It was a dream to get to go to New Zealand's best beer festival, and I made it happen in 2024. Watching social media of past events, and seeing how thoughtful and fun it looked, over a typical commercial drunkfest, made me want to experience it. It's the best beer festival I've ever gone to and hope to make it back again soon!
It was held over two days, two sessions each (a Friday and Saturday). Thursday night I also got to attend the trade show and preview some beers, breweries, and meet people that would be at the festival. It was all held in Sky Stadium in Wellington. The festival itself was so well planned it never once felt overwhelming: easy entry with efficient security, quick ticket scan and cup pickup, and organized ring of breweries inside (it was cold that weekend), with enough space in between to make it always feel healthy and open. Water stands and food were also interspersed nicely.
Due to local laws, you had to pay for each beer, which was done all electronically. No guesswork nor change, just tap and go. It featured beers mostly from around New Zealand, but also had a great selection of Sunshine Coast Australia breweries, plus this year's featured country Germany. Ticket prices plus drink prices added up, but was still reasonable for the quality and fun time.
I also met so many genuinely friendly people in and around the festival. If you love beer and are able to go, this one is worth the trip. read more