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As you wander through the festival, you’re greeted by an array of local breweries that are the heart and soul of this event. From the innovative brews of b.effect and Rhyme X Reason to the distinctive flavors of Ground Up and Wanaka Beer Works, each brewery offers a unique taste of the region. Not to be missed are Canyon Food & Brew Co, Altitude Brewing, Otago Brew School, and the intriguingly named Crimson Badger, adding their own distinctive notes to this symphony of flavours.
But the Wanaka Beer Festival isn’t just about local brews. This year, it extends its reach across the South Island, featuring gems like Hop Session from Invers, the world famous Emersons of Dunedin, Christchurch’s Thief Brewery & Double Vision, and Brew Moon from North Canterbury. Adding to this rich tapestry is the North Island Beer Stand, showcasing some of the finest beers from New Zealand’s North Island, including offerings from Brave Brewing, Jason Bathgate’s new venture Ailment Brewing in Motueka, Auckland’s finest Sawmill & some more surprises. For the non-beer lovers, there will be plenty of options from ciders to ginger beers while Cardrona Distillery will be creating cocktails and 15 Minute Bottles supplying a host of delicious wines.
Activities are always a big part of the festival with laser clays, disc golf and other backyard games dotted around the event. Karaoke, ‘paint yer mate’ also return to much aplomb while we will have plenty of surprises with a carnival theme to keep people entertained. Following on from the success of last year’s comedy tent, we have expanded with Ben Hurley (7 Days, The Project) returning as MC alongside Hayley Sproul (NZ Bake Off, Taskmaster) & Timaru’s finest Josh Thomson (Young Rock, Wellington Paranormal) – its going to be a crackup.
Lets not forget that we also have our music tent curated by local legend Dan O – bringing some of Wānaka’s best young & old talent together under one massive piece of tarp.
What truly sets the Wanaka Beer Festival apart is its commitment to local talent and products. Food trucks serving delicious bites, local entertainers, and a focus on South Island breweries and vendors create an atmosphere that’s undeniably Kiwi in spirit. It’s a day to relax, engage, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good company and great beer.
James Julian, the man behind the festival, sums it up perfectly: “The whole point of Wanaka Beer Fest is to get together and chat, have a bit of craic, and that’s really the idea. It’s a non-commercial, independent, locally-focused, relaxed and enjoyable day that very few people will dislike.”
