Auckland’s drinking scene mixes coastal breweries, urban craft beer spots, and nearby wine regions into a perfect tasting adventure.
The standout tours keep groups small and transportation worry-free. We particularly love the West Coast brewery tour – it pairs dramatic beach views with a fantastic craft beer lunch.
The Kumeu wine experience deserves special mention for its intimate look at family-owned vineyards, while the urban craft beer crawl hits all the right downtown spots.
History buffs shouldn’t miss the heritage pub walk, where stories of old Auckland flow as freely as the drinks.
Let’s explore the best drinking tours this New Zealand hub has to offer.
Key Points
- The Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour offers an immersive journey along Auckland’s rugged western coastline with a small-group, fully-guided experience.
- The Kumeu Wineries/Brewery Tour provides a private, all-inclusive experience in the Kumeu wine region, featuring tastings at three wineries and one brewery.
- The Auckland Historic Bar Tour showcases the city’s storied bars and breweries, offering tastings of five boutique New Zealand beers and wines.
- The Auckland Urban Craft Beer Tour explores Auckland’s craft beer scene, visiting three distinct breweries with generous tastings and a personalized, knowledgeable guide.
- These tours provide unique, highly-rated experiences that allow visitors to discover Auckland’s vibrant drinking culture and local offerings.
Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour Incl Craft Beer Brewery Lunch & Tasting
The Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour Incl Craft Beer Brewery Lunch & Tasting takes guests on an immersive journey along Auckland’s rugged western coastline.
This small-group, fully-guided tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders and local craft beer experiences. Travelers will explore the dramatic black sand beaches, stop for a set-menu lunch at a craft beer brewery, and enjoy a tasting of the brewery’s finest offerings.
The tour includes park entry fees and gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Pickup is provided from the Sky Tower in Auckland’s CBD, and the tour runs for approximately 5 hours, returning to the same location.
With a maximum of 16 participants, this tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. Parents traveling with young children can request a child safety car seat with 24 hours’ notice.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour and the reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beach Tour Incl Craft Beer Brewery Lunch & Tasting Review
Book now: Check availability
Kumeu Wineries / Brewery
Nestled in the picturesque Kumeu wine region, just a short drive from Auckland’s city center, the Kumeu Wineries / Brewery tour offers visitors a delightful opportunity to explore the local vineyards and taste the region’s renowned wines and craft beers.
This private, all-inclusive experience provides air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and tastings at three wineries and one brewery, all for the competitive price of $178.32 per person. Guests can expect a flexible itinerary, knowledgeable guidance from the expert tour leader Brett, and a chance to learn about New Zealand’s rich winemaking heritage.
With pickup from central accommodations or the Ferry Building, the tour is accessible yet not wheelchair-friendly. While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can enjoy this 5-star rated experience, which features excellent wine and beer selections and memorable cultural insights.
Reviewers highlight the tour’s informative nature and the high quality of the food and beverages sampled.
Read our full review: Kumeu Wineries / Brewery Review
Book now: Check availability
Auckland Historic Bar Tour
Exploring the vibrant nightlife of Auckland, the Auckland Historic Bar Tour offers an immersive experience for beer and history enthusiasts.
With a 100% recommendation from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, this 2.5-hour tour showcases the city’s storied bars and breweries.
Led by a local guide, participants can expect to taste a range of boutique New Zealand beers and wines, including five different brews from various regions.
The tour not only satisfies thirsty palates but also imparts knowledge about the history and evolution of the local brewing and winemaking industries.
Guests will have the opportunity to socialize with locals in renowned bars while discovering Auckland’s dynamic nightlife.
Conveniently starting at Brew on Quay and ending at the city’s first self-brewing bar, the tour is accessible by public transportation and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this personalized tour provides an intimate and engaging way to explore Auckland’s vibrant drinking culture.
Read our full review: Auckland Historic Bar Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Auckland Urban Craft Beer Tour
Enjoy Auckland’s vibrant craft beer scene with the Auckland Urban Craft Beer Tour. This 100% traveler-recommended experience takes you on a journey to explore the city’s thriving urban breweries.
With a maximum of 11 participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized and engaging tour led by knowledgeable guides who’ll share insights into the brewing process and local beer culture.
During the tour, you’ll visit three distinct breweries, each offering a unique atmosphere and a variety of craft beers to sample. The tour includes generous tastings, along with a delicious lunch and snacks to complement the experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you’ll appreciate the educational and social aspects of this tour, which also includes opportunities for sightseeing and camaraderie with fellow travelers.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, and an air-conditioned minivan for transportation, the Auckland Urban Craft Beer Tour provides a well-rounded and hassle-free exploration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Auckland Urban Craft Beer Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Auckland’s drinking tours provide a diverse and immersive experience for visitors. From the rugged West Coast to the historic bars of the city center, these tours offer a comprehensive exploration of the region’s thriving craft beer and wine scene. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply seeking a memorable day out, Auckland’s drinking tours cater to all tastes and interests.