House of Hop

About House of Hop

House of Hop is a boutique craft brewery, restaurant, and country destination located in Gapes Valley, just seven minutes south of Geraldine on State Highway 79. Nestled amid rolling farmland and expansive rural vistas, the venue offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can unwind over locally inspired dining, handcrafted beers brewed on-site, and authentic South Canterbury hospitality.

Helmed by Chef and Business Operator Dion Witham alongside Head Brewer Chris Watkins, the kitchen focuses on fresh, honest country flavours and seasonal produce, including ingredients grown directly in the garden next to the brewery. A unique highlight of any visit is the chance to interact with and feed the resident Highland cows grazing on the property, creating a memorable outing for families, road trippers, and locals alike.

House of Hop: Handcrafted Beers and Country Hospitality in Geraldine

Set against the backdrop of rolling farmland in Gapes Valley, House of Hop is a countryside dining and craft beer destination located just seven minutes south of Geraldine along State Highway 79. The establishment blends rural charm with a passion for quality, offering travelers and South Canterbury locals an escape from the rush of everyday life.

From its inception as a boutique brewery, House of Hop has carved out a reputation for combining genuine hospitality with a menu rooted in local terroir. Whether stopping by for a hearty weekend lunch, sampling a tasting paddle, or celebrating a milestone with friends, guests step into a venue shaped by the landscape around it.

Farm-to-Table Dining and Small-Batch Brewing

At the culinary helm is Chef and Business Operator Dion Witham, who crafts menus that showcase honest country cooking. Produce grown organically right beside the brewery features prominently across dishes, pairing naturally with robust, satisfying plates. Visitors can tuck into popular staples like twice-cooked pork belly bites, slow-cooked venison ragu over pappardelle, or generous double beef smash burgers stacked with house-made sauces and crisp onion rings.

Complementing the kitchen is the dedicated brewhouse led by Head Brewer Chris Watkins. Brewing on-site since day one, Chris produces small-batch beers made exclusively with Canterbury grain and all-New Zealand hops. Seven taps pour an approachable yet flavourful spectrum of brews, ranging from refreshing Pilsners and Kölsch to aromatic West Coast IPAs, rich Chocolate Porters, and smooth stouts.

Highland Cows and Country Gatherings

A signature aspect of the House of Hop experience extends beyond the glass and plate into the surrounding paddocks. The venue is home to a friendly herd of Highland cows, giving diners the opportunity to take a stroll and feed the cows during their visit. This hands-on rural touch makes the destination particularly memorable for families and travellers road-tripping through the region.

For those planning private celebrations, the venue includes a dedicated function space accommodating 20 to 40 guests, with exclusive hire options available for larger gatherings. Between the expansive pastoral views, handcrafted pours, and welcoming team, House of Hop remains an essential stop when exploring Geraldine.

Signature items

• House Double Beef Smash Burger
• Buttermilk Chicken Strips
• Pork Belly Bites
• Battered Catch
• Venison Pasta
• House Brewed Craft Beers

Menu

Main

• Tacos — Pulled venison or grilled chicken with mexi sauce, sour cream, guacamole, and onion
• Vege Salad — Falafel, fresh greens, salsa dressing, roast tomato, roast onion, beet hummus, and chickpeas
• Battered Catch — Market fish in House of Hop beer batter with slaw, fries, and tartare
• Beef Rib — Reserve beef rib glazed in sticky BBQ sauce, served with slaw, fries, and sauce
• Venison Pasta — Slow cooked venison ragu tossed with pappardelle, creme fraiche, and nduja gremolata

Entree

• Garlic Bread — Ciabatta with house garlic butter
• Fries — Straight cut potato fries served with tomato sauce and house aioli
• Chicken Strips — Buttermilk chicken strips with gherkins, pickled onions, and chipotle mayo
• Chicken Wings — Crispy wings served with honey soy and sesame or spicy buffalo with aioli
• Crispy Prawn Cutlets — Prawns dusted in umami seasoning with spicy slaw and chipotle mayo
• Pork Belly Bites — Twice cooked pork belly, sticky soy dressing, nduja gremolata, and pickled onion

Burgers

• House Double Beef Smash Burger — Smashed beef patties, double cheese, double bacon, onion rings, caramelised onion, BBQ sauce, and pickles
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger — Fried chicken, cheese, bacon, pickles, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, onion, and chipotle mayo
• Pork Belly Burger — Pork belly slices, cheese, onion jam, pickles, cinnamon apple ring, lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli
• 2 Cheese Burgers — Two beef smash burgers with cheese, aioli, pickles, mustard, and fries
• Plant Based Burger — Vegetarian patty, beetroot hummus, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and fries

What'S On Tap

• NZ IPA — Craft beer brewed with Canterbury grain and all-Kiwi hops
• West Coast IPA — Locally brewed IPA crafted with regional grain and hops
• Chocolate Porter — Rich, small-batch dark beer brewed on-site
• Stout — Full-bodied craft stout made with Canterbury grain
• Pilsner — Crisp, classic craft pilsner brewed with New Zealand hops
• Pale Ale — Refreshing, aromatic pale ale featuring local ingredients
• Kölsch — Clean, easy-drinking German-style craft ale

Frequently asked questions

Where is House of Hop located?

House of Hop is located at 3 Gualter Road in Gapes Valley, approximately seven minutes south of Geraldine on State Highway 79.

Can visitors feed the Highland cows?

Yes, visitors can walk through and get the chance to feed the resident Highland cows while enjoying lunch or a tasting platter. Advance bookings are recommended.

What styles of beer are brewed on-site?

The brewery produces seven craft beers on tap using Canterbury grain and New Zealand hops, including NZ IPA, West Coast IPA, Chocolate Porter, Stout, Pilsner, Pale Ale, and Kölsch.

Are there dietary options available on the menu?

The menu offers vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options, alongside dishes made with gluten-free products. However, please note it is not a certified gluten-free kitchen.

Do you host private functions or events?

Yes, there is a private function room suitable for 20 to 40 guests for birthdays, work events, and celebrations, with exclusive venue hire also available for larger parties.

Are kids' options available?

Yes, House of Hop provides a dedicated kids' menu alongside its lunch and dinner offerings.

Tips

• {"body":"The Highland cows are a highlight of any visit, but bookings are essential during busy periods to ensure you get a chance to interact with the herd.","title":"Book Ahead to Feed the Cows"}
• {"body":"With seven craft beers on tap brewed directly on-site using local grain and Kiwi hops, make time to try a tasting paddle.","title":"Sample the Seasonal Brews"}
• {"body":"Lunch service runs Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and Sundays until 3:00 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.","title":"Check the Lunch Hours"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Family-friendly setting with kids' menus and Highland cows to feed.","dietary":"Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free product options available upon request.","parking":"Plenty of on-site parking available just outside Geraldine."}