Parrotdog Bar: Lyall Bay’s relaxed brewery bar

Surfers often turn up in jandals with a board under one arm, and dog walkers take their pooches inside and cool off with a beer.

It’s also close to the airport, so you’ll find travellers nipping in for a cold one before or after their flight.

The bar mantra is “come as you are’’, and the eclectic mix of families, beach-goers, locals, and tourists are testament to that. Inspired by traditional pubs, retro decor brings the space to life. Funky wallpaper brightens up the walls, and antiques and taxidermy provide excellent talking points. There’s a pool table to keep you busy, and a window through to the adjacent brewery. Keep an eye on what’s brewing while you take your pick from the bar’s 17 revolving taps.

Bar staff at Parrotdog pour a Takeaway bottle from the tap.

Stomachs are also satisfied at Parrotdog. Giving classic ‘pub grub’ a makeover, take your pick from salty snacks, tasty burgers, and salads.

If you’re looking for something to take home with you, Nice. Takeaway is right next door. The brewery’s cellar door has a generous walk-in chiller stocked with all your favourites. They also encourage punters to bring their flagons to fill from the 10-tap line-up. The knowledgeable staff encourage tastings and are always up for a chat. If you’re looking for a memento of your trip (or a great gift), pick up some branded Parrotdog merchandise.

Parrotdog began in 2011 when three university students — all called Matt — began brewing beer. It wasn’t long before they became one of the country’s fastest-growing craft brewers.

Crowdfunding allowed them to open their seaside brewery, Nice. Takeaway and Parrotdog Bar in Lyall Bay.

2 poeple share a beer tasting tray at Parrotdog Bar, with an Led sign above them that says Nice.

Looking for more?

A family walks towards the Dowse Museum in Lower Hutt.

The Dowse Art Museum

A contemporary art institution with a focus on craft and applied arts.

The exterior of Te Papa Tongarewa, half glass and half concrete.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.

Entrance to He Tohu at The National Library of New Zealand.

He Tohu at National Library of New Zealand

Home to a declaration, a treaty, and a petition — New Zealand’s founding documents are at the National Library of New Zealand.

The bar staff at Parrotdog pouring a drink while laughing with a customer.

Crafting your beer experience in Wellington

They’re boutique, fiercely independent, and proudly fly the craft beer flag for Wellington.

Interior with customers sitting down chatting, light blue and orange painted walls light up the space.

Chaat Street

Finger-lickin’ good Indian tapas will open your mind and fill your belly.

The exterior of the New Zealand Parliament building at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea in Wellington at sunset with pink-coloured clouds in the sky above.

New Zealand Parliament Tours

Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.

Bellamys

Approachable fine dining is on the menu in one of Wellington’s most unique dining experiences right in the heart of New Zealand’s parliament.

Wellington Museum

Experience the stories of Wellington and its people. From maritime history, early Māori settlement, and the city’s evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.