About b.social (b.effect Brewing)
b.effect started brewing in Wānaka in 2015, and in 2019 it began turning a former car mechanic's workshop on Anderson Road into its brewery and taproom, b.social. The taproom sits right beside the brewhouse, so you can watch the brewing while you sit with a drink. The brand leans toward easy-drinking, sessionable beers and an outdoors crowd, and its brewery runs fully on electricity to cut energy and water use.
The beer list changes, but recent releases include Wānaka Lager, a gluten-free Mexican-style lager, Pop'n Pils pilsner, Alpine Ale (an unfiltered pale ale), Rebel For Kicks and Ridgeline hazy IPAs, Sticky Forrest hemp IPA, Hut People stout and a 2.5% Wānaka Light. Tasting flights are offered if you want to try several. They also make Daywalker ginger beer and b.alive kombucha in Original, Jasmine and Earl Grey, which gives drivers and anyone skipping alcohol something brewed on site too.
b.social is a taproom and eatery, so it works as a lunch or early dinner stop rather than only a bar. It is a short drive out of the town center rather than a walk from the lakefront. The b.effect team also turns up at local events through the year, including the Wānaka Beer Fest, the Wānaka A&P Show and Warbirds Over Wānaka.
Wānaka Lavender Farm is about 2 miles away, so a lavender visit and a late lunch here make an easy half day.
What to do
- Order a tasting flight of b.effect's session beers
- Watch the brewhouse at work from the taproom next door
- Try the house kombucha or Daywalker ginger beer if you're not drinking
- Stop for lunch or an early dinner at the eatery
- Look for b.effect at the Wānaka Beer Fest and other local events
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Taproom open daily year-round
- Hours
- Daily 12pm–10pm (as listed by Lake Wānaka Tourism, 2025–2026); check their website for changes
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
Tips for your visit
- It's a drive from the town center, so plan transport or a designated driver
- Non-alcoholic kombucha and ginger beer are brewed on site
- Ask about a tasting flight if you can't decide between beers
Pair it with a lavender farm
Wānaka Lavender Farm · about 5 minutes away
Wānaka Lavender Farm is about 2 miles away, close enough to pair with lunch here.
Getting there
Questions
Does b.social serve food?
Yes, it is a taproom and eatery.
Are there non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, b.effect makes its own kombucha and Daywalker ginger beer.
When did b.effect start?
In 2015; the b.social taproom was built from 2019 in a former mechanic's workshop.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Wānaka, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
