In the 1980’s we spent our time as kids burning our feet on the sand and riding waves at the magical beachside destination of Waipu Cove where it’s all about that classic ‘Northland thing’ of enjoying life hanging out with friends, kicking back and taking it easy. And when you get a taste of that, it’s very hard to leave - so to avoid that terrible thought, back in 2003 the family bought a business for itself up here.

We immediately put our stamp on Waipu’s Pizza Barn, hiring half the village and working right alongside them in the kitchen and bar – and still do! We created a genuine, family-friendly, laid-back vibe supported by a hearty and uniquely Kiwi-themed menu that really hit the spot with locals, holidaymakers and passersby. To us, everything was great…except the beer.

Having both been fans of craft beers from our travels abroad, we craved authentic brews that were bold in flavour and aroma. We wanted to make it right and make it right out the back, so we did! Tapping into a little of the local Scottish immigrant heritage we launched McLeod’s Brewery in 2014. Since that time, we’ve been producing beers with more ingredients and more time spent on the brewing than other beers. Because of that we like to think of McLeod’s as the most refreshing way to enjoy a taste of Northland.

We’re proudly independent with a genuine Kiwi small-town feel. We love what we do and continue to work hard at it. They say hard work is rewarded – and we’re chuffed that in our case all that hard work has been highly awarded. McLeod’s, Champion New Zealand Brewery, Longboarder Lager, New Zealand’s most consistently awarded super-premium lager with many of our other brews regularly awarded too.

Up this way, we’re all ‘living the dream’ and invite you to enjoy a little taste of that too.

Take it easy!  

Geoff and Clayton Gwynne