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The Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room

The Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room The Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room is an independent, New Zealand owned brewery with a rich heritage dating back to the 1860s when it was established on the site of a former timber mill. Located just out of Matakana, Sawmill offers 14 beers on tap, organic wines, and locally sourced food in their Smoko Room. Discover real craftsmanship and inventive flavors at this B-Corp certified brewery.
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Recent social media posts

Our Filipino chefs are bringing a feast of authentic dishes to the Smoko Room! Bold flavours and the perfect balance of ...
01/06/2026

Our Filipino chefs are bringing a feast of authentic dishes to the Smoko Room!

Bold flavours and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty and savoury. A vibrant cuisine that is hearty and satisfying.

Choose any two courses for $50 or three for $60.

Bookings encouraged.

See you Friday! 🌶️

Bon Voyage, Maayke!✈️After 9 years of running absolutely everything at Sawmill (officially and unofficially), Maayke is ...
29/05/2026

Bon Voyage, Maayke!✈️

After 9 years of running absolutely everything at Sawmill (officially and unofficially), Maayke is off on a 6-month sabbatical.

From calendars and meetings to marketing, labels, orders, design, and pouring beers, she's been our Dutch engine room, chief organiser, and occasional herder of cats.

We're not entirely sure who's going to remind us what we're supposed to be doing now, but that's a problem for future us.

Travel safe, have an incredible adventure, and try not to enjoy yourself too much — we need you back.

Tot ziens, Maayke — you'll be hugely missed! ❤️

Our people 🍻 Meet Tom - a magician behind the bar, crafting potions, syrups, and a little bit of wonder in every pour. H...
26/05/2026

Our people 🍻

Meet Tom - a magician behind the bar, crafting potions, syrups, and a little bit of wonder in every pour. He’s got an ear for killer playlists, a pun always at the ready, and more than a few hidden talents tucked behind that smile.

Name: Tom Leuschke
Position: Bar Manager
Time at Smoko Room: 2.5 years.

What’s your go-to beer at the brewery?
At the moment it’s Sawmill BLACK! Our new Irish stout.

What’s your favourite thing about working behind the bar?
Slinging delicious, inventive, sustainable and extremely fresh beer to our many wonderful customers, and coming up with playlist that excite and infuriate the brewery team.

What’s a beer you’d recommend to someone coming to Smoko Room for the first time?
Pilsner or XPA.

Favourite Smoko Room dish?
Currently it has to be the steak skewers with bone marrow aioli. Delicious.

What’s the weirdest or funniest thing that’s happened behind the bar?
We recently had a massive swarm of bees move hives into our trees from over the road, we happened to have customers come in moments after who were bee keepers and they grabbed their gear and swiftly collected the bees. Was weird and wonderful.

What’s your perfect day off look like?
Beach day with the family, cold beer in the afternoon and a good pasta dinner. Add in some night time kiwi spotting at Tawharanui and that is a great day.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? When I’m not behind the bar or with my kids I am an abstract artist who has recently been specialising in bespoke commission pieces.

What is your style/medium?
Large scale abstract paintings. I use acrylic, aerosol and ink.

Which artist has influenced you the most?
So many influences but I keep coming back to José Parlá.

If you could share a beer with any artist, who would it be?
Have to be Salvador Dali.

Where can people see more of your artwork?
Check out my website www.tomleuschke.com or find me on the gram…

Brewed to celebrate the arrival of freshly harvested Nelson Sauvin hops from , this Hazy IPA showcases the vibrancy of t...
21/05/2026

Brewed to celebrate the arrival of freshly harvested Nelson Sauvin hops from , this Hazy IPA showcases the vibrancy of the new season. Picked in March, these hops bring an unmatched freshness and intensity to the beer.

The palate is juicy and full, with a soft hazy body that carries lively passionfruit and white wine notes, balanced by a clean bitterness. Fresh, expressive and highly drinkable, this is a true showcase of Nelson Sauvin at its peak.

Aotearoa Series #72 is now on tap at:

Auckland:













South Island:







Wellington:




Other North Island bars:

BREAKING NEWS!Cocktails have joined Happy Hour! Every weekday from 3pm to 6pm.🍹Soju Spritz or Paloma for $16
15/05/2026

BREAKING NEWS!

Cocktails have joined Happy Hour! Every weekday from 3pm to 6pm.

🍹Soju Spritz or Paloma for $16

12/05/2026

You’ll never know how much your bartender loves you until they pour you a Sawmill BLACK. Taste the love!

On tap at:







Albar Dunedin

07/05/2026

MOTHERS DAY – MARGS 🍹 & TACOS 🌮

Sundays special | $9 tacos | $16 margaritas

Choose from:

🌮 Mojo Pork
🌮 Chipotle Chicken
🌮 Baja Fish
🌮 Carne

Available all day on Mother’s Day.
We’re open from 12pm until late.

Our partnership with BLAKE goes back 7 years.Organisations like these usually need corporate partners to sustain their w...
06/05/2026

Our partnership with BLAKE goes back 7 years.

Organisations like these usually need corporate partners to sustain their work so we are proud to have found ways that we can contribute as a much smaller business.

In 2021 we raised $30,000 for programmes through our BLAKE beer, we've supported every awards night, and host teachers and teenagers each school holidays. The highlight though is having these groups of 11 and 12-year-olds for lunch at the end of their BLAKE camps, buzzing after surfing, snorkelling, and exploring the regional parks. Their enthusiasm is something else and the whole team love looking after them.

It’s a dream partnership

Suns out ☀️, buns out 🍔Burgers are on the menu every weekday!Burger + Beer - $30 at Happy Hour from 3pm until 6pm.
01/05/2026

Suns out ☀️, buns out 🍔

Burgers are on the menu every weekday!

Burger + Beer - $30 at Happy Hour from 3pm until 6pm.

30/04/2026

Sawmill BLACK.

An Irish inspired stout poured on nitro for a dense, cascading head and silky mouthfeel. On tap NOW.

More black, less blarney 🖤

This Hazy Pale Ale is brewed to showcase the unique character of a new trial hop from .Alongside Wakatu and Clayton's Ri...
20/04/2026

This Hazy Pale Ale is brewed to showcase the unique character of a new trial hop from .

Alongside Wakatu and Clayton's Riwaka, the experimental CIP-076 hop brings a huge range of flavours. Tropical fruit, soft citrus and subtle sweetness with a vibrant finish.

Aotearoa Series #71 is now on tap at:

Auckland:










South Island:







Wellington:




Other North Island bars:

The Smoko Room is back to winter hours - open 5 days a week (closed Tue & Wed). HAPPY HOUR every weekday 3-6pm.
19/04/2026

The Smoko Room is back to winter hours - open 5 days a week (closed Tue & Wed). HAPPY HOUR every weekday 3-6pm.

15/04/2026

Independence means thinking for ourselves, an ethos of resourcefullness and creativity 🍻

TACOS 🌮🌮🌮 & MARGARITAS 🍹This week's special | $9 tacos | $16 margaritasChoose from:🌮 Mojo Pork🌮 Chipotle Chicken🌮 Baja F...
13/04/2026

TACOS 🌮🌮🌮 & MARGARITAS 🍹

This week's special | $9 tacos | $16 margaritas

Choose from:

🌮 Mojo Pork
🌮 Chipotle Chicken
🌮 Baja Fish
🌮 Carne

Today's margarita - mint & lime 🍋‍🟩

Available all week or until sold out!

⚽️ AFC GIVEAWAY ⚽️We’re giving away 4 x tickets to this Saturday’s match - Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory.If you’re up...
07/04/2026

⚽️ AFC GIVEAWAY ⚽️

We’re giving away 4 x tickets to this Saturday’s match - Auckland FC vs Melbourne Victory.

If you’re up for a night of football and cold beers:

1. Like this post
2. Tag who you’d bring (each tag = another entry)
3. Make sure you follow us

Winner announced Friday at 12pm.
T&Cs apply.

Good luck and if you’re at the game, grab a Sawmill 🍻

GIVEAWAY 🌊🎬 Sawmill x Aotearoa Surf Film Festival 🎬🌊Final week of The Aotearoa Surf Film Festival - with a screening thi...
06/04/2026

GIVEAWAY 🌊🎬 Sawmill x Aotearoa Surf Film Festival 🎬🌊

Final week of The Aotearoa Surf Film Festival - with a screening this Thursday at Matakana Cinemas - and as proud sponsors we’re stoked to hook you up with:

- 2x tickets to Matakana ASFF screening
- 1x Sawmill "Surf Club" Cap
- 1x Sawmill "Surf Club" Tee

Simply:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Tag a friend who you would take

Entries close tomorrow 8th of April 3pm. Winner drawn randomly. T&Cs apply.

04/04/2026

HOPpy Easter everybody 🐰🍻🍭

We are hiring! Sawmill Brewery is looking for a creative and organised coordinator to join our marketing team on a part-...
02/04/2026

We are hiring!

Sawmill Brewery is looking for a creative and organised coordinator to join our marketing team on a part-time basis to cover Sabbatical Leave from May to December. This is a hands-on role sitting at the heart of our brand — supporting product launches, trade communications, digital platforms, and our taproom, the Smoko Room. If you love beer, great design, and keeping things running smoothly, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing
• Designing and coordinating marketing materials — tap badges, posters, event collateral, and point-of-sale assets
• Supporting new and seasonal product launches, from internal comms to website listings
• Managing our digital presence across the website, Instagram, Facebook, Untappd, and Google
• Sending weekly newsletters and SMS updates to customers
• Supporting the Smoko Room with menus, signage, event listings, and promotions
• Providing logistics support to the sales team — price lists, samples, presentations, and shared assets
• Helping coordinate merchandise development, stock levels, and supplier relationships
What we're looking for
• Experience in a marketing, communications, or brand coordination role
• Very confident using design tools (Canva, Adobe Suite, InDesign)
• Comfortable managing websites and email marketing platforms (Shopify experience a bonus)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple projects
• A proactive, self-starter attitude — you keep things moving without being asked
• Genuine interest in the craft beer or hospitality industry
The details
Part-time hours / 6-month Sabbatical Leave cover contract / Starting late May / Based at Sawmill

To apply please email [email protected] with your CV. Applications wont be viewed through Facebook.

Rolling into the Foodstuffs Partnership Awards last week where we were nominated for the HereforNZ award, recognising bu...
19/03/2026

Rolling into the Foodstuffs Partnership Awards last week where we were nominated for the HereforNZ award, recognising businesses that are making a positive contribution to Aotearoa through environmental and social action. 🍻NZ

An icey cold bucket of good decisions 🧊🍻
15/03/2026

An icey cold bucket of good decisions 🧊🍻

Showcasing the innovation and creativity of New Zealand hop growers, this APA features Motueka, Moutere, Superdelic, Pac...
12/03/2026

Showcasing the innovation and creativity of New Zealand hop growers, this APA features Motueka, Moutere, Superdelic, Pacific Gem and Nelson Sauvin - all sourced from .

A Sawmill take on the classic American Pale Ale except this time, it's all Kiwi - an Aotearoa Pale Ale driven entirely driven by New Zealand ingredients.

Bursting with lime, passionfruit and white grape, this Aotearoa Pale Ale balances juicy New Zealand hop character with a light biscuit malt base and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Aotearoa Series #70 is on tap at:

Auckland:













South Island:








Wellington:




Other North Island bars:

HAPPY HOUR IS BACK!Weekdays 3pm - 6pm🍔 Burger + Beer - $30 (+ fries for $4)🍺 $9 pints🍺 $40 jugs (with fried chicken or f...
10/03/2026

HAPPY HOUR IS BACK!
Weekdays 3pm - 6pm

🍔 Burger + Beer - $30 (+ fries for $4)

🍺 $9 pints
🍺 $40 jugs (with fried chicken or fries)

🍷 $9 Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir

Most of our core range beers are included - so there’s always something good pouring.

See you at the bar.

It’s B-Corp month and we are celebrating being certified for 7 years. The B-Corp movement is a global certification and ...
10/03/2026

It’s B-Corp month and we are celebrating being certified for 7 years.

The B-Corp movement is a global certification and business community built around the idea that companies should be accountable not just for profit, but for their impact on their team, communities and the environment.

It gets harder every time because it should.

We need to keep getting better.

06/03/2026

Friday… always a good reason to celebrate 🙌🏼

Happy weekend everybody!

Address

1004 Leigh Road
Matakana
0985

To get to Leigh Road in Matakana using public transport, you can take a bus to Matakana Village and then walk about 10 minutes to reach your destination. If you prefer to drive, head north on State Highway 1 from Auckland and take the exit toward Warkworth. Follow the signs to Matakana and then turn onto Leigh Road. There is parking available at the venue.

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 9pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday 12pm - 9pm
Saturday 12pm - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 9pm

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Located on Leigh Road in Matakana, The Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room is a gem that embodies the essence of New Zealand's independent craft beer scene. Established in 2004 on the historic site of a timber mill dating back to the 1860s, this brewery pays homage to its heritage through its dedication to craftsmanship and tenacity.

What sets The Sawmill Brewery apart is not just its exceptional beers but also its commitment to sustainability and community. As New Zealand's only B-Corp certified Brewery, they embody values of independence, resourcefulness, and authenticity.

The Smoko Room, opened in July 2016, is a haven for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike. With 14 beers on tap and a carefully curated drinks list featuring organic wines and top New Zealand producers, it's a paradise for those seeking quality libations. The menu boasts inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients that showcase the region's flavors with gumption.

Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 restrictions, The Sawmill Brewery remains resilient and dedicated to providing great hospitality and freshly brewed beers. While the Smoko Room may be temporarily closed at present, it's clear that their passion for brewing exceptional beer and serving delicious food will continue to shine through once they reopen their doors.

For anyone looking to experience the best of New Zealand craft beer in a setting that celebrates history, community, and creativity, The Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room is a must-visit destination. Whether you're stopping by for a pint or grabbing some takeaway brews, you're sure to be impressed by the quality and character that define this unique establishment.

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