Ruapehu Brewing - Ohakune

Ruapehu Brewing Co. is an independent brewery based in Ohakune. It was founded by Austin Hobson in 2017.

The brewery began in a small heritage railway station building in Ohakune’s Junction area. Although the space was tiny, they produced plenty of beer for the local community.

Austin, originally from Bristol, England, developed a passion for brewing through his family. After travelling the world as a dedicated snowboarder, he settled in Ohakune and started the brewery. He still leads the brewing operations today and creates beers that reflect the adventurous spirit of the Ruapehu region.

With strong support from the local community, Ruapehu Brewing Co. has since moved into a larger space. In 2023, their hazy IPA called Unlimited Vis was named in the Top 30 at the New World Beer & Cider Awards. This helped raise the brewery’s profile nationally. They also won a People’s Choice award at a small beer festival.

The brewery’s cellar door is currently open for takeaway beer. Customers can buy cans or get a flagon or rigger filled fresh from the tap. The team plans to develop a more immersive taproom experience in central Ohakune in the future.

What They Offer

At the cellar door, Ruapehu Brewing Co. sells its beers directly to customers, ensuring they are as fresh as possible. People can choose from a range of canned beers or fill up a flagon or rigger straight from the tap. It is a convenient stop for both locals and visitors.

Local Brews, Local Vibes

The brewery’s beers are crafted with the adventurous character of the Ruapehu region in mind. Each beer reflects a focus on quality and community connection. The selection includes rotating seasonal brews and limited releases available at the cellar door.

Some of their unique beer names include: Lawnmower, Weedcore, Unlimited Viz, Mr Robinson, Lord of Darkness, Everyday I'm Shufflin.

Ohakune Beer Festival

The Ohakune Beer Festival is an annual event held on Easter weekend at Kings Ohakune in the Ruapehu District. It features independent New Zealand breweries, live music, and CapTIM’s slow-cooked BBQ.

Tickets usually include a festival glass and 8 tasting tokens (125ml per token).

• The first three hours (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) are family-friendly, with free entry for kids.
• After 5:00 PM the event becomes R18, while the live music and tastings continue late into the night.

Cheers to the journey ahead for Ruapehu Brewing Co.!