Queenstown Craft Beer Scene: 6 Local Breweries to Discover

Queenstown isn't just about stunning scenery and award-winning food – it's also home to an incredible craft beer scene that's been brewing up something special. Whether you're planning your own Queenstown beer adventure or simply want to sample the best local brews, this guide will take you through breweries in Queenstown that make this place a beer lover's paradise.

From lakefront taprooms with mountain views to hidden gems in industrial areas, Queenstown's breweries offer everything from award-winning IPAs to innovative seasonal brews. Ready to discover why locals and visitors rave about the local brewing scene? Here’s your Queenstown craft beer tour guide.

1. Altitude Brewing - The Pioneer with Lakefront views

Location: Queenstown Marina, Frankton
Must-Try: Powder Day Pilsner & Remarks Hazy IPA

Altitude Brewing deserves recognition on any craft beer adventure for good reason – it was the first brewery in the Whakatipu region when founder Eliott Menzies established it in 2013. What started as a passion project has become a cornerstone of Queenstown's brewing scene, with business teacher Eddie Gapper giving up teaching to join in on the adventure.

Located right by the Queenstown Marina with stunning lake and mountain views, Altitude has earned its reputation through their multiple gold medal-winning Mischievous Kea IPA and unique Persistent High hefeweizen. The brewery's taproom boasts what Eddie calls "the best view out of any roller-door in the country," making it an essential stop for brewery tours in Queenstown.

Insider Tip: Walk or cycle along the Frankton Track to reach the brewery - perfect for working up a thirst for their award-winning brews.

2. Canyon Brewing - Bold Beers in a Scenic Beer Garden

Location: Shotover River, Arthur's Point
Must-Try: Vacation Hazy Pale Ale & Cardrona Hazy IPA

Canyon Brewing embodies their motto "beer for the bold" through head brewer Kit Clinton-Baker's innovative approach to brewing. This micro-brewery and restaurant crafts all its beer onsite, creating exciting seasonal brews that push the boundaries of what beer can be.

What sets Canyon apart in the local brewing scene is their commitment to local collaboration. Kit works closely with Central Otago farmers and suppliers to create unique brews that truly represent the best of the region. Their beer garden, arguably New Zealand's most scenic, makes this a must-visit destination just ten minutes from downtown Queenstown.

Insider Tip: If you’re after an après ski on-mountain experience, find Canyon Brewing beers at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

3. Double Cone Brewing – Pushing the limits in Kingston

Location: Kingston
Must-Try: Dust Devil Red Ale, Moon Juice Pale Ale

A newer addition to Queenstown’s craft beer landscape, Double Cone Brewing represents Kingston's first brewery, born in the Southern Alps by passionate brewer Stephen Wood. With their tagline "Pushing the Limits," this brewery brings a fresh perspective to the local beer scene.

Located in the historic town of Kingston at the southern end of Lake Whakatipu, Stephen and his team bring exceptional craft brews to this scenic lakeside town.

Insider Tip: While Double Cone don’t have a tap room, Bendix Stables in Arrowtown have a range of Double Cone beers on tap.

4. Searchlight Brewery - A Local's Gem

Location: Queenstown Industrial Area
Must-Try: Easy Rider Session Hazy Pale Ale, Queenstown Draught

With the motto 'search, seek, evolve,' Searchlight Brewery lives up to its reputation as a place that's always looking for ways to innovate their beer. This independently owned brewery started as former head brewer Lewis Gaskin's passion project but has quickly become a local gem.

What makes Searchlight special is their impressive 18-tap selection, ensuring there's always something new and creative for beer enthusiasts to discover. The recent addition of head brewer Ash Hutchinson means some fresh new seasonal brews and experimental beers are on the horizon.

Just a 15-minute walk from Queenstown’s town centre in Industrial Place, Searchlight represents an authentic, locally owned Brew House that is worth every bit of your time.

Insider Tip: Make sure you try the delicious Mexican from the Tacos Jaguar food truck.

5. Glenorchy Brew Co - Mountain Water, Mountain Views

Location: Glenorchy
Must-Try: Head of the Lake Lager, Glacier IPA

Glenorchy Brew Co uses pure water from nearby mountains and glaciers to create their refreshing brews. Founded by Steve, who combined his love for the land with a passion for brewing sparked by the local brew club, this micro-brewery is quite literally the closest brewery in the world to Paradise.

What makes their beer special starts with water sourced from an underground aquifer fed by Southern Alps glaciers, which has an excellent mineral profile for brewing. They're committed to using only New Zealand hops – including some from Garston Hops at the other end of Lake Whakatipu and source all their malted barley from fifth-generation family growers in South Canterbury.

The brewery embraces a sustainable approach that's second nature to the Glenorchy way of living. They use solar energy, natural fermentation, recyclable packaging, and repurpose all waste as animal feed or compost. Even their liquid waste is used for paddock irrigation, and they collect rainwater from the roof for cooling and cleaning.

Insider Tip: While Glenorchy Brew Co doesn't have a taproom, their handcrafted beer is delivered fresh to The Headwaters Eco Lodge, which TIME magazine named one of the world's greatest places in 2019.

6. Arrowtown Brewing Co. - Where Dreams Come True

Location: Available in various Arrowtown restaurants
Must-Try: Light tropical IPA and 'Sawpit Pilsner'

Here's a story that perfectly captures the spirit of Queenstown's beer scene: a photographer, a musician, and a Knight of the Realm walk into a bar and create a brewery. Michael Thomas (photographer), Dave Gent (The Exponents bass player), and Sir Peter Maire (Navman founder) dreamed up Arrowtown Brewing at the Fork and Tap.

Their five beer offerings include a tropical-flavoured IPA and the 'Sawpit Pilsner' – inspired by a local’s favourite hike and described as sweet with moments of bitterness. You can sample the full range at Slow Cuts and The Fork & Tap.

Where to Sample the Best Beer in Queenstown

There’s more than you’d expect to Queenstown’s craft beer scene. If you don’t know where to start that’s where our local craft beer houses come in. While only some of Queenstown’s best craft beers are available at supermarkets, almost all can be found in the craft beer houses.

Atlas Beer Café

Long-time champion of Queenstown's craft brewing scene, Atlas Beer Café sits on the lakefront supporting everything local. Their selection of regular and seasonal beers pairs perfectly with their iconic Atlas steak and chips.

Smiths Craft Beer House

A must-visit for any brewery enthusiast, Smiths serves a wide range of New Zealand beers with the team are happy to guide you through the best local craft brews. Their pulled pork loaded fries make the perfect accompaniment to your beer tasting journey.

Beech Tree

This laid-back local joint welcomes both beer lovers and their four-legged friends. With 23 taps of rotating local brews, it's beloved by locals for game nights and watching sport games on the big screen.

Craft Beer Tours

If you want to get a great taste of the region’s breweries with the added touch of an insider’s opinion, hop on a craft beer tour. These local beer aficionados will guide you to the best craft beer in Queenstown – and do the driving.

Queenstown Beer Tours

Locally owned and operated by fourth-generation Queenstown local Lewis Benseman, these tours offer insider knowledge about the region's breweries and the stories behind the brewers. It's the perfect way to experience a comprehensive brewery exploration with someone who knows the scene inside out.

Altitude Tours

Visit three unique locations on Altitude’s twilight tours and taste 12 local craft beers while snacking on antipasto platters. The 4-hour Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour departs Queenstown daily at 3:00pm and returns around 7:00pm.

Hop on Hop Off Wine Tours

For those who want flexibility in their brewery adventure, these tours provide transport between each tasting location, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Plan Your Craft Beer Queenstown Tour

Queenstown's brewery scene offers something for every palate, from award-winning IPAs to innovative seasonal brews. Whether you're heading on a self-guided exploration or joining a local tour, you'll soon discover why this place is so desirable for beer enthusiasts.