Five of the best: Beer drinkers' delights

Galbraith's Alehouse pub in Mt Eden Rd. Photo / Jason Dorday

The craft beer scene in New Zealand has been brewing for some time and a number of boutique bars and micro-breweries now boast an impressive line-up. With warmer days ahead, here are our five best tips for those who are in the mood for a cold one

1. Galbraith's Ale House

2 Mt Eden Rd, Grafton

This old English bar has been a Mt Eden landmark for 19 years, hand-crafting Keith Galbraith's traditional ales on site. It has 18 on tap and another 80 in the bottle, plus a pub-grub menu that's worth having an empty stomach to appreciate. It's a real family-friendly watering hole and has a popular darts board. Galbraith's encourages patrons to ask about its boutique beers and the friendly staff have always been super informative when we visit.

2. Brothers Beer

Shed 3D, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley St West, Auckland

With more than 200 beers on offer, an outstanding 18 on tap, and an operational brewery on site, Brothers Beer in the buzzing City Works Depot site is a hot spot for
beer-lovers. There are beers from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Europe and the US. Grab yourself a tasting paddle (we like to let the smart staff pick a selection for us), a perfect pie from next door at Scratch Bakers and, if the weather is right, a spot in the sun out the front. We also really love the hip but relaxed look and feel of Brothers.

3. Hallertau Brewbar

1171 Coatesville-Riverhead, Highway, Riverhead

About a 30-minute drive from Auckland, we always stop in for an ice cold "Number 2" - the Statesman Pale Ale - fresh from the tanks at the Hallertau Beer Cafe on the way home from Muriwai beach. You could sit among the hefty brewing machinery but a spot outside on the wooden deck gives the best vibe for sunny days. They also offer brewery tours and tastings. It's a cool spot for kids with a playground just out the back and a suitable space for large groups - just make sure you book ahead.

4. Vulture's Lane

10 Vulcan Lane, Auckland

A favourite for after-work drinks downtown, Vulture's Lane presents 22 regularly rotating beers on tap, plus more than 75 in bottles. Check out its website for a full list of what's on offer. We like to perch on the benches out the front and people-watch the wanderers of Vulcan Lane. Be warned: it does get packed with suits on a Friday afternoon, so get in before the rush.

5. The Matakana

11 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana

Built in 1903, this beautiful white kauri building stands proud in Matakana's quaint village centre. After a morning trawling the nearby markets, retire to this old pub for a meal and sample from the 14 beers on tap or 40 other bottled varieties. The outdoor space front and back is very alluring, featuring relaxed seating and live music. We reckon you'll want to settle in for the afternoon.