Auckland is known for its stunning landscape, towering skyline with the Sky Tower, and an increasingly vibrant craft beer scene that competes with some of the best in the world. For someone like me, who’s accustomed to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) beer culture, dominated by Cascade and Yakima Valley hops, trying the brews in Auckland was like embarking on an exciting new beer pilgrimage.

When I landed in Auckland, I wasn’t just eager to explore the local sights; I had a mission to taste my way through the city’s best breweries and brewpubs. This guide is part one of my journey through Auckland’s craft beer scene. Let’s kick things off with the spots and beers you absolutely can’t miss.

1. Brewers Co-operative: A Must-Visit Brewery in Auckland

If you’re looking for a place that truly embodies Auckland’s craft beer scene, Brewers Co-operative should be at the top of your list. Every time I searched for recommendations, this spot consistently came up as the most recommended place to visit. Nestled near the iconic Sky Tower, the brewery is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold one while admiring one of Auckland’s most recognizable landmarks.

One of the things I appreciated about Brewers Co-op is the relaxed vibe. You can sit on the sidewalk, bask in the sun, and sip on a variety of local craft beers. The setting makes you feel like you’re truly part of the city’s heartbeat, with the Sky Tower in view as a constant reminder of Auckland’s energy. While I was there, I asked the server what Kiwis do for fun, and they simply said, “drink.” At first, I thought it was a joke, but after seeing their deadpan expression, I realized they weren’t kidding—pretty spot-on after seeing just how many beers they have for the country and their exponential growth.

As someone who’s spent a lot of time around the world’s best hops in the Pacific Northwest, I have a deep appreciation for well-crafted beers—especially IPAs. The PNW is famous for its Cascade and Yakima Valley hops, which power most of the IPAs in the U.S. Naturally, I was curious to try the IPAs and local New Zealand brews on the menu at Brewers Co-op. The servers were more than happy to ensure I kept it local, guiding me to beers that used New Zealand-grown hops, adding a unique Kiwi twist to the IPA experience.

• What to Try:
  • Shining Peak Brewing –  Cavalcade WCIPA (6.5%) – This West Coast IPA was a reflection to the style that I’ve come to know and love back home. It was hoppy with a nice bitterness that sat pretty well.
  • Baylands Brewery – Roger! Roger! (5.5%) – This lager balanced out the lineup with its smooth, slightly sweet flavor. It felt like the beer equivalent of comfort food—familiar but with a unique twist.
  • Sawmill Brewery – Aotearoa (4.5%) – A lighter beer that still packs a flavorful punch. It’s crispness was refreshing for an Auckland afternoon.
  • Sunshine Brewery – Point Annihilation IPA (5%) – An imperial double IPA that definitely packs a punch.
  • Black Sands Brewing – Livin’ the Dream (7.5%) – This double NEIPA was intense but incredibly rewarding. If you like bold, in-your-face flavors, this is for you.
  • Laughing Bones Brewing –  Liquid Shade (4.4%) – A refreshing wheat beer that’s perfect for those who want something lighter but still flavorful, and it pairs well with fish and chips.”
• Food Pairing:
  • Fish and chips are the way to go here. The crispy batter paired perfectly with the cold, refreshing beers on tap. You don’t come to Brewers Co-op for a fancy meal; you come for tasty food that’s made to complement the beer.
• Ambiance:
  • What sets Brewers Co-op apart is its personality. The brewery has a dry sense of humor, which seeps into everything—from their beer names to the banter with the staff. The rustic, worn-wood interiors, the outdoor seating area, and the overall vibe scream “relax and stay a while.” To be honest, the experience makes me want to check out Satire Brewing Company in Colorado.

If you’re into IPAs like me, especially those loaded with Cascade hops, you’ll find that their West Coast and New Zealand-style IPAs offer something familiar yet intriguingly different. The brewers here know their way around a hop cone.

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2. Garage Project – A Wellington Icon with a Presence in Auckland

No beer guide in New Zealand is complete without mentioning Garage Project. Though their main brewery is in Wellington, you’ll find their beers in many Auckland liquor stores and bars. Every time I saw a can of Garage Project beer, I had to pick it up. There’s something about their bold designs and flavors that draws you in—and then there’s the quality of the beer itself. I think the marketing really captured the marketer in me. Who knows.

One thing you I noticed about Garage Project beers is their sense of adventure—at least in terms of flavor profiles. They’re not afraid to experiment, whether it’s with new hop varieties or unusual flavor combinations. I picked up a few of their beers during my time in Auckland, and each one left a lasting impression.

• What I Tried (in the fridge):
  • Hapi Daze Pale Ale – This tropical pale ale has bright, citrusy notes, and as someone who usually leans towards stronger IPAs, I found this light, easy-drinking beer perfect for Auckland’s sunny weather.
  • Expatriate APA – This American Pale Ale was a smooth, hop-forward brew that still felt balanced. It was like drinking a slice of home with a New Zealand twist. Let’s be honest, though—I got this one for the can design. This beer is from another Wellington brewery called Double Vision Brewing.
  • Pernicious Weed – Now this was a beast for an IPA. I mean 8%!! This double IPA however was strong and definitely was good for an evening of exploring the CBD and then cashing in and watching dramas on Netflix. However, I will give it to NZ brands they know how to make an 8% seem like a 5%. They seemed to know just exactly what I was looking for.
  • Chipper Hazy Pale Ale –Another standout from Garage Project, it has a nice balance of fruit-filled notes that complement its hazy profile, cutting down the bitterness compared to Pernicious Weed. So, if Pernicious Weed is too intense for you, this 4.9% version is the one to try. But, I can’t tell if it’s the flavor or the logo that makes me feel more chipper!”

Garage Project is definitely a must-visit for any beer lover, and I’m already planning my trip to Wellington to visit the brewery itself. If you’re in Auckland, do yourself a favor and pick up one of their beers at Liquorland. You won’t be disappointed.

3. Urbanaut Brewery – Kingsland’s Craft Beer Gem

Tucked away in Kingsland, Auckland, Urbanaut Brewery is a hidden gem that’s perfect for craft beer enthusiasts like me. The brewery is located upstairs, and the taproom offers a cool, laid-back atmosphere that invites you to stay for a while and explore the extensive beer menu.

One of the highlights of Urbanaut is their wide range of beer styles. Whether you’re into IPAs, sours, or pilsners, they’ve got something for everyone. I made sure to sample a little bit of everything.

• Here are the Urbanaut beers ranked based on my tasting:
  • Belleville Chocolate Milk Stout (5.5%) – Rated 4.5/5. Rich chocolate flavors and a creamy texture, perfect for cool evenings. I felt this one went really, really well with the burger, so I’m biased with this rating. And this is coming from a huge IPA person.
  • Rose Bay Lager (2.5%) – Rated 4.3/5.Light and refreshing. This would be great for afternoon sipping while exploring Auckland.
  • Kihi Tropical Fizz Cider (5.0%) – Rated 4.2/5. This overall had a pretty refreshing taste.
  • Apricot and Peach Hazy IPA (5.7%) – Rated 4/5. Imagine a thicker hazy profile but with elements more on the sweet and juicy side.
  • Detroit IPA (5.8%) – Rated 3/5. This was a more straightforward IPA with a unique aroma, but I felt it was missing something. I tried it mainly because of the “Detroit” name. I haven’t had many IPAs from the Detroit area or knew there were Detroit-specific IPAs. It’s hard to compete when you have stiff competition from Founder’s All Day IPA. And when you venture outside IPAs, you start to hit Bell’s Oberon.
  • Ixtapa Cola Sour (3.8%) – Rated 3/5. I pretty much liked this for its novelty and the unique cola flavor with a tart twist.
• Ambiance and Food:
  • Urbanaut also has a food truck known as Burgernaut, where you can grab a burger to pair with your beers. I felt the burger hit a good hunger spot and definitely paired really well with the Belleville.

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Final Thoughts

This guide is just the beginning. Auckland’s craft beer scene is thriving, with many more breweries and beers waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re sipping a West Coast IPA at Brewers Co-op or enjoying a pint at Urbanaut, Auckland has something for every beer lover. Interestingly, I’ve also started noticing New Zealand IPAs (NZIPAs) popping up in the PNW. Go figure! Just like how UK drill music gained popularity after starting in the U.S., could NZIPAs become the next big trend in craft beer?

In Part 2, we’ll dive even deeper into the city’s beer scene, exploring more hidden gems and unique brews that showcase New Zealand’s growing craft beer culture. Stay tuned—and in the meantime, raise a glass to great beer, hoppiness, and even more beer adventures!