New Zealand South Island craft beer and adventure tour

New Zealand – South Island Nature, Culture & Craft Beer

$7,710.00

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Pay a deposit of $1,000.00 per item

* The deposit is refundable less a $50 cancellation fee up to 60 days prior to departure. For cancellations made less than 60 days prior to departure, the full deposit will be forfeited. For cancellations made after final payment, refunds will be made (where possible) according to service contracts and supplier guidelines; these refunds will be based on recoverable expenses. See the full Terms and Conditions here.

Description

New Zealand – South Island Nature, Culture & Craft Beer

Beer, nature, food, history and Kiwi culture across New Zealand’s spectacular South Island — a small-group BeerTrips journey through Christchurch, Aoraki / Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Fiordland, Queenstown, Wānaka, the wild West Coast, Nelson hop country and more.

19 Days | Maximum 10 Travelers | Brewery-Focused Nature & Cultural Travel

Upcoming Departures & Pricing

  • 2027 Tour | February 1 – 19, 2027 | $7,710 | Single Supplement +$1,450 | Open

Tour begins with flights to Christchurch and ends in Nelson after breakfast on Friday, February 19, 2027.

Price is land-only, based on double occupancy. Your price is confirmed once your deposit has been accepted for this departure.

Please select your room type above when joining the trip. Space and single-room availability are limited.

Join the Trip!

Trip Snapshot

  • Duration: 19 days total / 16 nights on the ground, plus 2 travel days across time zones
  • Group Size: Minimum 6 guests / Maximum 10 guests
  • Travel Style: Small-group, brewery-focused nature and culture journey
  • Start / End: Begins in Christchurch, ends in Nelson
  • Transport: Private minibuses, scenic rail, guided day excursions, jet boat and river safari
  • Physical Level: Easy to moderate walking, with trails, boardwalks, boat ramps and uneven surfaces
  • Best For: Beer lovers, nature travelers, food travelers and culturally curious explorers

Why Travelers Love This BeerTrip

This journey combines New Zealand craft beer, dramatic landscapes, national parks, historic towns, local food, hop country and unforgettable South Island hospitality into one relaxed small-group adventure.

Beer is our lens, but the trip is much broader than beer alone. Expect alpine lakes, glaciers, rainforests, fiords, mountain towns, coastal rail, Māori and Pākehā history, local cuisine and the kind of places you might never find on your own.

What makes this trip special: New Zealand’s South Island, Te Waipounamu, is one of the world’s great nature destinations, with the Southern Alps, fiords, glaciers, wild coastlines and hop-growing country. Along the way, we connect the scenery to local craft beer culture, from Christchurch brewpubs and Dunedin pioneers to West Coast beer stops and Nelson’s celebrated hop region.

Why Travel With BeerTrips in New Zealand?

This BeerTrip explores New Zealand’s South Island through beer, food, nature, history and everyday local culture. We visit breweries, taprooms, scenic tasting rooms, historic towns, national parks and local gathering places while traveling at a relaxed small-group pace.

Each day is designed to balance guided experiences with time to explore independently. You will enjoy structured brewery visits, scenic excursions and cultural touring, along with free time for walks, cafés, museums, beer bars, photography, shopping or quiet wandering.

This BeerTrip Is Perfect For:

  • Travelers who enjoy beer, food, nature, history and local culture
  • Beer lovers ranging from casual enthusiasts to serious aficionados
  • Guests who enjoy small-group travel and a relaxed but active pace
  • Travelers comfortable with walks, trails, boat ramps, stairs, gravel paths and occasional uneven surfaces
  • People who like a balance of guided experiences, scenic travel days and independent exploration

This Trip May Not Suit:

  • Travelers looking for a fast-paced party tour
  • Guests seeking luxury resort-style travel
  • People uncomfortable with walking, trails, stairs, boat ramps, gravel paths or uneven surfaces
  • Travelers who prefer every hour of every day to be fully scheduled

Beer Tour Highlights

  • Opportunities to visit more than 20 breweries, taprooms and beer-focused stops
  • Christchurch craft breweries and welcome beer dinner
  • House of Hops lunch en route to Aoraki / Mt. Cook
  • Ōamaru beer stops and steampunk character
  • Dunedin brewpubs, walking tour and free beer day
  • Queenstown and Wānaka taprooms in spectacular alpine settings
  • West Coast beer stops in Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport
  • Nelson hop country, breweries and beery farewell celebration

Signature Beer Experiences

  • Welcome beer dinner and brewpub visits in Christchurch
  • Craft beer lunch stops in Twizel, Arrowtown and Greymouth
  • Dunedin, Queenstown and Wānaka craft beer exploration
  • Nelson hop country, hop producer visit and farewell beer celebration

Brewery & Beer Experiences*

  • Christchurch breweries such as Cassels, Three Boys and other local producers
  • Dunedin craft beer scene, including pioneering and small-batch breweries
  • Queenstown and Wānaka breweries with lake and mountain energy
  • West Coast beer culture, including Shortjaw Brewery in Westport
  • Nelson-area breweries, hop producers and taprooms

Nature, Food & Cultural Experiences

  • Christchurch city walk and cultural orientation
  • Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki / Mt. Cook alpine scenery
  • Ōamaru Victorian Precinct and steampunk atmosphere
  • Victoria Line coastal train to Dunedin
  • Milford Sound walk and cruise in Fiordland National Park
  • Haast River Safari and Lake Matheson walk
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks in Paparoa National Park
  • Buller River Gorge jet boat adventure
  • Abel Tasman National Park free day from Nelson

Beer Culture, Food & Regional Traditions

New Zealand’s South Island has a distinctive craft beer culture shaped by local ingredients, independent brewers, dramatic landscapes and friendly Kiwi hospitality. Breweries and taprooms appear in cities, mountain towns, coastal communities and hop-growing regions, giving travelers a delicious way to understand local life.

Nelson is especially important to New Zealand beer culture thanks to its hop-growing heritage. During the tour, travelers experience both the brewing side and the everyday cultural side of beer: where it is made, how it is served, what foods accompany it and why it matters locally.

What’s Included

  • All accommodations for 16 nights in well-located hotels, lodges and guesthouses
  • All brewery visits, tastings and beer-focused activities listed in the itinerary
  • All guided tours and excursions listed, including city walks, Milford cruise, Haast River Safari and Buller jet boat
  • All group ground transport during the tour as described
  • Scenic rail journey from Ōamaru to Dunedin
  • Professional driver-guides, local guides and BeerTrips tour leadership
  • Daily breakfasts plus select lunches and dinners with beer

Included Meals

15 Breakfasts | 7 Lunches with beer | 9 Dinners with beer

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare to/from New Zealand
  • Some lunches and dinners not specified as included
  • Drinks outside group tastings and included meals
  • Optional activities during free time, such as heli-hikes or extra excursions
  • Personal expenses, tips and incidentals
  • Travel insurance, strongly recommended

Trip Itinerary*

Click or tap each day to expand the details. Daily schedules may vary depending on brewery availability, local events, weather and transportation schedules.

Day 1 – Monday, February 1, 2027 – Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy your flight to Aotearoa and prepare for the South Island adventure ahead.

Overnight: Airplane

Day 2 – Tuesday, February 2, 2027 – Transcending Space and Time

Cross the International Dateline along the way. Today disappears for a while and returns later as part of the magic of long-haul travel.

Overnight: Somewhere in the ether

Day 3 – Wednesday, February 3, 2027 – Arrival in Christchurch, Walking Tour & Welcome Beer Dinner

Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. We’ll explore with a local guide, get oriented, learn some history, walk the city and visit a couple of brewpubs on the way to our beery welcome dinner.

Overnight in Christchurch | Meals: D

Day 4 – Thursday, February 4, 2027 – Explore Christchurch & Local Breweries

Today is wide open to enjoy Christchurch. Go punting on the Avon, explore central neighborhoods, visit Lyttelton or spend the day discovering the city’s streets, curiosities and brewpubs.

Overnight in Christchurch | Meals: B

Day 5 – Friday, February 5, 2027 – House of Hops Lunch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki & Aoraki / Mt. Cook

We leave Christchurch for Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village. Along the way, we stop at House of Hops Brewpub for beer and lunch, walk beside turquoise Lake Tekapo, pass Lake Pukaki and arrive in the mountains for dinner with alpine views and possible dark-sky stargazing.

Overnight in Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village | Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 – Saturday, February 6, 2027 – To Ōamaru, Local Beers & Steampunk Vibes

There is time this morning for more exploring around Aoraki / Mt. Cook before we travel back toward the coast. We stop for lunch and beer at Burkes Brewpub in Twizel, then continue to quirky Ōamaru, known for its Victorian architecture, steampunk character, cool bars and local breweries.

Overnight in Ōamaru | Meals: L, D

Day 7 – Sunday, February 7, 2027 – Ōamaru Free Morning, Coastal Train, Dunedin Walk & Beery Dinner

Enjoy a free morning in Ōamaru before our scenic coastal train to Dunedin. Once in Dunedin, we’ll do some sightseeing with a local guide, get oriented, visit a brewpub and gather for dinner.

Overnight in Dunedin | Meals: B, D

Day 8 – Monday, February 8, 2027 – Free Day / Beer Day in Dunedin

Enjoy a free day in Dunedin. Visit Larnach Castle, explore street art, discover Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, head to the Otago Peninsula or seek out several well-regarded breweries and beer bars.

Overnight in Dunedin | Meals: B

Day 9 – Tuesday, February 9, 2027 – To Te Anau, Beer & Lake Time

We cross the island from Dunedin to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, the Kepler Track, Milford Track and Milford Sound. There will be time to relax, walk or explore before dinner at a local pub with good food and New Zealand craft beer.

Overnight in Te Anau | Meals: B, L, D

Day 10 – Wednesday, February 10, 2027 – Milford Hike & Cruise

Today brings a big Fiordland experience. We travel toward Milford Sound with time for walking, waterfalls, trails, big trees and lunch before cruising beneath soaring peaks and dramatic scenery on Milford Sound.

Overnight in Te Anau | Meals: B, L

Day 11 – Thursday, February 11, 2027 – To Queenstown & Lakefront Beer Dinner

After breakfast, we travel to Queenstown, our home for two nights. Check in, explore the neighborhood, find local brewpubs and gather for a great dinner by the lake. The evening is free after dinner.

Overnight in Queenstown | Meals: B, D

Day 12 – Friday, February 12, 2027 – Queenstown Adventures & Free Evening

Enjoy a full free day in Queenstown. Choose from adventure activities, local culture, lakefront wandering or a relaxed day in this mountain town. We’ll informally regroup in the evening for dedicated beer seeking.

Overnight in Queenstown | Meals: B

Day 13 – Saturday, February 13, 2027 – Arrowtown, Fork & Tap, To Wānaka

We travel toward Wānaka, stopping in historic Arrowtown for shops, curiosities, beer and lunch at The Fork & Tap. Continue to Wānaka, set beside its namesake lake and surrounded by alpine scenery, local breweries and excellent stargazing.

Overnight in Wānaka | Meals: B, L

Day 14 – Sunday, February 14, 2027 – Haast River Safari, Lake Matheson & Fox Glacier

We head toward the wild West Coast, passing Mt. Aspiring National Park and traveling through the Haast River valley. A stay-dry eco-safari explores the river at water level before lunch and West Coast beers. Later, we walk at Lake Matheson and continue to Fox Glacier for the evening.

Overnight in Fox Glacier | Meals: B, L

Day 15 – Monday, February 15, 2027 – Hokitika, Greymouth, Punakaiki & Westport

Today we drive the wild and beautiful West Coast. We seek out greenstone and beer in Hokitika, enjoy a brewery lunch in Greymouth, continue to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks, then arrive in Westport for a session at Shortjaw Brewery and dinner nearby.

Overnight in Westport | Meals: L, D

Day 16 – Tuesday, February 16, 2027 – Buller River Jet Boat, Nelson Hops & City Walk

Start with a jet boat adventure through the Buller River Gorge, then continue toward Nelson through prime hop-growing country. We’ll stop at a hop producer to learn about Kiwi hop cultivation before arriving in Nelson for dinner and an evening among locals, artists and beer seekers.

Overnight in Nelson | Meals: L, D

Day 17 – Wednesday, February 17, 2027 – Abel Tasman National Park Free Day

Today is open for exploring Abel Tasman National Park. Beautiful walks, beaches, boat rides, kayaking, swimming and wildlife viewing await down the road. Evening beer seeking in Nelson is strongly encouraged.

Overnight in Nelson

Day 18 – Thursday, February 18, 2027 – Nelson Free Day & Beery Farewell Dinner

Nelson offers adventures, art, nearby wine and beer experiences, e-bike options and plenty of local flavor. Tonight we celebrate our exploration of Te Waipounamu — New Zealand’s amazing, beery South Island — with a farewell dinner. Kia ora!

Overnight in Nelson | Meals: L, D

Day 19 – Friday, February 19, 2027 – Travel Home or Beyond

Breakfast at the hotel, flight times permitting, is the final official event of the tour. Safe travels home, or onward in Aotearoa and beyond.

Meals: B

Ready To Experience New Zealand’s South Island Beer Culture?

Join fellow beer travelers for craft breweries, local food, national parks, mountain towns, wild coastlines, hop country and unforgettable Kiwi hospitality.

Join the Trip!

Cities, Breweries & Regional Culture

Christchurch

Christchurch, Ōtautahi, is the South Island’s largest city and a lively starting point for our journey. Known as the Garden City, it blends English garden-city influence, Māori history, earthquake recovery, public art, creative urban spaces and a growing craft beer scene.

Aoraki / Mt. Cook

Aoraki / Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain and one of the great alpine landscapes of the South Island. Trails, glaciers, Lake Pukaki views and dark-sky stargazing make this one of the most dramatic overnight stops on the trip.

Ōamaru

Ōamaru is known for Victorian architecture, steampunk character, penguins, limestone landscapes and a surprisingly fun beer scene. It is one of New Zealand’s quirkiest small-town stops.

Dunedin

Dunedin brings Scottish heritage, university energy, street art, historic buildings, Otago Peninsula wildlife and a strong craft beer culture. It is one of the South Island’s best cities for wandering, eating and drinking well.

Te Anau & Milford Sound

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, the Kepler Track and the Milford Track. Our time here focuses on lakes, forests, waterfalls, walking options and one of New Zealand’s signature scenic cruises.

Queenstown & Wānaka

Queenstown and Wānaka combine alpine scenery, lakefront beauty, outdoor adventure and excellent beer. Expect mountain-town energy, free time, local breweries and some of the South Island’s most photogenic landscapes.

West Coast, Fox Glacier & Westport

The West Coast brings rainforests, rivers, beaches, glaciers, pounamu history, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and rugged local character. Beer stops in Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport keep the craft thread alive as the scenery keeps changing.

Nelson & Hop Country

Nelson is sunny, creative, relaxed and famously connected to New Zealand hop growing. Breweries, cafés, art, markets, nearby Abel Tasman National Park and hop-country flavor make it a perfect finale.

Where We Stay

  • Christchurch: Garden City hotel within easy reach of the Avon River and central brewpubs — 2 nights
  • Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village: Alpine lodge with access to trails, stargazing and mountain views — 1 night
  • Ōamaru: Characterful hotel near the Victorian Precinct and steampunk quarter — 1 night
  • Dunedin: City hotel with easy access to historic sites, street art and breweries — 2 nights
  • Te Anau: Lakeside accommodation ideal for Fiordland excursions — 2 nights
  • Queenstown: Mountain-lake hotel close to adventure activities and local taprooms — 2 nights
  • Wānaka: Boutique stay near the lakefront and local breweries — 1 night
  • Fox Glacier: West Coast lodge near glacier walks and the glowworm track — 1 night
  • Westport: Historic West Coast town hotel near Shortjaw Brewery — 1 night
  • Nelson: Central hotel close to cafés, breweries and Abel Tasman connections — 3 nights

Final hotels may vary but will always be of equal or greater quality.

Travel Routes, Rail & Beer Connections

This itinerary follows natural travel corridors across the South Island: from the Canterbury Plains into the Southern Alps, down the east coast to Dunedin, across to Fiordland and then up the wild West Coast to hop-rich Nelson.

We combine scenic rail, private minibuses, guided day excursions, a river safari and a jet boat adventure. Brewery visits are woven into the route so tastings, nature stops and cultural experiences feel connected and enjoyable — never rushed, never dull.

Why Travel With BeerTrips?

  • 25+ years of brewery-focused cultural travel
  • Small groups with a maximum of 10 travelers on this departure
  • Carefully selected breweries, taprooms, local partners and scenic experiences
  • Balanced itineraries with guided experiences and independent time
  • Beer, food, history, nature and local culture woven into every journey

Practical Notes

Group Size & Pace

This is an intimate small-group journey, limited to 10 travelers. The pace balances activity and downtime, with several big scenic days followed by easier days or free time.

Mobility & Walking

New Zealand’s South Island includes city sidewalks, lakeside promenades, forest tracks, boardwalks, gravel paths, stairs, hills, boat ramps and sometimes muddy or uneven surfaces. Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles over the course of a day at a relaxed pace and standing during tastings or guided visits.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all BeerTrips departures.

Responsible Enjoyment

This tour is built around appreciation, culture and discovery. Tastings are designed to showcase local beer traditions, not to create a party atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click or tap a question to expand the answer.

How physically demanding is this BeerTrip?

This tour involves easy to moderate walking, including city walks, trails, gravel paths, boat ramps, stairs and occasional uneven surfaces. You should be comfortable walking several miles over the course of a day at a relaxed pace.

How many breweries will we visit?

The final brewery lineup depends on availability, but the itinerary includes opportunities for more than 20 brewery, taproom and beer-focused experiences across the South Island.

Can non-drinkers join?

Yes. BeerTrips journeys are equally focused on food, culture, history, architecture, scenery and regional experiences.

What airport should I fly into and out of?

The tour begins in Christchurch and ends in Nelson. Arrival and departure airport recommendations will be provided before the tour.

Is airfare included?

No. This is a land-only tour. International airfare to and from New Zealand is not included.

Will there be free time?

Yes. This BeerTrip includes a balance of guided activities and free time so travelers can explore walks, museums, cafés, shops, beer bars, national parks or local neighborhoods independently.

Is this a party tour?

No. This is a beer-focused cultural travel experience. The tour emphasizes breweries, food, nature, history, local traditions and responsible enjoyment.

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Ready To Join This BeerTrips Adventure?

Explore New Zealand’s South Island through craft beer, local food, national parks, mountain towns, wild coastlines, hop country and unforgettable Kiwi hospitality.

Join the Trip!

*Final brewery lineup and exact timing are subject to confirmation and availability. Substitutions, when necessary, will always be of equal or greater quality.

BeerTrips has been crafting small-group beer, food and cultural journeys for over 25 years.

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TRAVEL DETAILS:

Air Travel is not included. Travelers are encouraged to use mileage awards, travel outside group dates, or visit other European cities while abroad to make the most out of the trip. Please confirm the trip’s operation before purchasing air tickets.

Most Trips officially begin in the lobby of the first hotel. Meeting times, information about getting from the airport or train station to the hotel, the detailed itinerary, hotel addresses, and a trip roster will be included with your Final Trip Documents, which you’ll receive 2 – 3 weeks before the trip.

How we travel on tour: All included excursions and visits include transportation. Within the cities, we rely on walking and private or public transportation (uber, taxis, busses, trams, etc.). Travel between cities is by private motor coach, luxury van, ferry, and/or rail.

REGARDING INCLUDED MEALS AND BEER:

We don’t mess around when it comes to food and beer. Restaurants — tried and true — have been carefully selected, based on quality, local knowledge, and insider tips. On a Beer Trip, included meals mean you may order as you please – including beer, appetizers, dessert, etc. We are not stingy — a lot of food and beer is included on every Beer Trip.

PLEASE NOTE:

A BeerTrips beer tour is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events, brewery visits, locally guided tours, and some excursions are, of course, formally “guided”. Travel days, on trains, public means, or the beer bus, as well some group walks, are blissfully unstructured, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.

THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

In rare cases, it may be necessary to alter the itinerary based on brewery or hotel availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense, or bad weather, etc. Smaller breweries, as well as the Trappists, are often unable to commit to hosting groups until a couple of weeks before we arrive. Substitutions, when necessary, will be as good as what we replaced. And, don’t worry, the beer is always good!

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