Recent social media posts
17/06/2026
Built on shared values of craftsmanship and doing things properly, we have teamed up with Norsewear to celebrate a collaboration between two independent New Zealand businesses.
This cold-fermented NZ IPA is brewed entirely with local ingredients and designed for maximum drinkability.
Clean, refreshing, and highly sessionable. đ»
16/06/2026
What do great beer and great socks have in common?
More than youâd think.
For our latest Aotearoa Series collaboration, weâve partnered with Norsewear â the legends behind some of New Zealandâs toughest socks since 1963.
Both of us believe in backing local, working with the best ingredients and materials we can get our hands on, and giving you something of quality.
Whether youâre heading into the hills, onto the farm, or just settling in with a well-earned beer, this oneâs for the people who appreciate things made well.
Norsewear X Sawmill - made here, always has been.
Aotearoa Series #73 is now on tap at:
Auckland:
Fantail & Turtle
Tiny Triumphs
Hoppers Garden Bar
My Bar Auckland
The Brewers Co-Operative
16 TUN
The Birdcage Tavern Freehouse
South Island:
5Tapped Ltd
Matthew Bainbridge
The Good Drop
Verve
Wellington:
Little Beer Quarter
Rogue & Vagabond
Golding's Free Dive
Other North Island bars:
The Hamilton Beer & Wine Co.
Lukeâs Kitchen
Smoko Room at Sawmill Brewery
15/06/2026
Weâre incredibly proud to be the winners of this years Lewisham Award for Outstanding Beer Experience.
Voted by our peers in the hospitality industry, this award recognises our dedication to great beer, generous hospitality, and creating an experience worth coming back for.
We are especially proud to offer beer styles for all the people - a good beer experience is as much about the company you keep as the ingredients. Lets not overcomplicate it!
Hereâs to the best New Zealand beer and really good people đ»
11/06/2026
We were on the town last week - hosted generously by Ozone Coffee New Zealand and followed up with drinks at The Grey Lynn Firehouse and dinner at our long time favourite Cocoâs Cantina Dining Room & Bar.
Our team really is phenomenal. Loud applause for them and their commitment to bringing the best New Zealand brewed beer to the good people of Aotearoa! đ»
11/06/2026
We are very proud to display the recently launched NZ Grown Grain Mark - the easiest way to see if the products you are buying support New Zealand farmers.
Â
Look out for this mark on beer, bread, cereals, oats and plant milk â it tells you those goods are made using New Zealand grown grains.
New Zealand growers produce some of the worlds best grain and we are lucky enough to also have one of the best Maltings Gladfield Malt - family owned, family run and world class.
Eat New Zealand
07/06/2026
12 years. Countless relationships. One well-deserved award. đ
Congratulations to Logan Richmond, winner of the Lewisham Award for Hospitality NZâs Outstanding Sales Experience.
For the past 12 years, Logan has been an incredible ambassador for Sawmill Brewery, building connections, supporting our customers, and sharing our beer with passion and authenticity.
Weâre proud to celebrate this achievement with you, Logan. đ»
05/06/2026
Crowd pleaser đ»
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! đ¶ïž
29/05/2026
Bon Voyage, Maayke!âïž
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 â we need you back.
Tot ziens, Maayke â you'll be hugely missed! â€ïž
26/05/2026
Our people đ»
Meet Tom - a magician behind the bar, crafting potions, syrups, and a little bit of wonder in every pour. Heâs 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.
Whatâs your go-to beer at the brewery?
At the moment itâs Sawmill BLACK! Our new Irish stout.
Whatâs 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.
Whatâs a beer youâd 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.
Whatâs the weirdest or funniest thing thatâs 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.
Whatâs 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.
Whatâs one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? When Iâm 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 Parlå.
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 gramâŠ
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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What people say
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.
