Want to know what to do in the Bay of Islands? How about following this local brewery around!

Get a real taste of The Bay by enjoying our delicious craft beers, brewed right here in the heart of the community by The Bay of Islands Brewing Company, New Zealand.

You can discover Bay of Islands beers dotted around the bay, including at some of its most  popular eating and drinking spots, so visit our craft beer outlets for an impromptu tour of  this beautiful part of the world. 

On your tour of the area be sure to stop by one of our most popular outlets, The Duke of  Marlborough in Russell. 

Stepping off the ferry you can’t miss this iconic venue, refreshing rascals and reprobates  since 1827.  

Awarded New Zealand’s first liquor license, this historic hotel is a proper locals’ hang out.  It’s a great spot to enjoy one of our Hazy IPA’s or a Schwartz lager even one of our fresh crisp Cider’s whilst experiencing an authentic taste of  Russell’s colourful history.  

With it’s beautiful artwork, delicious food and fantastic views The Duke is a must during your  visit.

Since you’re already in the heart of the town it’s a perfect excuse to explore Russell. Visit the town’s charming shops, climb aboard a boat to explore the bay itself or just take it easy at the beach with a refreshing Bay of Islands beer.

Before you leave Russell be sure drop in at Hone's garden for bite to eat in their tropical  restaurant garden.  

In this beautiful setting you may even forget to order one of our American Pale Ales to accompany one of Hone’s fantastic pizzas, but’s that’s ok, we’ll forgive you.

Continuing your tour of the bay be sure to check out The Black Olive in Kerikeri. 

You’ll have to search high and low to find a local who hasn't celebrated some sort of event at  this much loved spot. 

As well as being a popular venue The Olive offers a wide range of Northland style plates.  Try one of our crisp Ciders or a Pale ale to go with their selection of fresh seafood and pizzas.

If you’re craving a burger during your time in Kerikeri be sure to call into Burger Fiasko.  This popular joint serves up some of the most satisfying burgers and sides in town. 

Why not sip one of our Pale Ales  whilst perusing Fiasco’s extensive menu. From ‘The Knuckles’ to ‘The Smoko’ make sure you’ve worked up a hearty appetite before  checking this place out. 

Man Behind the Beer

Combining his love of playing live music in the Bay’s bars and his passion for brewing craft beers, Richie Brownsword has founded and developed this popular brewery from scratch.

Working alongside some of The Bay’s most popular venues, Richie now stocks his wide range of locally brewed beers across the area’s bars and restaurants to bring you a real flavour of the bay.

From humble beginnings experimenting with the brewing process in his garage, Richie  Brownsword has developed his passion for hops and barley into The Bay of Islands Brewing  Company. 

Originally from the UK, Richie put down roots in his beloved Bay in 2001. Richie quickly became part of the community, whether working with local businesses or playing music in various venues throughout area.

After years of honing his brewing craft whilst taking inspiration from Northern New Zealand Richie has created an exciting new brewery that brings the taste of The Bay into local venues.

Richie’s love for The Bay Of Islands acts as a constant inspiration, filtering down into the  eponymous brewery that he has created in the heart of its community. 

Inquisitive by nature, Richie enjoys learning new skills, from building his house to (of course) refining the brewing process.

An avid lover of food and music, when he’s not brewing Richie spends his spare time experimenting with the BBQ process,

hanging out with his wife and kids and exploring The  Bay Of Islands with his dog, Scout. 

If you'd like to learn more about Ritchie’s brewery process and his journey creating The Bay Of Islands Brewery Company, check out his interview on NZB podcast