Features

There will be a great range of beer activities and seminars taking place during the festival. Below are some of the exciting activities, featuring prestigious guests to come and be a part of.

Pomeroy's Craft Beer Academy

Emerson's and the Rise of Craft Beer in New Zealand
Join Richard Emerson, one of the country's most respected and influential brewers, as he recounts the story of his iconic Dunedin brewery and shares his take on the rise - and rise - of craft brewing in New Zealand. 

On Christchurch Beer & Breweries
Carl Hadler has over a decade's experience writing about beer for The Press, and will share his story on the breweries of Christchurch, their growth and change, and the rise of craft brewing in the city. He'll also share his favorite four beers from 2011!

The World of Beer & Beer Styles
Geoff Griggs is a well respected and hugely experienced beer commentator, writer, judge and passionate promoter of quality beer. Join him as he navigates you through the world of beer and beer styles, from IPA to Imperial Stout!



Beer, Chocolate and Cheese
Beer specialist at Wellington's Region Wines & Spirits, former cheesemonger at Moore Wilsons and beer judge and writer, Keiran is the perfect person to guide you through the joys of pairing chocolate and cheese with craft beer.

Debate: Malt vs Hops
Two inimitable characters in Luke Nicholas from Epic & Dickie Fife from the Dux de Lux will entertain and educate as they debate the merits and importance - or lack thereof - of hops and malt in brewing.  

Stoked!
The name McCashin is synonymous with brewing in New Zealand. Join Emma, as she shares the story of the McCashin family and their passion for brewing craft beers and cider from their Nelson brewery - including their latest brand, Stoke. 

Hashigo Zake's World of Beer

Importing companies Hashigo Zake and Malz & Hopfen are collaborating to serve a range of imports of unprecedented quality and freshness on tap. On offer will be beers from some of the biggest names in the US craft beer movement - Green Flash, Bear Republic, Ballast Point, Coronado and Moylan's. They'll also have the best of the old world with fine wheat beer and pilsners from the 178 year old Waldhaus brewery in Germany's Black Forest. And Europe's new wave will be represented by Norway's Nøgne Ø and Denmark's Mikkeller.

SOBA Brewers Table

The SOBA Brewers Table gives festival attendees a unique opportunity to catch up with some of the people involved in delivering Great Kiwi Beers! A series of informal "Brewers Table” presentations allow you to learn tips of the trade, chat with brewers, and find out all you ever wanted to know about the beer industry in New Zealand. The Brewers table is hosted by the Society of Beer Advocates (SOBA), and located next to their stand where you can pick up copies of SOBA's magazine, "The Pursuit of Hoppiness", and join up to New Zealand's pioneering beer consumer movement.

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival VIP Experience
(this area has now sold out)

A unique VIP Experience has been created for those who would like a little bit more luxury from their time at the festival. For just $95 you can fast track your entry into the event and head straight to an exclusive VIP area, which will be set in an open-air environment with reserved seating. From here you can enjoy a complimentary bar and all-day gourmet brewers BBQ hosted by our special guest chef.