Hop Federation opens new taproom

Motueka-based craft brewery Hop Federation has opened its new taproom in time for summer crowds in the region.

The new space is at 627 Main Road in Riwaka, next to The Riwaka Hotel and just two minutes from its old Riwaka brewery.

The taproom has 12 beer taps and showcases the full Hop Federation range, including new seasonals, six-packs, 440ml cans, riggers and merchandise. It also has Tohu wines (from parent company KONO), and a wide range of salads, bread and deli products from local foodie store TOAD Hall.

Hop Federation taproom - image courtesy Nelson Magazine

The new Hop Federation taproom sits on the region’s popular Great Taste Trail and is on the way to Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman. Plans for summer include a woodfired pizza cart.

Founded in Riwaka by Chief Brewer Simon and his wife Nicki Nicholas in 2013, Hop Federation became part of Māori business Kono in 2020. Earlier this year, Hop Federation opened its new brewery in Motueka to better cope with demand.

“From our perspective, it was time to make the move to a larger brewery,” says Simon. “A bigger, better brewery calls for bigger, better brews – and some exciting new ones, including the recent NZIPA and Brut Pilsner releases. [Brewer] Dean Hunter and I have been revamping the current range, making every brew even more hop-forward, refreshing, and delicious.”

D: Kono