Our pick of the best IPAs and pale ales of 2026

Best New Zealand IPAs and pale ales of 2026

Indian Pale Ales, or IPAs, are well loved for their strong hoppy flavour, combined tropical fruitiness with bold, bitter hops.

Altitude Built for Speed West Coast IPA

Type of beer: IPA

Brewery: Altitude

Flavours: A modern West Coast IPA, done in 'San Diego' style. Bright citrus, tropical punch and sticky pine over a lean malt base. Crisp, dry and crystal clear and delicious.

For more on this beer visit: https://www.altitudebrewing.co.nz/

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Lakeman Rogue Hog West Coast IPA

Type of beer: IPA

Brewery: Lakeman

Flavours: A proper West Coast IPA - orange pith, pine and a wee diesel edge that adds real depth. Vibrant orange and stonefruit on the palate, with toasty malt to balance it all out.

For more on this beer visit: https://www.lakemanbrewing.co.nz/

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Parrotdog Limited Release 39 Double IPA

Type of beer: IPA

Brewery: Parrotdog

Flavours: A bold double IPA that pulls no punches. Big hop character, clean malt backbone and 8% of pure flavour - one for the IPA devotees.

For more on this beer visit: https://parrotdog.co.nz/

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Brave Brewing Bottle Rocket Pale Ale

Type of beer: Pale Ale

Brewery: Brave Brewing

Flavours: A vibrant Kiwi pale ale, packed with punchy hops and bright aromatics. Crushable, sessionable and bloody delicious - pale ale done the New Zealand way.

For more on this beer visit: https://bravebrewing.co.nz/

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Lakeman Taupo Thunder NZ Pale Ale

Type of beer: Pale Ale

Brewery: Lakeman

Flavours: Two stunning NZ hops - Riwaka and Moutere - bringing big passionfruit and gooseberry aromas, with grapefruit and pine on the palate. Bright, punchy and seriously well put together.

For more on this beer visit: https://www.lakemanbrewing.co.nz/

Buy this beer: Visit online shopping