Speight's Brewery Tour - Image 1
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Speight's Brewery Tour

4.7
·290 reviews·Dunedin, New Zealand

Step back in time at Speight's Brewery, a historic Dunedin landmark offering fascinating tours and tastings of iconic New Zealand beers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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Speight's Brewery Tour - Image 1

Speight's Brewery Tour

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Speight's Brewery, a historic Dunedin landmark offering fascinating tours and tastings of iconic New Zealand beers.

4.7
(290 reviews)

"Fabulous tour by Marty this afternoon. Very informative and lots of artefacts to look at."

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Free Speight's Water Tap

Fill up your water bottles at the free tap on Rattray St. Locals swear by its quality!

🍺 Don't Miss the Tasting!

The beer tasting is a highlight. Sample up to 10 different Speight's brews.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Brewery Architecture

Historic Brewery Architecture

Speight's Brewery

Explore the iconic red-brick buildings of this 1876 landmark, a testament to Dunedin's brewing heritage.

Behind-the-Scenes Brewing Process

Behind-the-Scenes Brewing Process

Brewery Floor

Witness the fascinating journey of beer from grain to glass, learning about traditional brewing methods.

Speight's Beer Tasting

Speight's Beer Tasting

Tasting Room

Savor a selection of Speight's finest brews, a perfect end to an informative and enjoyable tour.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Speight's Brewery Tour in Advance

Speight's Brewery tours are popular, especially with international visitors. Booking ahead ensures your spot, particularly for specific time slots. Consider the tour length to manage your day in Dunedin.

Embrace the Tasting Experience

The tour culminates in a tasting session, a highlight for many visitors. Be prepared to sample a variety of Speight's brews. If you're not driving, consider how you'll get home afterwards.

Best Times

When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Mornings
Why
Catch the early buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bagpiping at The Dunedin Brewery playing "Andrew and Colin Lee" #Bagpiping #bagpiper #ThePeskyPiper #Dunedin #brewery #bagpipelife #scotsman #scottishpipes #Scottish #piping #music #musician
@the.pesky.piper
1.4K likes • 7.8K views

💧 Free Speight's Water Tap

Fill up your water bottles at the free tap on Rattray St. Locals swear by its quality! Reddit

🍺 Don't Miss the Tasting!

The beer tasting is a highlight. Sample up to 10 different Speight's brews. InstagramReddit

Wizard visits Dunedin Brewery. Cheers to you! #DrinkingwithWizard. #Dunbrew #drinklocal #floridacraftbeer #craftbeer #Dunedinbrewery
@drink_with_wizard
860 likes • 5.1K views
Are you a fan of craft beer and local history? Look no further than the Speight's Brewery Tour in Dunedin. Not only will you get a firsthand look at the inner workings of one of New Zealand's most beloved brands, but you'll also learn about the rich history and heritage that has made Speight's a household name. A beer tasting at the end featuring exclusive tap-only beers that can only be found at ...
foodiestablenz
96 likes • 9.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be on your feet for the tour, so wear comfy shoes. Instagram

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

The gift shop has unique items, and tour guests often get a discount. Reddit

Our tour of Speight’s Brewery 🍻
rach_a_work_in_progress
9 likes • 133 views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Free Speight's Water Tap

Fill up your water bottles at the free tap on Rattray St. Locals swear by its quality! Reddit

🍺 Don't Miss the Tasting!

The beer tasting is a highlight. Sample up to 10 different Speight's brews. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be on your feet for the tour, so wear comfy shoes. Instagram

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs

The gift shop has unique items, and tour guests often get a discount. Reddit

🚗 Plan Your Transport

Consider how you'll get home after the tasting. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(290 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Speight's Brewery tour for its informative content, engaging guides like Carlos and Marty, and the enjoyable tasting session. The historical aspects and the iconic brewery setting are major highlights, offering great value for money. Some find the tour duration a bit short for in-depth exploration.

"Fabulous tour by Marty this afternoon. Very informative and lots of artefacts to look at. The walking wasn't too far and the tasting session at the end was most enjoyable. Was a bonus to get 10% off in the shop too."

Laura Woodward

"A really fun thing to do. And this is coming from a girl who is by no means a beer fanatic.

Thomas was a great tour guide, incredibly knowledgable and very passionate. Good sense of humour too.

Really cool to do a truly South Island experience, delicious beer tasting at the end, plus the gift shop does actually have quite cool stuff!

Thanks for a fun arvo team :)"

Catrin Smith

"We had an amazing tour with Carlos. From start to finish he was patient, never rushed us through and was thoroughly explanatory. If your into history and beer then this is a fantastic tour for you. From how it all started to now was a great insight to the legendary crafted beer we still drink today.
Then at the end of the tour you get to taste some or all of the 9 beers + 1 apple cider which we tasted all 😄.
Great value for money and highly recommended."

Rhys Scarrott

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Informative brewery history
Generous beer tasting

What People Dislike

Tour duration can be short

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Speight's Brewery is located at 200 Rattray Street, central Dunedin. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the city center, or you can use local bus services. Instagram

Yes, Speight's Brewery is centrally located and close to many other Dunedin attractions, including the Octagon, street art, and the waterfront. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a manageable walk from Dunedin's city center, allowing you to see more of the city's architecture along the way. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The tour typically costs around $45 per person and includes a tasting session. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your Speight's Brewery tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Instagram

Your ticket usually includes a guided tour of the historic brewery, insights into the brewing process, and a tasting session featuring several Speight's beers and ciders. InstagramReddit

Tour times vary, but they generally run throughout the day. It's best to check the official Speight's Brewery website for the most current tour schedule and booking availability. Instagram

Yes, you must be of legal drinking age (typically 18 years or older) to participate in the beer tasting portion of the tour. Proof of age may be required. Instagram

🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience

Expect an informative and engaging tour led by knowledgeable guides like Carlos or Marty, showcasing the brewery's history, brewing process, and ending with a generous tasting session. Reddit

Yes, even if you're not a huge beer fan, the historical aspect and the engaging storytelling make the tour enjoyable. The tasting offers a chance to try different flavors. Reddit

The tour typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, including the tasting. Some visitors find it a bit short if they are very interested in the details. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase Speight's beer, merchandise, and souvenirs. Tour participants often receive a discount. Reddit

Speight's Ale House, located at the brewery, offers hearty meals. It's a great place to grab a bite before or after your tour. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour, especially of the historic equipment and architecture. Be mindful of your guide and other guests. TikTok

The exterior of the red-brick brewery, the old brewing equipment inside, and the tasting room offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Speight's Brewery tour is primarily geared towards adults due to the tasting component, families can still find aspects to enjoy. The historical architecture and the visual appeal of the old brewing equipment can be interesting for children. The Speight's Ale House adjacent to the brewery offers a family-friendly dining experience with a varied menu. Instagram+1 Ensure children are supervised and aware that the tasting portion is for adults only. Consider a shorter tour if available or focus on the historical aspects if bringing younger visitors.

🍻 Beer Enthusiasts

For true beer aficionados, the Speight's Brewery tour offers a deep dive into a historic New Zealand brand. You'll appreciate the detailed explanations of the brewing process, the historical equipment, and the opportunity to taste a wide array of their beers, potentially including rare or seasonal varieties. Reddit Guides like Carlos are praised for their knowledge and passion, making the experience even more enriching. Take advantage of the tasting notes and ask questions to maximize your learning. Reddit

✈️ Day-Trippers to Dunedin

If you're visiting Dunedin for a day, the Speight's Brewery tour is an excellent way to experience a significant piece of local culture and history. It's centrally located and can be easily incorporated into a day of sightseeing. Instagram+1 The tour's duration is manageable for a day trip, and the tasting provides a relaxing break. Combine it with a visit to nearby attractions or a meal at the Ale House for a well-rounded experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Heritage of Speight's

Speight's Brewery, established in 1876, is a cornerstone of Dunedin's industrial and cultural heritage. The iconic red-brick buildings are a visual reminder of the city's past prosperity and its strong connection to brewing. The brewery has a rich history, evolving from its early days to become one of New Zealand's most recognized beer brands. Instagram Visitors on the tour get to delve into this history, learning about the founders, the challenges they faced, and how Speight's has maintained its legacy through generations. The tour often highlights the preservation of original brewing equipment, offering a tangible link to the past. Reddit

This historical context is a significant draw for many visitors, providing a deeper appreciation for the beer they might enjoy. It's not just about the taste; it's about the story and the tradition behind it. The brewery's enduring presence in Dunedin also makes it a symbol of local pride and a must-visit for those interested in New Zealand's heritage. TikTok+1

The Speight's Tasting Experience

The culmination of the Speight's Brewery tour is the tasting session, a highly anticipated part of the experience for many. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample a range of Speight's beers, often including their core range and potentially some limited or seasonal releases. Guides are usually on hand to explain the flavor profiles and brewing nuances of each beer. InstagramReddit

Visitors can expect to taste up to 9 or 10 different offerings, including beers and sometimes an apple cider. This is a fantastic chance to discover your favorite Speight's brew or to appreciate the diversity within their product line. The tasting is often described as generous and a great value for money, especially considering the quality and quantity. Reddit Remember to pace yourself and consider your transportation arrangements afterward, as the tasting can be quite extensive. Reddit

The Famous Speight's Water Tap

A unique aspect of Speight's Brewery is the free water tap located on Rattray Street. This tap dispenses pure, filtered water directly from the brewery's spring. Despite Dunedin having good quality tap water, a consistent queue of locals can often be seen filling up containers, suggesting a perceived special quality to the Speight's water. Reddit

While the exact 'special qualities' are debated, it's a testament to the brand's connection with the community and the trust placed in their water source. It's a small but memorable detail that adds to the Speight's experience, offering a refreshing pause and a glimpse into local habits. Reddit

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