Discover 5 Great Craft Beer Tours In Wellington

Wellington isn’t just New Zealand’s capital—it’s the country’s craft beer capital. The city’s lively brewpub scene and innovative breweries are a magnet for beer lovers. With new breweries opening regularly, like Garage Project and Panhead, Wellington keeps things fresh and exciting. If you’re wondering where to start, consider the private tours that take you beyond the usual tourist spots, like the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour or the full-day experience. These tours combine local favorites with insider access, and the fact that they include tasting sessions makes them a practical way to sample Wellington’s best brews without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What makes Wellington especially appealing for craft beer tours is its array of breweries, each with its own personality—whether it’s the suburban charm of Parrotdog or the innovative Garage Project. Plus, places like Cars Inc. offer a quirky twist by pairing beer tasting with unique side excursions, such as visiting a local car museum. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious beer enthusiast, Wellington’s diverse options promise something memorable for every traveler.

1. Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour

For around $149, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour offers a perfect introduction to Wellington’s burgeoning craft beer scene. This four-hour private experience takes you to three of the most successful suburban breweries—Parrotdog, Garage Project’s Aro Cellar Door, and Panhead—where you’ll sample a variety of beers and learn about what makes each place tick. The guide acts as your personal host, sharing insights on the local brewing culture and history, which elevates the experience beyond just drinking.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on ground many travelers don’t typically explore, like the suburban brewpubs that are prized among locals. The tasting includes craft beer samples and bottled water, so you can cleanse your palate after each stop. Reviewers praise the guide for being informative and personable, with one calling it a “great time” and noting that the guide “took us to 3 breweries with lots of chatting.” The small group setting ensures an intimate experience, making it ideal for couples or friends wanting a tailored tour.

Bottom Line: This private half-day tour strikes a good balance between depth and convenience, perfect for those with limited time but a strong interest in local beers.

2. Private Wellington Craft Beer Full Day Tour

If you want to really dive into Wellington’s craft beer scene, the Full Day Tour is hard to beat. For about $223, you get a seven-hour exploration that includes visits to multiple breweries, like Kereru, Boneface, Panhead, Parrotdog, and Garage Project. The tour begins with a trip to Brewtown in Upper Hutt, where you tour Kereru Brewing and then head back into Wellington for tastings at the other breweries.

This tour is especially good for those who want a comprehensive taste of Wellington’s brewing culture. The itinerary includes a hearty lunch—a perfect pairing for the beers—and covers both established favorites and emerging new players. The guide’s commentary enhances your understanding of each brewery’s unique approach. Reviewers appreciate the comfort of not navigating public transport or driving, as everything is organized for you.

Bottom Line: This full-day experience offers excellent value for travelers eager to sample a wide array of beers and learn about the local craft scene without rushing.

3. Craft beers & car museum – Half Day Tour incl beverage samples

A bit different from the standard brewery crawl, this 3.5-hour tour combines craft beer tasting with a visit to Cars Inc., a private car museum. The tour begins with a short drive out of Wellington to the Hutt Valley, where you’ll explore a collection of vintage cars—from Hummers to American Muscle—on exclusive access. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the region, making it both an educational and entertaining experience.

After the automotive tour, you’ll visit the museum, which hosts a stunning array of vehicles, all displayed in a thoughtfully curated setting. Meanwhile, at the boutique Wellington brewery, you’ll sample local craft beers and enjoy a complementary beverage sample set, including beer, rum, and kombucha. The highlight here is the combination of automotive history and local brewing, appealing to those with broad interests.

Reviewers mention the “great little drive” and “excellent variety” of experiences packed into just a few hours**, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting variety without a full day commitment.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a fun mix of automotive and craft beer culture, suitable for travelers who appreciate a quirky, multi-interest experience.

4. Kombucha, Rum, and Craft Beer Private Tour

For a different take on Wellington’s beverage scene, the Kombucha, Rum, and Craft Beer Tour offers a two-hour private experience. Priced at just over $37, it’s an affordable way to explore handcrafted drinks. You’ll visit a boutique Kombucha producer, see how their Chinese-style fermentation works (using traditional ceramic crocks), and taste their signature brews.

What makes this tour distinctive is its inclusion of rum flights from over 150 options as well as a selection of New Zealand craft beers. The tour is led by a knowledgeable host who explains the brewing process and the cultural significance of each beverage. Reviewers appreciate the informal, friendly atmosphere and highlight how much they learned about the craft beverage industry.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers wanting a short, intimate experience that touches on multiple beverages, especially if you’re into fermented drinks or want an alternative to beer-focused tours.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in fermented drinks and tasting a variety of beverages in a relaxed setting.

5. Craft beers & car museums – Full Day Tour incl beverage samples

This longer, more comprehensive experience (full-day) is ideal for travelers who want a full immersion. Starting in Wellington, the tour includes visits to Southward Car Museum, which offers a world-class collection of vehicles across two levels, and the Cars Inc. museum in Upper Hutt. Alongside automotive history, you’ll get to sample local craft beers and beverages.

This tour covers more ground and spends about 6.5 hours, making it suitable for those who want a relaxed, in-depth experience. The itinerary includes a quick stop at the US Marine Memorial and some commentary about the local area, providing context beyond just beer and cars. Although it has no reviews yet, the inclusion of iconic museums and a substantial amount of tasting makes it appealing for history enthusiasts and beer lovers alike.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, full-day option for seasoned travelers seeking a mix of automotive, cultural, and craft beverage experiences.

How to Choose the Best Craft Beer Tour in Wellington

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. For a quick, personalized introduction to Wellington’s breweries, the Half Day Tour is perfect. If you’re eager to explore more beers and learn about the brewing process, the Full Day Tour offers a deeper dive. Those interested in quirky experiences or automotive history should look at Craft beers & car museum – Half Day or the Full Day Museum Tour. For something lighter and more niche, the Kombucha, Rum, and Craft Beer Private Tour provides a tasty glimpse into fermented beverages.

Booking early is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons or during popular events like Wellington’s craft beer festivals. Think about your interest in cars, culture, or just sampling beers, and pick the tour that aligns best with your travel style.

Wellington’s craft beer scene offers a range of experiences—from intimate tastings to full-day explorations that combine local brews with unique attractions. Whether you’re a beer novice or a brewery aficionado, these tours provide a memorable way to get to know the city’s vibrant brewing culture. Start planning early, and enjoy your taste of Wellington’s craft beverage world.