About
1876 on Ballarat Street in Queenstown is a craft brewery and bar that's earned its solid 4.3-star reputation by doing the fundamentals right. Named after the year gold was discovered in the region, it's become a genuine local hangout rather than just another tourist trap—though visitors are absolutely welcome. The brewery focuses on quality New Zealand craft beer, with a rotating selection that highlights both their own brews and carefully curated local offerings. The space has that unpretentious charm you want from a neighbourhood brewery: good beer, genuine hospitality, and a real sense of place.
Expect a relaxed atmosphere with bare brick, timber, and the kind of lighting that works equally well at 3pm or 9pm. Whether you're solo at the bar, on a casual date, or with a group of mates, 1876 suits most visiting styles—though it's primarily geared toward adults and craft beer enthusiasts rather than families with young kids. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, though there's no pressure to move on. The staff actually know their product and will steer you toward something you'll genuinely enjoy rather than pushing the obvious choice. Grab a board of local cheese or charcuterie if you're hungry; it's solid without pretending to be fine dining.
Located in central Queenstown, 1876 slots perfectly into a Ballarat Street crawl—you're a short walk from other bars, restaurants, and the lakefront. Visit year-round, though summer evenings have a particular buzz with outdoor seating appeal. It's a genuine refresh point during adventure activity downtime, and locals will often point you here rather than the high-turnover venues nearer the wharf. If you're doing a brewery tour or just want to taste what Queenstown's craft scene actually tastes like, this is the honest answer.
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your visit.