The Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room

"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."

"Just an hour drive to the north from central Auckland, this independent brewery got its name when it took over an old sawmill in 2004. It has since moved to a new location to the north in Matakana, and conducts frequent tours of the brewery, in addition to offering tastings of its Pilsners, IPAs and crystal wheat ales—a golden-yellow wheat beer with fresh citrusy flavors. Feeling peckish? The brewery also serves food and beer pairings in their “Smoko Room.”" - Meryl Koh

"Just an hour drive to the north from central Auckland, this independent brewery got its name when it took over an old sawmill in 2004. It has since moved to a new location to the north in Matakana, and conducts frequent tours of the brewery, in addition to offering tastings of its Pilsners, IPAs and crystal wheat ales—a golden-yellow wheat beer with fresh citrusy flavors. Feeling peckish? The brewery also serves food and beer pairings in their “Smoko Room.”" - Meryl Koh