Nestled in the heart of Dunedin, the Speights Brewery has been a beloved institution for over 150 years. The Speights Brewery Guided Tour offers visitors a captivating look into the brewery’s rich heritage and the art of crafting renowned New Zealand beers. From learning about the historical significance of this iconic site to witnessing the modern brewing process, this 75-minute journey promises an immersive experience that caters to beer enthusiasts and casual explorers alike. But the true highlight lies in the tasting session, where you’ll have the opportunity to savor the award-winning flavors that have made Speights a household name. Prepare to be enlightened and delighted as you uncover the secrets behind Dunedin’s renowned brewing legacy.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Dunedin.
Key Points
- Speights Brewery in Dunedin, New Zealand offers a 75-minute guided tour that explores the brewery’s 144+ years of history and the brewing process.
- The tour includes a beer tasting session in the iconic tasting room, where visitors can sample award-winning Speights beers.
- The tour is suitable for beer enthusiasts and those interested in New Zealand’s brewing heritage, with knowledgeable guides providing engaging historical context.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old and wear closed-toe shoes, as the tour involves climbing over 200 stairs and navigating through narrow passageways.
- The tour has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 79 reviews, with high praise for the tour guides and the quality of the brewery’s offerings.
Tour Overview
The Speights Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting is a 75-minute activity that provides visitors an opportunity to explore New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery, established over 144 years ago.
Priced from $21.05 per person, the tour allows participants to discover the brewery’s rich history and brewing process, including the core ingredients used to create the award-winning beers.
At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting session in the iconic tasting room.
Attracting up to 20,000 visitors annually, the Speights Brewery is recognized as a major tourist attraction in Dunedin.
The tour is available in English and Chinese, and guests are encouraged to check availability for starting times.
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Activity Highlights
Visitors can explore New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery, Speights, which was established over 144 years ago. They’ll discover the brewery’s rich history and brewing process, including the core ingredients used to create the award-winning beers.
The tour culminates in a tasting session held in the iconic tasting room, allowing participants to sample the brewery’s offerings. Attracting up to 20,000 visitors annually, the Speights Brewery is recognized as a major tourist attraction in Dunedin.
The guided tour provides an engaging and informative experience, with knowledgeable guides sharing the brewery’s fascinating history. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about New Zealand’s brewing heritage, the Speights Brewery tour is a must-do activity during a visit to Dunedin.
Included in the Tour
Although the tour lasts 75 minutes, it packs a wealth of experiences for visitors.
A fully guided tour takes guests through the Speights Brewery, where they’ll discover the brewery’s rich history and brewing process.
The tour culminates with a tasting session in the iconic tasting room, allowing participants to sample the brewery’s award-winning beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenience for travelers.
Visitors can browse the Brewery Shop for merchandise and fresh beer to take home.
With inclusions like these, the Speights Brewery tour offers an immersive and well-rounded experience that showcases the best of New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery.
Important Considerations
Guests must be 18 years or older to reserve the Speights Brewery tour, and minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are required, as high-heeled shoes, bags, and open-toed shoes are prohibited.
Accessibility is also a consideration, as the tour involves over 200 stairs, making it unsuitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
The important information to keep in mind includes:
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Passport or ID is required
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Tasting is limited to those 18 and over
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Stairs are a significant part of the tour
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Prohibited items include bags and open-toed shoes
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The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible
Customer Ratings
The Speights Brewery tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 79 reviews.
Visitors consistently praise the tour guides for providing engaging historical context, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the tasting room.
Many customers, both travelers and locals, have recommended the tour, citing the quality of the beers and the overall experience.
The tour’s consistent positive feedback suggests it’s a must-do activity for anyone visiting Dunedin, offering an informative and enjoyable look into New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery.
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Accessibility Information
The Speights Brewery tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves navigating over 200 stairs throughout the experience.
The tour requires visitors to be able to:
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Climb multiple flights of stairs to access different areas of the brewery
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Stand for extended periods during the guided tour
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Navigate narrow passageways and uneven surfaces
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Maintain balance and stability on stairways and platforms
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Carry any personal items, as bags are prohibited on the tour
Given the physical demands of the tour, it isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility.
Visitors should carefully consider their capabilities before booking to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the Speights Brewery experience.
Age and Dress Requirements
Visitors must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Speights Brewery tour, and minors are only permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Proper attire is also required, with closed-toe shoes being mandatory and high-heeled shoes, bags, and open-toed footwear being prohibited for safety reasons.
These age and dress requirements are in place to ensure the wellbeing of all tour participants and to maintain a safe and comfortable experience throughout the brewery’s historic facilities.
Guests are advised to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear to navigate the various levels and stairs involved in the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Guests can cancel their Speights Brewery tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers’ plans.
This cancellation policy allows for:
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Last-minute changes in itinerary without penalty
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Rescheduling the tour if unexpected events arise
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Refunds for those unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances
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Confidence in booking the tour without worry
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Peace of mind knowing their money will be returned if needed
The free cancellation up to a day before the scheduled tour time ensures guests can plan their Dunedin visit with ease, allowing them to fully enjoy the Speights Brewery experience without unnecessary stress about potential schedule conflicts.
Recap
The Speights Brewery Guided Tour in Dunedin offers a unique opportunity to explore New Zealand’s brewing heritage.
With knowledgeable guides, a fascinating history, and a tasting of award-winning beers, this 75-minute journey provides an immersive experience for both beer enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Whether you’re interested in the brewing process or simply want to savor the flavors, this tour is a must-do activity for anyone exploring Dunedin.
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