Wellington is a city that’s well-known for its bohemian vibe, café culture, and innovative craft brewing scene. What makes it particularly appealing for drinking tours is how accessible and diverse its breweries are—from lively brewpubs to exclusive private tastings. We especially love the Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour for its laid-back approach, passionate brewers, and the chance to chat about Wellington’s brewing culture. Plus, with the driver sharing local stories and easy pick-up options, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, informative experience.
Wellington’s craft beer scene is booming, and its wide variety of tours reflect that. Whether you prefer a guided group, a private tour, or a more niche experience like kombucha and rum, there’s something tailored to every taste. We’ve highlighted the very best options, balancing price, content, and reviews, to help you find your ideal beer journey.
1. Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour
This popular tour offers a fantastic introduction to Wellington’s craft beer scene in just four hours. Starting with tastings at Kereru, Boneface Brewery, Baylands Brewery, and The Third Eye, you’ll get a taste of the city’s brewing diversity. What sets this tour apart is the exclusive brewery tours combined with passionate discussions with the brewers, giving insight into each brewery’s craft and philosophy. The driver shares stories about Wellington’s history and points out sites as you travel, making the journey as engaging as the tastings.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and friendly personality, with reviews highlighting how personalized and fun the experience is. The tour includes beer tastings, and the company offers pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off from Wellington ports and hotels, making logistics simple. At just over $100 per person, this tour offers great value—especially given the quality of the breweries visited.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, engaging, small-group experience led by someone who clearly loves Wellington’s craft beer scene. It’s perfect for beer lovers who appreciate storytelling and local insights.
2. Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour offers an exclusive way to explore Wellington’s breweries. This private option is rated 5 stars, with reviews emphasizing how tailored and informative it is. It includes visits to key suburban brewpubs like Parrotdog, Garage Project, and Panhead Tory Street, with tastings at each stop.
The tour is designed for those who want a more intimate, flexible experience—perhaps with a group of friends or a special celebration. The guide, Andrew, is praised for his local knowledge and willingness to chat about Wellington’s brewing culture. For around $149, you get craft beer tastings at each location, plus bottled water. The private nature means you can customize the experience or linger longer at your favorite brewery.
Bottom line: If privacy, flexibility, and a curated experience are your priorities, this tour offers excellent value and a deep dive into Wellington’s craft beer scene, away from the crowds.
3. Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings
At number three, this guided tour combines three of the region’s best breweries with knowledgeable staff leading the way. Starting with tastings at each brewery, you’ll learn secrets from the brewers and gain an understanding of what makes Wellington’s craft scene so vibrant. The tour includes local craft beers and provides a behind-the-scenes look through staff-led brewery tours.
The itinerary offers a flexible pickup from numerous locations like the ibis Wellington or Sofitel Wellington, making it convenient. The reviews highlight the in-depth experience and the passion of the producers, with many guests appreciating the chance to see the brewing process firsthand. The tour’s 4-hour duration strikes a good balance for those with limited time but still wanting meaningful tastings and insights.
Bottom line: This option is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Wellington’s breweries with expert-guided tours and quality tastings, all within a manageable timeframe.
4. Private Wellington Craft Beer Full Day Tour
If you have a full day and want to learn about Wellington’s craft beer world, this full-day private tour delivers. It includes visits to several well-known and up-and-coming breweries, plus a hearty lunch. Starting in Brewtown Upper Hutt at Kereru, then moving back into Wellington for stops at Boneface, Panhead, Parrot Dog, and Garage Project, it covers a broad spectrum of the scene.
The tour’s value lies in its comprehensive itinerary and the chance to see both established and newer breweries. The lunch, paired with the beers, adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Guests report that the guide is friendly and knowledgeable, making the long day worthwhile. The tour is perfect for serious beer enthusiasts or groups wanting an exclusive, all-encompassing experience.
Bottom line: For a full exploration of Wellington’s craft beer culture with a relaxed pace and including lunch, this private tour offers an excellent value—especially if you’re a dedicated beer lover.
5. Kombucha, Rum, and Craft Beer Private Tour
Finally, for something a bit different, the Kombucha, Rum, and Craft Beer Private Tour offers a 2-hour tasting experience. Rated 3.5 stars, it’s unique because it explores handcrafted Kombucha brewed in traditional Chinese ceramic crocks, alongside a rum flight and craft beer tastings. It’s the only tour in Wellington that combines these elements, making it ideal for those wanting to explore beyond just beer.
Robin, the guide, is praised for his knowledge and friendliness, offering an informative tour that includes sampling the Kombucha, Rum Flight, and Yeastie Boys tasting paddle. The tour is casual, and the pricing is very accessible at around $37 per person. However, reviews note the mixed ratings, so it’s better suited for curious travelers or those interested in alternative beverages.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to explore craft beverages beyond beer, this private tour offers a distinctive experience—best for adventurous drinkers open to trying new things.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Wellington
When selecting among Wellington’s drinking tours, consider your budget, time, and personal interests. For a comprehensive, guided experience with a mix of breweries, the Wellington Craft Beer & Brewery Half-Day Tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a tailored, exclusive experience, the Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day might suit you better.
For those wanting a deeper dive into Wellington’s brewing scene, the Full Day Private Tour covers more ground and includes lunch. And if you’re curious about alternative beverages, the Kombucha, Rum, and Craft Beer Private Tour offers something different altogether.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, and think about whether you want a group setting or a private tour. Also, consider your walking and transportation preferences—most tours include transportation, but some are more flexible than others.
Wellington offers a rich variety of drinking experiences for every budget and interest. Whether you want a casual sip at a local brewery, a private guided tour, or an exploration of alternative fermented drinks, the city has something to satisfy your palate. For a memorable trip, try to match your choice with your personal style—then raise a glass to Wellington’s thriving craft scene.