Harrington's Breweries was founded by John and Val Harrington in 1991. The first beer was brewed on 15 July 1991 at the Old Wards Brewery site on KilmoreStreet, Christchurch. Their first set up allowed them to make 1000 litres a batch. Demand soon exceeded supply and in 1993 they moved to a much larger location in Ferry Road, Christchurch. The move increased their capacity to 6000 litres per batch. In 2012 they were awarded "Champion Brewery" at the BrewersGuild of New Zealand Awards.