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How do I choose a cidery in New Zealand?

To choose a cidery in New Zealand, start with the 14 cider makers on Cider Radar (as of 2026-10-02) and choose a region: Nelson and Tasman, Hawke's Bay, Auckland, Wellington or Canterbury. Under the shared Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, a drink sold as cider must be made from apples, with no more than 25% pear.

Updated

Key facts

  • Live count. The catalogue lists 14 cider makers in New Zealand (as of 2026-10-02), with the most in Tasman (4) and Auckland (3).
  • Legal definition. The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code says "cider means the fruit wine prepared from the juice or must of apples or apples and pears and with no more than 25% of the juice or must of pears." [1]
  • Excise by strength. New Zealand Customs adjusts alcohol excise each year; the rates from 1 July 2026 depend on the alcohol content of the drink. [2]

Where are New Zealand's cider makers?

  • Nelson and Tasman. The top of the South Island has the largest group in the catalogue, around Nelson and the Moutere hills.
  • Hawke's Bay. An orchard region on the east coast of the North Island, around Hastings.
  • Auckland and Wellington. City and nearby makers, including the Kāpiti Coast north of Wellington.
  • Canterbury. Makers in and around Christchurch. These regions reflect where makers appear in the Cider Radar catalogue, not an official list.

Which cider makers are listed in New Zealand?

Seven of the 14 makers in the catalogue, one or two per region and alphabetical by region, as a starting point rather than a ranking:

What does the label tell me in New Zealand?

New Zealand and Australia share one food code, so "cider" means the same on both sides of the Tasman: apples, with pear limited to 25% of the juice or must. [1] A pear-based drink is perry and may be called pear cider, and fruit ciders must still meet the cider definition to use the name. [1] Strength matters for price too, because excise rises in steps at 2.5%, 6% and 9% alcohol. [2]

How do I narrow it down?

  1. Region. Pick a region from the list above and check the regional pages for Tasman and Auckland.
  2. Apple or pear. Decide between cider and perry; see perry vs pear cider and best pear cider.
  3. Craft or brand. Supermarkets carry the big brands; small makers sell at their own sites and at markets. For widely sold labels, see best cider brands.
  4. Ratings. See how other drinkers rated a cider on Cider Radar before you buy. For Australia, see how to choose a cidery in Australia; for other countries, which countries make cider.

Related answers: how to choose a cidery in Australia · perry vs pear cider

Find it on Cider Radar

Dates in this answer were checked on 3 October 2026 and are due for review by July 2027.

Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.

Questions

Is pear cider the same as perry in New Zealand?

In New Zealand the two names mean the same drink: the Food Standards Code says "Perry may be named pear cider." [1] For the difference elsewhere, see perry vs pear cider.

How is cider taxed in New Zealand?

New Zealand charges excise on alcoholic drinks by strength. From 1 July 2026, a drink of more than 2.5% but not more than 6% alcohol pays $38.999 per litre of alcohol, and one of more than 6% but not more than 9% pays $3.1199 per litre of beverage (GST excluded). [2]

Sources

  1. Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 2.7.3 – Fruit wine, vegetable wine and mead — Federal Register of Legislation (Australian Government)
  2. New excise duty rates for alcohol from 1 July 2026 — New Zealand Customs Service

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