Wellington isn’t just New Zealand’s political capital — it’s also quickly earning a reputation as the country’s craft beer hub. Known for its bohemian vibe, creative spirit, and innovative brewers, the city offers a variety of tours that showcase its vibrant brewing scene. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or experimental brews, Wellington’s craft beer tours deliver authentic experiences and local flavor. We particularly enjoyed the Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour for its relaxed pace and passionate brewers. Plus, its inclusion of four diverse breweries makes it a great introduction for beer lovers.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour offers tailored visits with private guides, perfect for couples or small groups. If you’re after a full-day deep dive, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Full Day Tour combines multiple breweries with lunch, giving a comprehensive look at Wellington’s brewing scene. For a quirky mix of automotive history and craft beer, the Craft beers & car museum – Half Day Tour adds a fun twist, featuring exclusive visits to a car museum. Lastly, for a laid-back, intimate outing with tastings and a visit to a local kombucha producer, the Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour offers a unique blend of drinks and storytelling.
1. Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour
This popular half-day tour packs a lot into four hours. It takes you to four Wellington and Hutt Valley breweries, where you’ll sample a variety of local beers—from ales to lagers and everything in between. What makes this tour stand out is the focus on passionate, personal brewery visits. The guide arranges exclusive tours and encourages conversations with the brewers, giving you insights into New Zealand’s brewing culture.
The itinerary includes stops at Kereru, Boneface Brewery, Baylands Brewery, and The Third Eye. You’ll enjoy tasting paddles at each location and soaking in the unique atmosphere of each brewery. The driver shares stories about Wellington, pointing out notable sites along the way, making this tour both educational and scenic. Reviews consistently praise the friendly guides and the variety of beers, with one reviewer noting that Kereru is a must-visit. The tour includes pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off, simplifying logistics.
Bottom line: This tour delivers excellent value at around $100, with a focus on small-group intimacy and in-depth brewery visits. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, engaging experience without the hassle of transportation or planning.
2. Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour
For those who prefer a more exclusive experience, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour offers a personalized approach. Priced at about $147 per person, it’s tailored for small groups, couples, or friends wanting a flexible schedule. This tour takes you to top suburban brewpubs and popular city spots, including Parrotdog, Garage Project, and Panhead Tory Street, with tastings included.
What makes this tour distinct is the focus on customized visits—your guide adapts to your beer preferences and interests. The guide is well-versed in Wellington’s brewing scene, sharing stories and insights that large group tours often miss. The small-group format ensures a personal atmosphere, and the inclusion of bottled water keeps your palate refreshed amid the tasting. Reviewers highlight the guide’s knowledge and the intimate experience, with one mentioning how much they valued the local tips.
Bottom line: Perfect for beer enthusiasts wanting a private, flexible tour with expert insights. It’s a great value if you prioritize personalized service and insider access.
3. Private Wellington Craft Beer Full Day Tour
If you want a comprehensive look at Wellington’s craft beer scene, the Full Day Private Tour is hard to beat. For around $220, you’ll spend about seven hours exploring several well-known and emerging breweries, including Kereru, Boneface, Panhead, Parrotdog, and Garage Project. The day includes lunch and tastings, making it a low-stress way to enjoy Wellington’s brewing diversity.
This tour is especially suited for those who want to understand what makes Wellington a craft beer capital. The itinerary covers both urban breweries and suburban favorites, with plenty of time for conversations and explanations from your guide. It’s a good pick for visitors who want to avoid public transport and see some of the city’s hidden spots. The lunch, paired well with local brews, adds value, ensuring you’re well-fed before a day of tastings. Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and the combination of sightseeing and beer sampling.
Bottom line: Ideal for dedicated beer lovers and those wanting a full-day, relaxed, and educational experience. It’s a good investment for a memorable Wellington beer adventure.
4. Craft beers & car museum – Half Day Tour incl beverage samples
This tour offers a mix of automotive history and craft beer in a 3.5-hour experience. The highlight is a visit to Cars Inc., a private car museum with an impressive collection of muscle cars, pedal cars, and vintage vehicles. The tour takes you out of Wellington into the Hutt Valley, with stops at local sites like the Trentham Military Camp and the New Zealand Sports Facility.
What makes this tour different is its exclusivity — you get access to a private collection not open to the general public. The focus isn’t just on beer but also on automotive culture, appealing to car enthusiasts or families looking for a broader experience. The tour includes tasting samples of local craft beers and a variety of automotive exhibits, making it both fun and educational. The reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the unique visit to Cars Inc and the engaging commentary from the guide.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in cars and craft beer, or those wanting a shorter, activity-filled half-day outing combining two passions.
$100.79 per person
5. Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour
If you’re curious about alternative drinks, the Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour offers an unusual twist. For just around $37, you’ll visit a boutique brewery that brews handcrafted kombucha in traditional Chinese style using ceramic crocks. The tour also includes rum flights, craft beers, and Yeastie Boys tastings, paired with a made-on-site wood-fired pizza.
What makes this experience unique is the combination of fermented drinks and storytelling. Robin, the guide, shares insights into brewing methods, the history of each drink, and the local scene. The tours are intimate, with only a small group, and the focus on crafting and tasting makes it highly engaging. Reviewers note how knowledgeable Robin is and appreciate the chance to try different drinks in one session.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to explore non-traditional beverages and enjoy a relaxed, educational tasting experience with a focus on craft brewing and fermentation.
6. Craft beers & car museums – Full Day Tour incl beverage samples
This full-day tour is designed for those who want a full immersion in Wellington’s craft beer and automotive culture. Starting with a pickup from the cruise port, the adventure visits the Southward Car Museum on the Kapiti Coast, which boasts an extraordinary collection of vintage and classic cars. The tour also includes stops at Cars Inc, plus other local attractions.
The Full Day Tour provides a blend of automotive history, scenic drives, and beer tastings. It’s for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sights and beverages, with plenty of time to explore and ask questions. The tour’s length (about 6.5 hours) suits those wanting a well-rounded day without rushing.
While it currently has no reviews, the itinerary promises a comprehensive experience that combines Wellington’s craft beer scene with its automotive heritage.
Bottom line: Best for those who love both cars and craft beer, and want a full-day adventure combining sightseeing, history, and tastings.
$168.90 per person
How to Choose the Best Craft Beer Tour in Wellington
When deciding which tour suits you, consider these factors:
– Budget: Tours range from around $37 for the private kombucha and rum experience to $220 for a full-day private tour. Think about what’s most important—private guides, a full day, or a quick tasting.
– Interest level: If you’re primarily into beer, opt for the half-day brewery tour. Want a private, customizable experience? The half-day private tour is ideal.
– Time available: For a shorter outing, the craft beers & car museum offers a unique mix in just over three hours. The full-day options suit travelers with more time.
– Special interests: For automotive enthusiasts, the car museum tours are perfect. If you’re curious about fermentation and craft drinks beyond beer, the kombucha and rum private tour is a fun choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons or if you want a private experience, ensuring availability.
Final thoughts
Wellington offers a broad array of craft beer adventures, from small-group brewery visits to full-day explorations combining history and local flavor. For a classic introduction, the Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour provides excellent variety and value. Those seeking more personalized options will love the Private Half-Day, while the Full Day Tour is perfect for dedicated beer aficionados wanting to explore Wellington’s brewing scene in depth.
For a quirky twist, the craft beer & car museum offers a unique mix of automotive history and craft drinks. And for an adventurous palate, the Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour introduces you to fermented drinks you might not find elsewhere.
No matter your preference, Wellington’s craft beer scene is thriving, welcoming visitors eager to taste local brews and discover the city’s lively brewing culture. Booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure you make the most of your visit. Cheers to your Wellington beer adventure!