Motueka-based craft brewery Hop Federation is excited to announce the opening of a new taproom next to the Riwaka Hotel, located just two minutes’ drive from their old Riwaka brewery. Situated at a prime location on the Great Taste Trail, and on the way to Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman – the new site is the perfect place to pick up supplies for your holiday travels.
Founded in Riwaka by Chief Brewer Simon and his wife Nicki Nicholas in 2013, Hop Federation became part of Māori business Kono in 2020. The success of the business has seen the team move into a larger facility to better cope with customer demand, says Simon. “From our perspective, it was time to make the move to a larger brewery. A bigger, better brewery calls for bigger, better brews – and some exciting new ones, including the recent NZIPA and Brut Pilsner releases. Myself and Dean have been revamping the current range, making every brew even more hop-forward, refreshing, and delicious. The only downside of the move is saying goodbye to our much-loved taproom. And that’s where TOAD Hall and the new Riwaka Taproom came in!”
“Collaborating with some of the region’s most iconic establishments, TOAD Hall and Riwaka Hotel, is something we’re really excited about,” says Simon, “With Angie Morris and her team managing taprooms at both sites, we know they’re in great hands.”
The TOAD Hall Taproom in Motueka has been refurbished with a new look, and now stocks the best of local beer, wine and ciders, including the full Hop Federation range, explains owner Angie Morris. “Ten minutes’ drive down the road, the Riwaka Taproom has 12 beer taps and will also showcase the full range, including any new seasonals, six-packs, 440ml cans, riggers and merchandise, Tohu wines, and a great range of deli products.”
“All of the famous TOAD Hall fresh salads are available in our new Riwaka Taproom along with a fully stocked deli with cheeses, meats and freshly baked sourdough breads from TOAD Hall. We have some exciting plans in store for the summer season, including a wood-fired pizza cart. Watch this space for new developments and keep an eye on our social media (@hopfederation) for upcoming announcements!”
If you’re in Nelson over summer, be sure to visit their new taproom next to the Riwaka Hotel. Open daily from 10am – 7pm.
Both of their new seasonals are now available to order in 50L kegs or 440ml cans. For details on pricing and ordering information, contact brews@hopfederation or visit hopfederation.co.nz.
- NZIPA (6.3%): A celebration of New Zealand hops with Southern Cross, Taiheke and Nectaron packed in to create a tropical taste explosion.
- Brut Pilsner (4.9%): This silver medal winning brew is super crisp, with champagne yeast added to create brut-style bubbles and a satisfyingly dry finish. Made with all local hops – Riwaka, Motueka and Nelson Sauvin.
Hop Federation are a craft brewery from Motueka, the very heart of hop country in the Tasman District. The team is small but passionate and dedicated to producing outstanding beer. Celebrating their 10th birthday this year, they’ve become known for exceptional quality and craftmanship, with a beer range that’s hop-forward and fresh. “Just good, clean beers” as their Chief Brewer, Simon Nicholas, says.
They are part of Māori food and beverage family business, Kono, who have more than a decade of hop growing experience with eight hop varieties over 34 hectares. Hop Federation take those hops and create brews like their fresh hop beers, making them the perfect match.