Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula offer more than stunning scenery—they’re a hub for craft beer and local brewing culture. From historic breweries to innovative small-batch operations, this region provides a rich beer scene worth exploring. Our favorite here is the Speight’s Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting because it combines the charm of a historic brewery with interactive tastings, all within a small-group setting that makes asking questions easy. Plus, with multiple start times, it’s easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.
While Dunedin’s beautiful scenery and cultural sites are well known, its drinking tours unlock a different side of the city—one that’s lively, flavorful, and steeped in local tradition. For those interested in pairing their tasting experience with some hearty local fare, the Speight’s Brewery Tour & Dinner offers a full evening of authentic beer and hearty southern food. For a more in-depth behind-the-scenes look, Emerson’s Brewery (link here) provides a detailed peek into modern brewing techniques and the craft behind each bottle. For travelers seeking an exclusive, personalized experience, the Brews and Views: A Private Tour of Dunedin’s Craft Beer Scene offers a 3-hour, tailored journey through multiple local breweries.
1. Speight’s Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting
At number 1, the Speight’s Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting stands out for its combination of history, interactive experience, and authentic tasting. This 75-minute tour takes you through both the historic and modern parts of the brewery, which has been on the same site since the 1800s. What makes this tour special is its small-group format, ensuring you won’t struggle to hear or ask questions. The guide shares insights into New Zealand’s beer-making history, while you sample beers in the Tasting Room and learn how to pour the perfect pint.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—like Israel, who made the experience engaging and informative. The tasting session is generous, with a good selection of beers and even cider options. The tour’s value is high at just over $27 per person, especially considering the rich history and interactive nature. It’s ideal for anyone interested in local brewing traditions and enjoying a relaxed, informal environment.
Bottom line: This tour offers a perfect mix of education, history, and beer tasting in a historic setting, making it the best introduction to Dunedin’s brewing scene.
2. Speight’s Brewery Tour & Dinner
Second on our list is the Speight’s Brewery Tour & Dinner, which combines a brewery visit with a hearty meal. This tour is slightly longer at around 1 hour 15 minutes, and it’s perfect for those wanting to indulge more fully. As New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery, Speight’s offers the unique experience of seeing both a historic brew floor and a cutting-edge modern brewery all in one place.
The tour ends with a sit-down dinner, featuring traditional southern fare paired with local beers. This makes it ideal for visitors who want a more immersive experience, combining education with good food and drink. Although there are only a handful of reviews, all are glowing, praising the authentic atmosphere and the quality of both the beer and the meal. The $48.28 price reflects a premium experience that’s well worth the cost for those wanting to turn their brewery tour into a memorable evening.
Bottom line: A great choice if you’re interested in combining brewery history with a hearty dinner, especially for those who appreciate good food paired with quality beer.
3. Emerson’s Brewery Tour
For those who love learning every step of how beer is made, the Emerson’s Brewery Tour is a standout. This 1-hour tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at a state-of-the-art 5000L brewery and a 1200L workshop, with a focus on the brewing process from malt to bottling. Led by guides like Sam, the tour emphasizes the technical side of brewing, making it especially appealing if you’re curious about machinery, ingredients, or the science behind beer.
Guests appreciate the detailed walkthrough of each stage, as well as the opportunity to taste the beers directly from the source. The tour is praised for its educational value, with visitors learning how Emerson’s maintains high standards of cleanliness and quality. At around $24.43, it’s affordable and offers excellent insight into modern brewing techniques. The only drawback for some may be that it’s less historic and more technical, making it better suited for beer enthusiasts or those interested in the brewing craft.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at a modern brewery and enjoy technical details, this tour hits the mark.
4. Brews and Views: A Private Tour of Dunedin’s Craft Beer Scene
Finally, for the traveler craving a personalized experience, Brews and Views: A Private Tour of Dunedin’s Craft Beer Scene offers a 3-hour journey tailored just for your group. This private tour visits 4-5 carefully chosen breweries, giving you a curated taste of Dunedin’s diverse craft beer offerings. You’ll not only sample a range of flavors but also hear about the artistry and passion behind each brew from your guide.
While this tour comes with a steep price tag—over $580 per person—it’s perfect for beer aficionados seeking exclusivity and a more intimate exploration of Dunedin’s brewing culture. You won’t find a more personalized experience, and the flexible itinerary means you can focus on your particular interests. The only consideration is that it may be overkill for casual beer drinkers or those on a tighter budget.
Bottom line: Ideal for serious beer lovers or special occasions, this private tour offers a bespoke journey that highlights the best of Dunedin’s craft scene.
$581.24 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Dunedin
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a classic, history-rich experience with excellent value, the Speight’s Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting is hard to beat. For a more indulgent night out, the Speight’s Brewery Tour & Dinner offers food, drinks, and atmosphere in one package. Beer geeks who want a technical deep dive should consider the Emerson’s Brewery Tour, while those seeking privacy and exclusivity might prefer the Brews and Views private tour.
Think about how much you want to learn versus how much you want to relax. For example, if your schedule is tight, the 1-hour Emerson’s tour is quick but informative. Want to combine your beer experience with a tasty meal? The dinner option provides a full evening. For a luxurious, personalized experience, the private trip is unmatched—just be prepared to spend more.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the private tour and the dinner experience, which are popular and limited in availability. Remember, Dunedin’s craft beer scene is lively and evolving, so each tour offers a unique snapshot of the city’s brewing passion.
From historic brewery visits to private craft beer journeys, Dunedin offers something for every beer enthusiast. Whether you want an educational taste of local history or a personalized craft beer adventure, these tours let you enjoy Dunedin’s rich brewing culture firsthand. Pick what suits your style, and don’t forget to book ahead to ensure you get the experience you’re after. Cheers!