The New Zealand IPA (NZIPA) is no longer a niche curiosity. It’s been on the official Brewer’s Association style guidelines since 2021 and with global demand for New Zealand hops continuing to rise, more breweries are experimenting with NZ‑hop‑driven IPAs — and the NZIPA style is becoming an increasingly visible part of the craft beer landscape. All down to the fact that New Zealand hop varieties create flavour experiences you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.
That momentum was on full display at the Smiths NZIPA Challenge in Queenstown in June, which pulled in an impressive 33 entries from 35 breweries across New Zealand and Australia. It’s become the stage for brewers to show what’s possible when you build an IPA around New Zealand hop varieties — bright aromatics, layered tropicals, citrus lift, and that unmistakable Southern Hemisphere energy.
And the excitement is spreading. This year, the competition expands across the Tasman on July 17 and 18 with a new Melbourne edition hosted by Rocky Ridge and in association with the Crafty Pint crew. Brewers have wasted no time submitting beers built on 100% New Zealand hop bills.
The Winners' Circle
Champion NZIPA: A powerhouse collaboration between b‑effect Brewing, Brew Moon, and Thief Brewing, delivering a dynamic, expressive NZIPA with a diverse hop profile — including our own trial variety CIP076.
Hop Growers Cup: Renaissance Brewing with Kaleidoscope, a punchy, vibrant NZIPA showcasing several Amplifire™ hop products to full effect – Rakau™, Riwaka™ and Motueka™ Amplifire™ hop pellets and Motueka™ Amplifire™ hop oil.
People’s Choice: Neck of the Woods — a rising star proving they’re one to watch.
Best Label Design: Sprig & Fern for Remarkable Rhapzody, embracing the landscape and the new hop variety NZ Rhapzody™ in a design that resonated with judges and drinkers alike.
Want to Taste the Hype?
Judge the beers for yourself via Beerhug’s -
2026 Smiths NZIPA Challenge — Official Release
Ready to Brew One?
Start with a proven base:
NZ IPA Recipe – Classic New Zealand IPA | Clayton Hops
Cheers to NZIPAs!
