We Are Ohakune Brewers
Inspired by our region’s very own big mountain — Ruapehu — our state‑of‑the‑art brewery brings you brews from Big Mountain Mead, with more creative beverages and artisanal offerings from local makers on the way. From the heart of the Central Plateau, we share our natural New Zealand brews with the world, host unique experiences, and help grow the next generation of brewers.
The Story of Big Mountain Mead
It began here in Ruapehu, where crisp alpine water runs clear and wild honey flows from native blooms. Big Mountain Mead was born from a shared love of adventure — and a stubborn belief that the ancient craft of mead‑making could be reimagined for the modern world.
In a small shed beneath the towering peaks of Mount Ruapehu, a few friends gathered after long days on the mountain. Packs still dusty, hands still cold, they poured their first batch: raw honey, pure water, and a little yeast. It bubbled and hissed through the night, filling the air with the scent of promise.
That first sip wasn’t perfect. But it was alive.
And that was enough to spark something bigger.
Today, Big Mountain Mead stands as a celebration of that spirit — the thrill of the unknown, the craft of the wild, and the bond between people who make things with their hands and hearts. From humble beginnings to bold new flavours, the team still carries that same mountain grit and curiosity into every bottle.
Because at Big Mountain, mead isn’t just made — it’s lived.
