Food & Beer Culture

The Beervana Festival is the highlight of Wellington's beer calendar, a two-day event in August held at the capital's stadium. The name has been used since 2008, when the Brewers Guild of New Zealand created the festival as Beervana. Before that, it ran from 2001 as the NZ Beer Expo. In 2011 it moved to the Wellington Regional Stadium, and since 2015 it's been run by the Wellington Culinary Events Trust. Organizers report around 14,000 to 16,000 visitors.

A classic pairing for beer is something every New Zealander knows: fish and chips, battered fish fillet with fries. The salty batter and fat work well with the bitterness of an IPA, because hops refresh the palate.

The meat pie, found on many corners of Wellington, works similarly. The minced meat in dark gravy carries roasted notes that pair well with an Amber Ale or Porter. With burgers and fries, a Pale Ale brings fruit and freshness.

Cuba Street and the area around Taranaki Street are packed with bars and taprooms. The Burger Wellington event is part of the Wellington on a Plate festival.

Since 9 October 1967, pubs no longer close at 6pm. The late-evening pint has replaced the hurried after-work surge.

Beervana typically runs across a Friday and Saturday in four sessions. A dark beer pairs especially well with pies, since the crust and gravy share similar roasted notes.