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

Planning a day exploring Wellington’s automotive and brewing scene? This full-day tour promises a mix of classic car museums, local craft beers, and cultural stops—all packed into around six and a half hours. We’re here to give you an honest, detailed look at what to expect, so you can decide if this experience is worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is how it balances interactive museum visits with scenic drives along the Kapiti Coast, plus the chance to sample New Zealand’s famous beverages. The inclusion of private collections and exclusive insights makes it stand out for car aficionados and casual explorers alike. The beverage tasting on Gear Street is a highlight, offering a relaxed, local vibe that ties the day together.

The one aspect to consider is that this isn’t a tour for those on a tight schedule or looking for a purely cultural or sightseeing experience—it’s heavily themed around cars and drinks. Also, you’ll need to be over 18 to enjoy the beverage samples, which might limit some travel groups.

Ideal for aut enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, or anyone wanting a laid-back yet engaging day out, this tour combines education, entertainment, and a good dose of New Zealand charm.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary blending museums, scenic drives, and local culture
• Includes entrance fees to Southward Car Museum and Cars Inc for great value
• Tasting options for beers, wines, and gins—ideal for beverage aficionados
• Comfortable transport with pickup options from central Wellington or cruise port
• Small group size (max 11 travelers) for a more personalized experience
• Flexible booking policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting in Wellington – A Smooth Beginning

The tour kicks off from the Wellington iSite Visitor Centre or your hotel, with the reassurance that pickups are coordinated efficiently—whether you’re arriving by cruise ship, accommodation, or local transit. The guide, whose enthusiasm and local knowledge shine, is key to setting a friendly, relaxed tone for the day.

Visiting the US Marine Memorial – A Touch of History

The first stop is a quick but meaningful detour to the US Marine Memorial in Paekakariki. This site honors American Marines stationed in New Zealand during WWII. Sitting beside Transmission Gully, the memorial features a hut replica and imagery from the camp, helping visitors connect with this unique chapter of NZ history. The brief 15-minute visit offers context that enriches the day’s later stories, appealing to history buffs or those interested in WWII.

Southward Car Museum – A Car Lover’s Paradise

The star attraction is the Southward Car Museum, often described as world class. Set in scenic surroundings on the Kpiti Coast, it displays over 450 rare vehicles, from 1895 Benz models to modern classics. The museum’s extensive collection, curated by Sir Len Southward, showcases everything from vintage cars and muscle cars to motorbikes and auto memorabilia.

Visitors often comment on the sparkling interior and extensive range, noting that it’s easy to spend hours exploring this private collection. Yet, the tour allocates about 75 minutes here, allowing a thorough look at some of the most interesting vehicles and stories behind them. If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to view such a variety of iconic and rare rides in one location.

Exploring Upper Hutt & Cars Inc Museum

Next, the group heads towards Upper Hutt, the so-called “Detroit of Wellington,” reflecting its history as a working-class hub full of automotive industry. Here, you’ll visit Cars Inc, a privately run museum and café dedicated to all things car-related.

Paul and Jen’s passion for vehicles is evident in the comprehensive collection—hot rods, muscle cars, circuit racers, and classic bikes. The site, situated near the old GM plant, reveals New Zealand’s automotive past through a wide range of auto memorabilia and exhibits. Visitors often find the atmosphere laid-back, making it an enjoyable stop for both casual visitors and dedicated gearheads.

Jackson Street & Petone – Quirky Charm and Local Flavors

After the automotive stops, the tour takes a more relaxed turn with a stroll along Jackson Street in Petone. This quaint street is lined with cafes, boutique stores, and even a chocolate shop—perfect for a leisurely break. The half-mile walk is a chance to soak up local life and perhaps grab a coffee or sweet treat.

Then, the highlight for many is the Gear Street Union stop at the Gear Street pub. Here, you’re invited to sample three beverages from your choice of NZ’s finest—beers from Tuatara, wines from various regions, or locally brewed Gins. These samples are included, making it excellent value, especially for those interested in the country’s vibrant craft scene.

Wrapping Up and Returning to Wellington

After a full day of sights, tastings, and stories, the group heads back to Wellington in a comfortable vehicle. The short 15-minute drive allows for reflection on what’s been a surprisingly diverse and engaging experience.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

For $170.17 per person, the tour covers a lot of ground: museum entries, a historical site, tastings, and transport. The inclusion of admission tickets to Southward Car Museum and Cars Inc** elevates the value, as these alone could cost more if booked separately. Plus, the beverage samples add a fun, social element that many other tours don’t include.

Transport and Group Size

With a maximum of 11 travelers, the experience feels intimate. The air-conditioned vehicle makes for a comfortable ride, especially along the scenic coastal roads. The pickups from central Wellington or cruise port make logistics straightforward, especially for travelers with tight schedules or limited mobility.

Timing and Pacing

The itinerary is well-paced, balancing longer stops like the car museums with lighter, more relaxed visits such as Jackson Street and the beverage sampling. The total duration of 6.5 hours is perfect for a full day without feeling rushed.

Considerations

Keep in mind, the tour is geared toward those over 18, due to the alcohol tastings. Also, if you’re not particularly interested in cars or beverages, some parts might feel less engaging. A good understanding of your personal interests will help decide if this tour suits you.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While the tour itself hasn’t amassed many reviews, the feedback from similar experiences highlights the stunning views along the coast—a feature that’s often mentioned as memorable. Travelers appreciate the mix of history, culture, and souvenirs, making this more than just a museum crawl.

One review noted the expert commentary from guides who bring the exhibits to life, adding context and interesting tidbits. Others mentioned the laid-back atmosphere at Cars Inc, perfect for taking your time to appreciate the displays.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a fantastic choice for those who want to experience a mix of automotive history, local culture, and craft drinks in a single day. The varied stops keep the experience fresh, and the inclusion of museum entries and tastings makes it excellent value. It’s especially suited for auto enthusiasts, casual explorers, or groups seeking a relaxed but engaging day.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic look at Wellington’s automotive and beverage scene, with scenic coastal views included, this tour hits the mark. It’s a balanced, fun, and informative way to spend a day, with enough flexibility and comfort to keep everyone happy.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, with pickups available from central Wellington or the cruise port.

Are the museum visits guided?
The tour includes admission to Southward Car Museum and Cars Inc, with guides providing commentary, but the museums are self-guided once inside.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 15 minutes at the Marine Memorial to 75 minutes at the Southward Car Museum. Jackson Street and Gear Street are more relaxed, allowing for leisurely walks and tastings.

What beverages are included?
You’ll get to sample three drinks from your choice of NZ’s best beers, wines, or gins at Gear Street Union. These are included in the tour price.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, you can opt for wine or gin tastings instead of beer. Non-drinkers are welcome and can enjoy the scenery and cultural sites.

Is there a minimum or maximum age?
You must be over 18 to partake in the alcohol tastings, but the rest of the tour is suitable for most ages.

How much walking is involved?
Walking is mostly at Jackson Street and Petone, with a stroll of about 800 meters. The museum visits involve minimal walking.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
While children are welcome, the beverage tastings are for adults only, so the tour is best suited for visitors over 18.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible should your plans change.

To sum it up, this Craft beers & car museums full-day tour offers a varied, engaging experience blending automotive history, local culture, and beverage tasting in a relaxed setting. Perfect for those seeking a mix of education, entertainment, and scenic views, it’s a memorable way to explore Wellington’s unique character.