From Forest to Foam: The Local Timber Story Behind Tauranga’s Newest Brewpub

Perched on a plateau amid 12,000 native trees, with sweeping views over the Kaimai Range, Neck of the Woods appears to have grown straight from the land itself. Expansive decks, a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and warm, natural textures throughout give the space a unique character — a blend of rural charm and modern comfort that invites visitors to settle in, enjoy a cold drink, and experience a true slice of Tauranga hospitality.

From the very beginning, the project was guided by a central theme that embodies the Wood-Mizer brand: “From Forest to Final Form.” Every beam and post was crafted from logs sourced from the Moores family sawmill and expertly milled to timber. This established the foundation of Scott Taylor’s brewpub vision, creating a space where local craftsmanship intersects with brewing—a place where the forest truly meets the foam of a freshly poured beer: From Forest to Foam.

When owner Scott Taylor, together with his friend and business partner Virgile Meiller, returned to Tauranga after years working in Auckland’s hospitality and brewing scene, they envisioned a brewpub that felt rooted, local, and personal—a space that fused rustic warmth with modern industrial touches. They imagined an “Industrial Farmhouse” atmosphere, characterised by exposed timber beams and clean lines, where every detail tells a story of craftsmanship.

To bring this vision to life, Scott and Virgile collaborated with Rob Moores the landowner and a long-time family friend, Rob not only provided the land but also supplied the quality timber that would form the backbone of the brewpub, sourced and milled by his son Mike and his team at Tauriko Sawmills. The partnership was also a way to honour the decades-long friendship between Scott’s late father and Rob.

Each beam, post, and feature timber was meticulously selected and crafted, creating an interior that exudes authenticity and warmth while highlighting the versatility and skill of Tauriko Sawmills. The result is a brewpub that feels both contemporary and timeless, where local craftsmanship meets local brewing, and every detail—from the wood to the foam in your glass—reflects care, precision, and community.

The warm textures inside Neck of the Woods—Macrocarpa posts and beams, Japanese cedar linings, and character-rich feature timbers—were all milled by Tauriko Sawmills under Mike Moores careful guidance.

“The Wood-Mizer LT40 makes working with odd-shaped logs simple and efficient,” Mike explains. “Paired with our DoubleHard blades, it’s precise and versatile, allowing us to get the most out of every log.” The EG200 then edges and rips boards with excellent efficiency, maximising timber recovery and enhancing productivity—ensuring that even the most challenging logs are transformed into boards worthy of pride in the project's artistry.

For Mike, these machines are more than tools; they are essential in honouring the wood and delivering timber that tells a story.

For Rob Moores, sawmilling isn’t just a trade — it’s eight generations of history, passed down through stories, tools, and a deep respect for the trees that become timber. The craft runs through the Moores family like grain through a slab: strong, consistent, unmistakable.

When Rob first bought the Tauriko land in 1991—a rough block covered in blackberry, gorse, and little else—he saw possibilities where others might have seen work. He cleared it piece by piece, built up the mill log by log, and shaped the site into a place where local timber and local skill could thrive.

What he didn’t imagine back then was that the same land would one day host not only his sawmill, but a brewpub built from the very timber he and his son cut. As Rob steps aside, Mike finds himself looking back on the rhythm that shaped him—the LT40 roaring to life at dawn, the scent of fresh Macrocarpa, and the daily ritual of turning raw logs into something useful, something beautiful.

Today, he runs the mill with the same quiet pride and hands-on craftsmanship that defined his father’s work. But there’s something deeper too: a sense of honour in taking the family legacy forward, and in seeing their timber become part of a community landmark.

For Scott and Virgile, using timber milled right where the pub stands gives Neck of the Woods an authenticity you can’t buy. Customers feel it the moment they walk in—the warmth, the solid beams, the character in the grain. It’s a space shaped by local people, local materials. A story passed from one generation to the next.

For Mike, it’s a reminder of why the mill exists at all: to keep woodcraft alive, to support the community, and to make something meaningful from every log. This isn’t just a brewpub — it’s a Moore family story, a truly local story, from forest to foam, nestled at the foot of the Kaimai Range in Tauranga, in the sunny Bay of Plenty.