Wellington is a city that takes its craft beer seriously. Known for its bohemian cafe scene and creative spirit, it’s also becoming New Zealand’s capital of craft beer. With a variety of breweries, brewpubs, and innovative beverage experiences, you’re never far from a good drink or an interesting story. The Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour is a personal favorite, offering a taste of the city’s vibrant brewing scene with exclusive brewery visits and passionate brewers. And for those wanting an even more tailored experience, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour provides a personalized journey to some of the best suburban brewpubs.
If you’re curious about other unique options, Wellington also offers guided brewery tours, private full-day excursions, and even a kombucha and craft beer tasting experience. Each one provides a different way to enjoy Wellington’s rich and diverse beverage culture — from tasting local ales to exploring boutique kombucha brewing in the city center.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best drinking tours in Wellington includes a mix of half-day and full-day experiences, private and group adventures, and specialized tastings like kombucha and rum. Whether you prefer guided group outings, private custom tours, or something more quirky, Wellington has options that fit various tastes and budgets.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which fits your style best.
1. Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour
This half-day craft beer tour is perfect for those who want a solid taste of Wellington’s brewing scene without committing the whole day. It hits four breweries: Kereru, Boneface Brewery, Baylands Brewery, and The Third Eye. The tour lasts about four hours and includes beer tastings at each location, along with exclusive brewery tours where you can chat with passionate brewers.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch — your driver shares stories about Wellington and points out key sites as you travel between breweries. You’ll get to sample a range of beers, from porters to lagers, with options for every palate. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the relaxed, fun atmosphere. The tour also offers pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off from Wellington ports and hotels, making it a hassle-free experience.
Key highlights include tasting paddles of four beers at Baylands, sampling Panhead tap beers at Brewtown Upper Hutt, and experiencing Garage Project’s tap bank. Many reviewers mention how this tour has helped them appreciate Wellington’s brewing culture, with one saying, “Highly recommend Kereru for a visit.”
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beer lovers seeking a relaxed, guided tour with a good variety of local breweries and engaging conversation.
2. Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour
For around $147, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour offers a more personalized experience. This tour focuses on craft beer tastings at some of Wellington’s most successful breweries: Parrotdog, Garage Project, and Panhead Tory Street. The private setting allows for more tailored conversations and a flexible pace, making it ideal for groups or couples who want a custom experience.
Your guide, Andrew, is known for being informative and personable, sharing insights about each brewery’s story and brewing techniques. The tour covers ground many visitors miss, including suburban brewpubs that are often overlooked in larger group tours. All tastings are included, along with bottled water to stay refreshed.
Guests rave about having a dedicated guide and the chance to learn more about Wellington’s craft beer culture. One reviewer noted, “Andrew took us to three breweries and was very engaging and knowledgeable.” This tour is perfect for serious beer fans and those who want a more intimate, relaxed outing.
Bottom Line: A top pick for travelers wanting exclusivity, convenience, and a deeper dive into Wellington’s craft beer scene.
3. Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings
This guided half-day tour takes you to three of the region’s best breweries, with guided tours led by brewery staff. It’s designed for those who want to learn about the brewing process firsthand while sampling local beers. The tour emphasizes the passion of producers, sharing insights into how each brewery creates its signature brews.
While the itinerary may vary, expect to visit notable breweries and enjoy tastings at each stop. The focus here is on education and appreciation, making it suitable for travelers interested in brewing techniques and local flavor profiles. Reviews highlight the personalized brewery tours, which give a behind-the-scenes look at how New Zealand’s craft beers are made.
Pricing is reasonable at $100, and the tour offers an authentic experience for those curious about the craft behind the beers they sip. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who want a balanced mix of tasting, learning, and casual exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to understand the craft process while enjoying Wellington’s vibrant beer scene.
4. Private Wellington Craft Beer Full Day Tour
At number 4 is the Private Full Day Craft Beer Tour, offering a comprehensive, relaxed exploration of Wellington’s breweries. This 7-hour experience includes visits to Kereru, Boneface, Panhead, Parrot Dog, and Garage Project — covering both well-known and up-and-coming spots.
Your guide will take you north to Brewtown in Upper Hutt, where you tour Kereru and sample beers at Boneface and Panhead. Back in Wellington, you’ll explore other breweries, enjoying tastings and an included hearty lunch to line your stomach. This tour is excellent for those who want a deeper dive into Wellington’s brewing culture and prefer to avoid public transport or self-driving.
Guests appreciate the flexibility, extensive itinerary, and included lunch, which make it a full, satisfying day. The personal nature of this tour means it’s perfect for small groups or couples who want a more intimate and relaxed experience. The reviews mention the well-organized schedule and the chance to see less touristy breweries.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for those wanting a full day of beer tasting with comfort and personalized service.
5. Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour
Lastly, for something uniquely Wellington, the Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour offers a quirky twist. This two-hour private experience includes touring a boutique Kombucha manufacturer, tasting different kombuchas, rums, and craft beers.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on handcrafted beverages brewed in traditional ways. The kombucha is made using Chinese ceramic crocks, with no pasteurization or carbonation, offering a more natural product. You’ll learn about the brewing process directly from the “Kombucharista,” and enjoy tastings of Rum, beer, and kombucha in a relaxed setting. The tour also includes a wood-fired pizza and a chance to sample 150 rums from around the world.
Guests find this experience informative and fun, especially those interested in alternative drinks or trying something different from standard beer tours. It’s a great option for a small group or couples seeking a more intimate, offbeat experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious drinkers interested in exploring beyond typical beer tours and discovering Wellington’s innovative beverage scene.
How to Choose
When selecting your drinking tour in Wellington, consider your budget, time available, and your particular interests. For a comprehensive look at multiple breweries in a half-day, the Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour is a great starting point. If you prefer a more personalized experience, the Private Half-Day Tour offers tailored tastings.
For those keen on learning about brewing techniques, the Guided Brewery Tour emphasizes behind-the-scenes insights. If you’re looking for a longer, full-day adventure with a hearty lunch, the Private Full Day Tour covers more breweries with relaxed pacing.
Finally, if you’re interested in exploring alternative beverages, the Kombucha and Rum Tour offers an offbeat, engaging experience. Booking early is advisable, especially for private and full-day tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Wellington offers a range of drinking tours that suit different tastes, from casual beer sampling to in-depth brewery explorations and quirky kombucha experiences. For a classic, fun introduction to Wellington’s craft beer scene, the Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour is hard to beat. If you want a more exclusive, customized adventure, the Private Half-Day Tour is perfect. And for something truly different, the kombucha and rum experience rounds out the options with its unique focus.
No matter your choice, Wellington’s brewing culture won’t disappoint — rich in flavor, creativity, and local pride. To get the most out of your trip, consider booking your preferred tour well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Cheers to discovering Wellington’s best drinks and stories — enjoy!