"Drinks at the Library My go-to spot for after-work drinks is the Library in Wellington, and no, not the public library. Right on Courteney Place, there is a nondescript sign reading "The Library" in front of a simple doorway with several staircases. If you know what to look for, you head up the stairs and at the top behind one of the doors you'll find the classy Library Bar. Decked out with books from floor to ceiling, cozy red chairs reminiscent of college libraries around the world, and a cocktail menu that will blow your mind, the Library is the hip spot in town for drinks."

"Formerly Hamilton's Church of St. George, the high-ceilinged space at Good George Brewery and Dining Hall now attracts happy drinkersreading from the gospels of fine craft beer and excellent wood-fired pizza. On weekend afternoons local musicians with a singer/songwriter vibe perform in Good George's garden bar—delivering tunes you'll probably know all the words to. The brewery's ciders and fruit beers are regarded as among New Zealand 's best. For a similar feel, and the opportunity to drink other beers from around the country, head to Little George on Hood Street, the centerof rowdy nightlife in the city. A five-strong tasting flight is the best option for curious drinkers keen to experience New Zealand's fantastic craft-beer scene."

"A Wee Dram I'm a regular at Ponsonby's Whiskey Bar and I'm not even a big scotch drinker. If I was though I wouldn't be disappointed - there are literally dozens to choose from and Phil the bar manager knows each of them personally. With rock 'n' roll hall of fame decor, pumping 60s and 70s music, cocktails made with the right amount of love, and seats out front to watch Ponsonby Road, Whiskey is always top of my list for a good night out."

"Following the 2011 earthquake that destroyed many of Christchurch's eating and drinking hot spots, local bar owners were forced to come up with innovative new openings amid the city's slow but steady rebuild. One such debut was Smash Palace, which was constructed in and around a retro school bus and which combines hipster cool with a sunny beer garden full of quirky urban detritus. It's known regionally as one of the city's best craft-beer bars—local Canterbury brewers include Three Boys and Harringtons—and Smash Palace's damn fine burgers are all made by hand on site. Welcome to an unpretentious and energetic testament to the resilience and tenacity of the fine people of Christchurch."

"Vietnamese Intimacy Possibly the most refined drinking room in town, Xu Xu in Britomart makes you never want to leave. Large drapes, sunken sofas, taxidermy adorning the walls and drinks strong enough to start their own conversations, you'll say you're going there for just one... but there'll be more. Sitting outside on the king-size seats will remind you of French Indochina, and if you get a little peckish there are small serving plates to snack from."

"Despite a population of less than 5 million, New Zealand has one of the world's most diverse and interesting craft-beer scenes, and many of the country's successful brewers were originally inspired by Richard Emerson in the southern city of Dunedin. In 1993, Emerson fashioned the Bookbinder bitter that was one of the country's original small-batch concoctions, and now the company's expanded range can be tried at its wonderful tasting room and restaurant near Dunedin's waterfront. Look forward to innovative seasonal beers as well—sometimes inspired by the Dunedin musicians and bands found on the legendary Flying Nun record label."

"Renowned as one of New Zealand 's most innovative craft breweries—recent beers have incorporated ingredients as diverse as green tea, sour cherries, and jasmine—the best place to try what's new is Garage Project's tasting room in the bohemian Wellington suburb of Aro Valley. Beyond the clever, one-off concoctions, Garage Project also produces fantastic core beers, some using local New Zealand hops varieties like Riwaka and Nelson Sauvin. Beers to order with confidence whenever you see them around the country include Garagista IPA and Aro Noir stout, and fans of sour and barrel-aged varieties should ask about the Wild Workshop range: It harnesses natural yeasts from the ocean breezes around Wellington and nearby Cook Strait."

"Slyly concealed at the back of the K'Rd Food Workshop—itself an interesting multi-vendor destination for traveling gourmands—Love Bucket is a hip drinking establishment amid the vintage-clothing stores, cheap ethnic restaurants, and late night/early morning nightclubs of Auckland 's Karangahape Road. Operated by the team at Hallertau Brewery in West Auckland, Love Bucket is a cool showcase for their more challenging sour and barrel-aged beers, as well as tap cocktails, an international wine list, and superior bar snacks including cheese and charcuterie plates. Look forward to eclectic decor—a sort of gentlemen's-club-in-the-1970s style—and a pleasing mash-up of retro vinyl beats coursing discreetly through the bar."

"Surrounded by the rolling pastures of the Matakana region north of Auckland , the rustic ambience of this craft brewery belies the subtle sophistication of the food and drinks on offer. The attached Smoko Room restaurant turns out excellent shared plates with a global spin—try the turmeric-spiced goat hummus with cumin flatbreads—and the canny brewers are forever making interesting seasonal beers to complement Sawmill's core range. Standout pints include a citrusy pale ale and a crisp lager showcasing zesty New Zealand hops (the tasting tray of five brews is the best option for curious traveling beer fans). Save room for dessert: an ice-cream sandwich fusing New Zealand's signature ANZACcookiewith salted-caramel gelato."

"Beautiful Things Come in Small Packages Lime is one of Auckland 's smallest bars, but don't let that deceive you. Overflowing with character—and characters—this is where Ponsonby sings its heart out every night while downing cocktails and telling yarns. The place doesn't start humming until after 10pm and then the sing-along 70s get busted out, to the joy of the regulars!"

"You'll most likely spend your time in New Zealand's adventure capital of Queenstown combining mountain and lake views with bungee jumping, jet boating, and kayaking—so wind down with a few pints at Queenstown's best beer bar. Local Central Otago brewers to look for include Sidewinder, Altitude, and Ground Up, and the raffish bar's taps always include concoctions by other celebrated Kiwi makers as well. Bar food includes huge burgers, rustic pizzas, or a hearty venison potpie that's ideal after a winter's afternoon on the ski slopes at nearby Coronet Peak. In late June, Smiths hosts the annual New Zealand IPA Competition, where brewers craft beverages from zesty New Zealand hops."