First Beer in New Zealand

European, and primarily British immigration to New Zealand in the 19th Century has resulted in a brewing tradition that is as established as European settlement itself. The first beer brewed in New Zealand was made by the order of English explorer Captain Cook in the 18th Century, who believed the nutritional values of beer would help fight scurvy, a disease common to sailors of the time. It was brewed from Manuka leaves on Resolution Island, in Dusky Sound, Fiordland.

The two leading breweries in New Zealand, Lion Nathan and DB Breweries, control almost two thirds of volume sales between them.

Pale lager, the largest alcoholic drinks sector in terms of volume sales, is on a downward trend, as a result of a declining demand for standard and economy products.

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