Our pick of the best New Zealand lagers and pilsners of 2026

Best New Zealand lagers and pilsners of 2026

Looking for something accessible with clean, bright flavours? Lagers are your answer. While lagers can come light, amber, or dark, they are unified by their cool fermentation process. This results in a more malt-forward flavour, often less fruity than their ale counterparts. Among lagers, pilsners are the lightest and brightest, promising refreshingly crisp and clean flavours.

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Panhead Port Road Pilsner - Supreme Winner

Type of beer: Pilsner

Brewery: Panhead

Flavours: A snappy modern pilsner with bright citrus-floral hops and a clean, crackery malt base. Crisp, refreshing and full of flavour - a stand-out pilsner that delivers every time.

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

Buy this beer: Visit online shopping

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Steinlager Tokyo Dry

Type of beer: Lager

Brewery: The Pride

Flavours: A modern Kiwi take on a Japanese-style dry lager. Light, crisp and dry, with a wee citrus lift. Premium drinkability for any occasion.

For more on this beer visit: https://www.lionco.com/

Buy this beer: Visit online shopping

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Rhyme and Reason Italian Stallion Euro Lager

Type of beer: Lager

Brewery: Rhyme and Reason

Flavours: A smooth, malty Munich Helles lager with subtle hops and a clean finish. Easy-drinking, refreshing and bloody perfect for everyday moments.

For more on this beer visit: https://www.rhymeandreason.beer/

Buy this beer: Visit online shopping

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8 Wired Pinnacle Pilsner

Type of beer: Pilsner

Brewery: 8 Wired

Flavours: A bright, thirst-quenching NZ pilsner showcasing brand new Bract NZH-106 hops. Tropical, fresh and crackingly drinkable - the pinnacle of Kiwi hop flavour.

For more on this beer visit: https://8wired.co.nz/

Buy this beer: Visit online shopping

Best New Zealand other ales & beers (including wheat & other grain) of 2026

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Waikato Draught

Type of beer: Draught

Brewery: Waikato Draught

Flavours: A true Kiwi classic. Robust malt, gentle hop bitterness and a clean, satisfying finish - the full-flavoured draught that's been keeping us company for generations.

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

Buy this beer: Visit online shopping

Best New Zealand beers and ciders of 2026

Which Top 25 winner stands out to you?

The winners are here so you can try, sip and vote for your favourite! Once you'd had your say, you'll be in to win 1 of 50 $100 New World gift card. You must be 18+ to vote.

Best Aotearoa craft beers and ciders for 2026

Introducing the Top 25 of the New World Beer & Cider Awards for 2026. Our expert judges have picked the standout brews from around Aotearoa, featuring a thirst-quenching range of lagers, ales, ciders, non-alcoholic beers and more.

Best Aotearoa lagers and pilsners for 2026

We’re celebrating some of Aotearoa’s best and brightest lagers and pilsners with 2026’s New World Beer & Cider Awards. To help you find your new favourite in this sparklingly fresh category, we’ve pulled out our top lagers and pilsners from Aotearoa.

Best Aotearoa IPAs and pale ales for 2025

IPAs and pale ales are beloved for their hoppy character, often complemented with herbal, fruity or citrus flavours. Dive in to discover the best of the best Aotearoa-made IPAs and pale ales for 2025 plus our favourite food pairings for each beer. 

Best Aotearoa hazy ales for 2025

Hazy ales are enjoying their own spotlight in the New World Beer & Cider Awards. Discover the best of the best Aotearoa-made hazy ales for 2025 plus our favourite food pairings for each beer.

Best Aotearoa ciders and brewed sodas of 2025

Nothing beats a sweet and refreshing cider in Spring's longer nights. Discover the best of the best Aotearoa-made ciders and brewed sodas of 2025.

Best Aotearoa stout for 2025

Stouts and porters, often called dark beers, are packed with roasted flavours and richness that make them an indulgent treat. Our winner of the best Kiwi stout and porter of 2025 has a chocolate, coconut and vanilla kick you're going to want to try again and again. 

Best Aotearoa fruity, weird and wonderful beers of 2026

This new category celebrates the unique brews whipped up by our innovative breweries. From beers with a kick to a surprisingly fruity and thick beer, there's sure to be a beer you'd want to try or bring along to your next gathering.

Best Aotearoa non-alcoholic and low-carb beers for 2025

Over the past year or two, the quality of Aotearoa non-alcoholic beer has markedly improved. Discover the best of the best Aotearoa-made non-alcoholic and low-carb beers for 2025 plus our favourite food pairings for each bevvy.

Explore the Beer & Cider Awards hub

Learn all about the Beer and Cider Awards, our Top 25 winners and how you can be in to win this year!

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