About this tour
When Mia from our team hit up Monteith's Brewery in New Zealand, she got the proper behind-the-scenes rundown of how this iconic local beer gets made. The 45-minute tour splits your time between a quick walk through the old brewhouse and a hands-on tasting session where you learn to pour like someone who actually knows what they're doing. You walk away with two beers under your belt and a mixed six-pack you've built yourself. It's a straightforward, no-fuss afternoon that works well if you're keen on beer history and want to understand what's in your glass.
Highlights
- Backstage access to the original brewhouse — genuine working brewery bones
- Learn to pour properly during the 20–30 minute tasting session
- Two brewery beers tasted from the Brewer's Table, not just samples
- Build your own mixed six-pack takeaway — you pick the selection
- Knowledgeable guides who cover the actual history and brewing process
- Flat, accessible walkthrough suits mixed fitness levels and mobility needs
- Former brewery reimagined as a gastro bar — refreshed but authentic setting
What to expect
Mia arrived and was greeted by a guide who kicked off with some proper context about Monteith's and the broader beer story in New Zealand. The tour doesn't feel rushed — you get a solid 15 minutes poking around the old brewhouse, seeing the spaces where the brewing actually happened. The vibe is relaxed; it's a walking tour, but nothing strenuous. Then you settle in for the tasting and pouring lesson, which is the real meat of the experience. You're not just drinking — you're learning the difference between styles, how to read a pour, what to look for in the glass. Two full beers come your way, and they're generous pours. The new gastro bar setting is clean and modern without feeling corporate.
After the tasting, there's time to wander backstage again and build your takeaway six-pack. The whole thing flows naturally; no hard sell, no awkward silences. It works because the guides genuinely know their stuff and aren't just reciting scripts.
What travellers say
- Hands-on pouring lesson — actually learn something, don't just drink
- Backstage access to original brewhouse — genuine brewery heritage visible
- Knowledgeable guides make the history and process stick
- Build-your-own six-pack takeaway — smart, practical souvenir
- Fully wheelchair accessible, flat surfaces, accessible transport options
- Relaxed pacing, no hard sell or corporate theatre
- Food not included — plan a meal elsewhere
- 45 minutes is brief; feels quick if you linger
- Must wear closed-toe non-slip shoes; enforced for safety
- Only two beer pours; not a heavy-drinking experience
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is worth doing if you actually like beer or want to understand how it's made — it's not a gimmick tour, it's educational and hands-on. Small groups mean you get proper attention from the guide. The mixed six-pack takeaway is a smart touch; you're not walking out with random stuff. Fully accessible — wheelchairs, prams, flat surfaces, all sorted. Public transport nearby.
Food's not included, so grab lunch elsewhere if you're hungry. The 45 minutes flies by if you're hoping for a long afternoon. You must wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes (boots provided free, so no drama). Minimum age is 18 for alcohol; kids under 4 get in free but don't get a beer pour or passport stamp. Tours start on time — show up late and you won't get a refund. The tasting itself is short, so if you're chasing a boozy afternoon, this isn't it. Peak times can mean smaller group sizes aren't guaranteed, but it's still manageable.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.