Tasting New Zealand: Local Beer, New Zealand Wine and West Coast Flavours
Updated: 2 days ago
From Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Central Otago Pinot Noir to locally brewed West Coast beer, tasting New Zealand is a wonderful part of any journey. Discover some of our favourite flavours and places to visit while staying at Breakers.
One of the many pleasures of travelling around New Zealand is discovering the flavours produced in the places you visit. Our landscapes may be dramatic, but they are also wonderfully productive. Across the country, vineyards, hop growers, brewers and small producers create an impressive selection of wines, beers and ciders that reflect their local surroundings.
Here at Breakers Boutique Accommodation, we love helping our guests experience a real taste of New Zealand. That may mean recommending a local brewery to visit, suggesting a wine to accompany dinner or simply helping you choose something special to enjoy while watching the sun disappear into the Tasman Sea.
You do not need to be an expert in wine or craft beer to enjoy what New Zealand has to offer. Sometimes the best tasting experience is simply discovering something new, slowing down and enjoying it in a beautiful setting.
Discovering New Zealand Wine
New Zealand may be a relatively small wine-producing country, but it offers an extraordinary variety of styles. Different climates, soils and landscapes allow each wine region to develop its own distinctive character.
Four varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay—account for most of New Zealand’s wine production, although our winemakers also produce excellent Riesling, Syrah, sparkling wine and many other varieties.
For travellers, this means there is always something new to taste as you journey around the country.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand’s largest wine region and is particularly well known for its Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are often fresh, crisp and full of vibrant fruit flavours, making them an easy choice for a relaxed summer afternoon or alongside seafood.
Although Sauvignon Blanc put Marlborough on the international wine map, the region also produces elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic white wines.
A chilled Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is particularly lovely with fresh New Zealand seafood or enjoyed outside at Breakers while taking in the Tasman Sea views.
Central Otago Pinot Noir
Further south, Central Otago is celebrated for its Pinot Noir. The region’s mountainous landscape, cool climate and distinctive growing areas produce wines with wonderful depth and character
Pinot Noir is a lovely choice during the cooler months, particularly when paired with lamb, venison, mushroom dishes or one of our homemade pizzas.
For guests joining us for a winter escape, a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir and a West Coast sunset can be a very enjoyable way to finish the day.
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and Syrah
On the eastern side of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay is known for its diverse growing conditions and wide selection of wines. The region produces particularly impressive Chardonnay, alongside Syrah and rich red blends.
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay can range from fresh and elegant to rich and full-bodied, giving travellers plenty of styles to explore.
Nelson Wines
Nelson is one of New Zealand’s smaller boutique wine regions and the closest established wine-growing area to the West Coast. Its sheltered coastal climate and high sunshine hours support Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic varieties
Guests travelling to Breakers from Nelson or returning north after their stay may like to include a vineyard visit as part of their wider South Island journey.
New Zealand’s Craft Beer Culture
Wine is only part of New Zealand’s story. Our craft beer scene has grown into a wonderfully varied collection of breweries, taprooms and locally inspired beers.
New Zealand-grown hops are highly regarded for their distinctive aromas and flavours. Brewers use them to create everything from refreshing lagers and pale ales to rich porters, stouts, hazy beers and seasonal releases.
Trying a locally brewed beer can be a lovely way to connect with the place you are visiting. The names, labels and ingredients often tell stories about local landscapes, wildlife, industries and personalities.
Here on the West Coast, brewing also carries a strong sense of history and community.
Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth
Just a short drive south of Breakers is Monteith’s Brewery, one of Greymouth’s best-known visitor experiences and a name closely connected with West Coast brewing.
Monteith’s has more than 150 years of West Coast heritage. Its Greymouth brewery offers tasting experiences and tours where visitors can hear local stories, learn more about the brewing process and sample a selection of beers.
It can be a particularly enjoyable stop after arriving in Greymouth on the TranzAlpine or before travelling north along the Great Coast Road to Breakers.
After your tasting, continue along the coastline, settle into your room and enjoy the peace of our beachfront location. We are always happy to help with directions and current visitor information.
Shortjaw Brewing in Westport
Guests travelling farther north may also like to visit Shortjaw Brewing in Westport.
Shortjaw took over the former West Coast Brewery site in 2021 and has brought new recipes and fresh energy to the location while continuing its local brewing tradition. Its beers are made using New Zealand ingredients, and the brewery includes a welcoming taproom where visitors can sample locally made beer.
It is a great addition to a northern West Coast itinerary, particularly for guests exploring Westport, Cape Foulwind, the Buller region or the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.
The journey between Westport and Breakers also takes you through some of the West Coast’s most memorable scenery, including Punakaiki and the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Enjoying New Zealand Beer and Wine at Breakers
Not every tasting experience needs to involve a formal tour or cellar door. Sometimes it is simply about finding a comfortable place, opening a bottle and enjoying the view.
At Breakers, guests can purchase a selection of locally crafted West Coast beers and New Zealand wines during their stay. You can relax in your room, sit outside on your balcony or deck, or find a peaceful spot in the garden as the evening light changes over the Tasman Sea.
Our sunsets are never the same. Some evenings bring soft pastel colours, while others fill the sky with deep golds, oranges and reds. We cannot guarantee the sunset—Mother Nature has her own plans—but when everything comes together, it is a very special West Coast experience.
We are happy to help you select something to suit your taste, whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a smooth Pinot Noir, a refreshing lager or a locally made craft beer.
