Lovers of craft beer will be merging at Mount Maunganui today to test some of the 50 finest New Zealand craft beers this country has to offer.

Having received great feedback from its debut Craft Beerfest in April, Liquorland is bringing back the popular event – and is this time adding cider to the list of flavoursome tasters.

Liquorland manager John Campbell shows two of the beers available for tasting at tonight's craft beer festival.

The event at Farmer Auto Village on Hewletts Road offers a range of beers and ciders and food from the Big Smoke BBQ and entertainment from a local in-house band.

Liquorland manager John Campbell says it will be a fantastic night.

'It's a responsible drinking event for people who really love craft beer.”

John says the absence of mainstream beer means the event is purely a celebration of 'quality, handmade craft beer”.

'You'll be able to meet some of the rock stars of the brewing scene in New Zealand too, such as Richard Emmerson and Luke from Epic Brewing Company.”

Craft beers and ciders on offer include country favourites such as Croucher's Galaxy, Epic's Message in the Bottle and Sprig and Fern's 3 Berry Cider with boysenberry, strawberry and blackcurrant.

John says it's an 'awesome opportunity” to get a taste of all New Zealand has to offer.

With a great indoor showroom and an expected 400 guests, this event is a sure-fire crowd pleaser.

The Spring Beerfest runs from 4 – 8pm on Friday, November 9.

Tickets are $80 and now available from Liquorland Mount Maunganui and Liquorland Tauranga.