in the country; this two-day celebration is held at the Wellington stadium on the waterfront, with 4-day sessions throughout the day and evening.

Kiwi Beers to Try First

Let’s face it, New Zealand brewers are big fans of local hops, which brings pale ales and IPAs a juicy, just-edible tropical taste that’s hard to come by in a typical pack of six US IPAs. Well, it usually does in Wellington, so go there and then have a crisp pilsner, or a darker ale if it gets dark. Not sure where a Kiwi pint sits among the rest of the world’s beers? Beer Connoisseur’s own look at the best beers of the Southern Hemisphere is a handy primer. 

The hazy IPA from a brewery that opened in 1868 and which went out of business, sparking a public uproar until it reopened in a matter of days, with coverage from Monteith’s. At first, order something local and then look at what the bartender ordered and compare. Most taprooms will be responsive to having you explain yourself.

Planning the Trip

Wellington’s climate can be unpredictable, even in summer, so always pack a waterproof layer. The middle ground also makes most beer stops within walking distance, and the train station has a covered walkway of approximately 650m leading to the stadium. Beervana is nearby! Kāpiti and Upper Hutt are more conveniently accessed by train or a short drive, meaning you should allow half a day each as opposed to trying to fit them in between lunch & dinner. Wine tasting etiquette is laid back! If you’re not sure, a couple of questions to ask are: what beers are being poured, and if you’re indecisive, be sure to take a sip of water between taste trials. 

It’s a good idea to make reservations on busy Saturday or Sunday nights if pubs have availability, especially at more popular spots where seating is limited. Save your final night to unwind with a favorite craft beer and enjoy a visit to the waterfront. Once you’ve covered your other expenses, you can set aside a little money for the best beer you’ve tasted during your trip, one that deserves a second serving.