The Ultimate Queenstown Craft Beer Guide
If you’re embarking on a New Zealand road trip, Queenstown is likely your crown jewel. But beyond the adrenaline and the scenery lies a thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re finishing a hike or just winding down after a day on the road, here are the top five spots to grab a cold one.
1. Altitude Brewing: Views for Days
If you’re after glacier-fed lake views while sipping on a cold one, Altitude Brewing is the bar for you. Located right on the Frankton Arm, the taproom overlooks the mesmerising waters of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
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Pro Tip: It’s an easy walk or bike ride from town via the Frankton Loop track. Why not hire a bike and pedal your way to the brewery?
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The Vibe: A local favourite with a cozy interior featuring a unique grounded ski-lift chair next to an open fire - the perfect spot to defrost after a winter drive.
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The Beer: Founded in 2013, they were the first brewery next to the now up-and-coming Frankton Marina. With an ever-changing list of beer, cider, and wine, each visit is different.
2. Canyon Brewing: Adventure in a Glass
Situated on the hills overlooking the dramatic Shotover River, Canyon Brewing is an incredible micro-brewery and restaurant that crafts everything on-site. The industrial-chic space allows you to see the towering brewing equipment the moment you step inside.
"We’ve worked hard to create an open, on-display brewery so you can watch our award-winning beer being brewed live. Our hand-crafted beers strike the perfect balance between easy drinking and interesting flavours." — Canyon Brewing
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The Experience: Feeling adventurous? Try their Grapefruit and Cucumber Sour or grab a tasting paddle to sample their four core brews and seasonal rotations.
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Why go? It’s the perfect reward spot after watching the Shotover Jet boats scream through the canyon below.
3. Searchlight Brewery: The Hidden Industrial Gem
Tucked away in Queenstown’s industrial centre, Searchlight Brewery is a true "seek and you shall find" destination. What started as a passion project in 2015 by founder Lewis Gaskin has evolved from a former tortilla factory into a hand-built sanctuary for beer lovers.
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The Vibe: A transparent taproom with both indoor and outdoor seating (and it's very doggo-friendly). The outdoor beer garden regularly transforms into a stage for live music, mini-festivals, and trivia.
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Indoor Fun: Grab a game of Jenga by the fire and try to choose from the many craft beers chalked up on the board.
4. Cargo at Waitiri Creek: Where Design Meets Heritage
Cargo is anything but traditional. Their innovative and distinctive design—credited to local firm MakeBardo—moves away from stereotypical beer labels to focus on a simple, clean aesthetic that highlights the essentials of the product.
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The Setting: After years of searching, Cargo found its home at the stunning Waitiri Creek. In 2017, they transformed the venue into a unique tasting room with one of the best beer gardens in New Zealand.
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The Flavours: Whether you’re into a crisp Wheat beer or a decadent Coffee, Butterscotch, and Chocolate Porter, Cargo has a brew for every palate.
5. Smiths Craft Beer House: The Local Hub
I absolutely love this beer house! Smiths hosts a massive variety of craft beers and is located slap-bang in central Queenstown (hidden upstairs). It has a fantastic local atmosphere and serves up some of the best tucker in town.
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Get Educated: I find this spot particularly educational; the menu even shares the history of craft beer and defines popular terminology. The team are always happy to guide you through the best local brews.
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The Challenge: Order a flight, choose your "weapons" from the large chalkboard, and try to guess which is which before wrapping your mouth around a BBQ pulled pork burger—un-beer-lievable.
Top Tip for the Road: Queenstown’s craft beer scene is best enjoyed responsibly. If you're on a self-drive tour, make sure you’ve got a designated sober driver or take advantage of the local buses and water taxis!