New Zealand: South Island Nature, Culture, Adventure & Kiwi Craft Beer!

Description

Trip Snapshot

January 1–19, 2027

16 Days and Nights on New Zealand’s spectacular, surreal, sometimes stupefying South Island. Coastal cities, national parks, mountain towns, mighty rivers & waterfalls, fairytale landscapes, natural beauty and more.

• 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 & culture journey
• Start / End: Begins in Christchurch, ends in Nelson
• Transport: Private minibuses, scenic rail, guided day excursions, jet boat & river safari

Beer, Nature, History & Local Flavor — Christchurch to Nelson

Walk, hike, soak, swim, ride, cruise, paddle, stargaze, photograph, bird-watch, carouse with locals, eat, drink, be merry! Friendly folks, excellent cuisine, and great craft beer await on this Kiwi Down Under BeerTrip of a lifetime.

Ahhh, New Zealand! Aotearoa as named by Polynesian wayfarers — “Land of the Long White Cloud.” When you think of the far-flung corners of the earth, the South Island of New Zealand may pop into your head. Highlights on your beery adventure: cultural history exploration in Christchurch – Māori and Pākehā; scenic Lake Tekapo walk; overnight stay at Aoraki/Mt. Cook – dinner with a view, walks, dark skies; a day in Ōamaru, New Zealand’s quirkiest town with a steampunk vibe; a ride on the historic Victoria Line coastal train to Dunedin; private guided day trip in Fiordland National Park with Milford Sound cruise; time for beer, exploring, wandering in Te Anau, Queenstown & Wānaka; the Haast Valley and a spectacular river safari on this wild river; Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, glowworm walk in Fox; the West Coast – Haast to Westport, with Hokitika, Greymouth & Punakaiki; an exhilarating jet boat ride in the mighty Buller River Gorge; a visit to a hop producer near Nelson.

Quite probably the Trip of a Lifetime!!

Christchurch | Aoraki / Mt. Cook | Ōamaru | Dunedin | Te Anau | Milford Sound | Queenstown | Wānaka | Haast | Fox Glacier | Westport | Abel Tasman NP | Nelson

Why We’re BeerTripping Here

Sometime over the course of the past two or three hundred thousand years, human beings appeared, evolved, explored and settled virtually every major land mass on our watery, blue planet. But nobody found New Zealand until about the 10th century!

Polynesian wayfarers followed stars, currents, clouds and birds to navigate, eventually discovering Aotearoa — Land of the Long White Cloud — sometime in the 10th century. They found strange animals and flightless birds, and land suitable for food crops. Polynesian wayfarer societies, which first organized about 3000 years ago, populated both islands, and for the next few centuries, well-organized communities cultivated yams, taro and other staples to supplement fishing and hunting. Ceremonies, belief systems, customs and rule of law were all well-established in Māori communities.

Even New Zealand’s big, “down under” neighbor, Australia, a mere 1300 miles west, has been inhabited for roughly 50,000 years! Centuries later, in 1642, during the European Age of Exploration, Dutch captain Abel Tasman attempted contact with local people, resulting in four sailors being clubbed to death by wary locals. It wasn’t until 130 years later, in 1769, that Captain James Cook first explored the islands and ushered in Western colonization. A few dark chapters followed…

New Zealand’s South Island in the 21st Century – ‘Te Waipounamu’ (Waters of Greenstone). The South Island is home to 10 national parks, 12 distinct ecoregions spanning two coasts, and the rugged Southern Alps — home to temperate and fiordland rainforests, mountain landscapes, beaches, glaciers, mighty rivers and shimmering blue lakes. There are keas and kiwis, along with other New Zealand natives — an array of flightless birds, Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and 13 million sheep!

There are also friendly locals who love great beer, and nice, authentic folks all over this secluded island with a population of 1.25 million, 10% of whom are Māori. And just like New Zealanders would do, there are excellent craft breweries just about everywhere you would want to go. We will visit about 20 of them during 16 days, while taking in virtually everything the island has to offer. We’ll travel from Christchurch — still recovering and reimagining after its 2011 earthquake — to chill, artsy, beery Nelson. Along the way, you’ll discover and engage in all the beauty and majesty that is NZ’s South Island.

Trip Price (Land-only, based on double occupancy)

• $7,710 per person, double occupancy
• Single Room add extra $1,450
• Minimum 6 guests
• Maximum 10 guests
• Professional driver-guides
• Private vehicles
• Fully escorted

Overnight Stays

• Christchurch – 2 nights
• Aoraki / Mt. Cook – 1 night
• Ōamaru – 1 night
• Dunedin – 2 nights
• Te Anau – 2 nights
• Queenstown – 2 nights
• Wānaka – 1 night
• Fox Glacier – 1 night
• Westport – 1 night
• Nelson – 3 nights

Included Meals

• 15 breakfasts
• 7 lunches with beer
• 9 dinners with beer

Included Tours & Excursions

• Christchurch city walk
• Coastal train – Victoria Line Ōamaru to Dunedin
• Dunedin walking tour
• Te Anau / Milford walk and cruise
• Haast River Safari
• Lake Matheson walk
• Punakaiki Rocks, Paparoa National Park
• Buller River jet boat
• Clyde Company hops farm*
• Nelson walking tour

Brewers & Beers!!!

• Opportunities to visit over 20 breweries
• Several tap room visits, with tastings included
• Scenic tasting rooms
• Lively brewpubs
• Local culture
• Friendly welcomes from friendly brewers

Transportation

• Minibus with driver/guide: Christchurch – Aoraki / Mt. Cook – Ōamaru (2 days)
• Victoria Line coastal railroad: Ōamaru – Dunedin (one-way scenic train trip)
• Private minibus: Dunedin – Te Anau, with lunch stop (daytrip)
• Guided daytrip with local operator: Te Anau – Milford with cruise and lunch (daytrip)
• Private minibus: Te Anau – Queenstown (daytrip)
• Private driver-guide / minibus: Queenstown – Wānaka – Fox – Westport – Nelson (4 days)

Highlights & National Parks

• Aoraki / Mt. Cook
• Fiordland National Park
• Mt. Aspiring National Park
• Tai Poutini (Westland) National Park
• Paparoa National Park
• Abel Tasman National Park

Walking, Hiking & Excursion Opportunities

• Christchurch – dozens of walks, long and short
• Aoraki / Mt. Cook – several walks, short and long hikes, dark-sky stargazing
• Ōamaru – penguins, the spherical Moeraki Boulders, Steampunk HQ
• Te Anau – Kepler Track walking / hiking options
• Te Anau – Milford Track walking / hiking options
• Queenstown – many free day options and adventures
• Fox / Franz Josef Glacier – heli-hikes, trails to viewing areas
• Nelson – Abel Tasman NP: cruise, walk, kayak or a combination
• Nelson – hops & vines day / e-bikes to wineries

Our Path Around the South Island

Christchurch to Nelson — a looping route through mountains, coasts, lakes, glaciers and hop country.

Cities & Regions

Christchurch

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Christchurch was officially established in 1856, becoming New Zealand’s first city by Royal Charter. It was initially planned as part of an Anglican settlement by the Canterbury Association, led by Edward Gibbon Wakefield and John Robert Godley. The area has been inhabited for centuries by Māori, specifically the Ngāi Tahu iwi, who named it Ōtautahi after a prominent chief.

Cultural & Natural History:
Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch features historic Gothic Revival architecture, much of which is being restored or reimagined following the earthquakes of 2010–2011. The city thrives with innovative urban design, such as the Cardboard Cathedral and creative public spaces.

Geography:
Located on the fertile Canterbury Plains, the city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Southern Alps to the west. The nearby Banks Peninsula, formed by ancient volcanic activity, adds dramatic landscapes.

Craft Breweries:
Cassels Brewing Co. (award-winning milk stout and diverse range), Three Boys Brewery (classic pale ales and IPAs), Eagle Brewing NZ (a smaller brewery with unique offerings).

Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village was developed in the 1880s as a base for mountaineers and tourists. The area has been significant to Ngāi Tahu for centuries, with Aoraki (the mountain) holding a central place in their creation myths.

Cultural & Natural History:
The village is surrounded by alpine landscapes and is the hub for exploring Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, which includes glaciers, subalpine forests and native fauna. Dark Sky Reserve status makes it a prime spot for stargazing.

Geography:
The village sits at the foot of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, within the Southern Alps. The Tasman Glacier and Lake Pukaki are nearby highlights.

Craft Breweries:
Closest brewery: Mackenzie Brewing Co. in Twizel, offering locally inspired ales.

Ōamaru

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Settled by Europeans in the 1850s, Ōamaru thrived during the 19th century due to agriculture and the export of frozen meat. Its Victorian architecture reflects the prosperity of that era. Ngāi Tahu had long established seasonal settlements in the area.

Cultural & Natural History:
Ōamaru is famous for its Victorian Precinct, home to boutique shops, galleries and Steampunk HQ. The nearby shores host colonies of little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins.

Geography:
Situated on the eastern coastline, the town features dramatic limestone landscapes and is close to the Moeraki Boulders.

Craft Breweries:
Craftwork Brewery (small-batch Belgian-style ales), Scott’s Brewing Co.

Dunedin

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Dunedin was founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers from the Free Church of Scotland. The city was named after Edinburgh (Dùn Èideann in Gaelic). Its Māori history predates European settlement, with Kāi Tahu using the area for food gathering and trade.

Cultural & Natural History:
A vibrant cultural hub, Dunedin boasts historic buildings like Larnach Castle and the University of Otago. Its wildlife attractions include the royal albatross colony and sea lion habitats.

Geography:
Located on the Otago Peninsula, the city is surrounded by rugged coastlines and rolling hills.

Craft Breweries:
Emerson’s Brewery (one of New Zealand’s pioneering craft breweries), Noisy Brewing Co. (small-batch, experimental beers), Steamer Basin Brewery & Taproom.

Te Anau

Founding Date & Historical Details:
The town developed in the early 20th century as a base for tourism and farming. The lake and surrounding areas have been significant to Māori for centuries, with Te Ana-au translating to “The Swirling Cave” in reference to nearby glowworm caves.

Cultural & Natural History:
Te Anau serves as the main entry point to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring pristine wilderness and popular walking tracks.

Geography:
Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Te Anau, the town is surrounded by towering peaks and beech forests.

Craft Breweries:
Te Anau itself lacks breweries, but Black Dog Bar will be our local.

Milford Sound

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Milford Sound has been a significant location for Māori travelers and explorers for centuries. European exploration began in the late 18th century with Captain Cook’s expeditions.

Cultural & Natural History:
Famed for its fiord-like beauty, the area is rich in Māori lore, with stories of the demigod Tū Te Rakiwhānoa carving the sound.

Geography:
Defined by Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls and marine wildlife, Milford Sound is a quintessential South Island destination.

Craft Breweries:
No local breweries; beers from Queenstown or Te Anau are served at lodges.

Queenstown

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Established in the 1860s during the Otago gold rush, Queenstown quickly became a bustling mining town. Its Māori history includes seasonal hunting and pounamu gathering by Ngāi Tahu.

Cultural & Natural History:
Today, Queenstown is globally recognized as an adventure tourism hotspot, offering bungee jumping, skiing, hiking and more.

Geography:
Located on Lake Wakatipu, the town is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range.

Craft Breweries:
Altitude Brewing (beers inspired by the local landscape), Searchlight Brewery (creative small-batch beers).

Wānaka

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Wānaka was established in the late 19th century as a farming settlement. Before European settlement, it was an important site for Māori who traveled through the area for food and pounamu (greenstone).

Cultural & Natural History:
The town has grown into a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hosts the renowned Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow, celebrating aviation history.

Geography:
Nestled by Lake Wānaka and framed by Mt. Aspiring National Park, the area offers picturesque alpine scenery.

Craft Breweries:
B.effect Brewing Company (innovation and creativity), Ground Up Brewing (bold, adventurous styles), Rhyme x Reason Brewing (creative little brewery that cans).

Haast

Founding Date & Historical Details:
The Haast area was settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century, with early industries focusing on gold mining and later forestry. It remains sparsely populated and retains its remote charm.

Cultural & Natural History:
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage area, Haast is rich in biodiversity, with rare bird species like the kākāpō and native bats. Māori historically gathered pounamu from the region.

Geography:
Situated on the western edge of the South Island, Haast is characterized by wild beaches, wetlands and dense rainforests.

Craft Breweries:
No local breweries; regional West Coast beers are commonly found.

Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier

Founding Date & Historical Details:
The towns of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef emerged in the late 19th century as bases for exploring their respective glaciers. The glaciers hold cultural importance for Ngāi Tahu as frozen manifestations of ancestral tears.

Cultural & Natural History:
These towns are gateways to two of New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, offering guided walks and helicopter access.

Geography:
Both glaciers descend from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforests, creating a unique juxtaposition of ecosystems.

Craft Breweries:
Local restaurants feature beers from West Coast breweries, including Monteith’s.

Greymouth

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Greymouth was founded in 1864 during the West Coast gold rush. It has a rich history of coal mining, gold mining and pounamu craftsmanship.

Cultural & Natural History:
The town’s history is celebrated at Shantytown Heritage Park, a re-creation of a 19th-century gold-mining village.

Geography:
Located at the mouth of the Grey River, the town serves as a hub for exploring the rugged West Coast.

Craft Breweries:
Monteith’s Brewing Co. – a historic brewery offering a wide range of beers (plus crafty Woodstock nearby).

Punakaiki

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Punakaiki developed as a small settlement catering to travelers visiting the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Its history is tied to the gold rush and Ngāi Tahu use of local resources.

Cultural & Natural History:
The Pancake Rocks are a geological wonder, and the area’s rainforests are home to native birds like the weka and tūī.

Geography:
Situated in Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki features dramatic coastlines, caves and lush forests.

Craft Breweries:
No breweries in Punakaiki; local West Coast beers on tap.

Westport

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Founded in 1861 during the West Coast gold rush, Westport later became a center for coal mining. Māori had long used the area for its resources, including food and pounamu.

Cultural & Natural History:
Westport is a base for exploring natural attractions like Cape Foulwind and the Oparara Basin. Its coal-mining history is preserved in local museums.

Geography:
Located on the Buller River, Westport offers access to the stunning Karamea region to the north.

Craft Breweries:
Shortjaw Brewery, Bar & Taproom – in 2021 they took over the old West Coast Brewery (Miner’s Brewery). Different name, but still a West Coast brewery, with the heart of the West Coast and the warmth of Buller.

Nelson

Founding Date & Historical Details:
Founded in 1841, Nelson is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities, named after British admiral Horatio Nelson. The area has a long history of Māori settlement, with iwi such as Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa and Ngāti Toa.

Cultural & Natural History:
Nelson is a creative hub, known for its art galleries, vibrant markets and rich craft beer scene. It’s also a key hop-growing region for New Zealand.

Geography:
Located on Tasman Bay, Nelson enjoys sunny weather and is surrounded by mountains, beaches and vineyards.

Craft Breweries:
Sprig & Fern Brewery (diverse range of traditional ales), McCashin’s Brewery (birthplace of Mac’s craft beer), Hop Federation Brewery (highlighting Nelson-grown hops).

Daily Itinerary*

Day 1 – Friday, January 1, 2027 – Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy your flight!
Overnight: Airplane

Day 2 – Saturday, January 2, 2027 – Transcending Space and Time

Cross the International Dateline along the way. Today doesn’t exist (until later).
Overnight: Somewhere in the ether

Day 3 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 – Arrival in Christchurch, Walking Tour, Welcome Beer Dinner (D)

Welcome to New Zealand’s Garden City – Christchurch. A bit of England in the Southern Hemisphere, Christchurch is modeled after English garden cities, and even has its own Avon River, complete with punters, flowing through the center of town. The South Island’s most populated city is home to cultural attractions, lively events and, of course, many great craft brewers. We’ll explore and get oriented with a local guide, learn some history, walk the city, and visit a couple of brewpubs on the way to our beery welcome dinner.

Overnight: Christchurch

Day 4 – Monday, January 4, 2027 – Explore Christchurch & Local Breweries (B)

After a lovely breakfast at our hotel, today is wide open to enjoy Christchurch. You might go punting on the Avon, walk around the city, make a visit to Lyttelton or other nearby excursions, or spend the day exploring the streets, curiosities and brewpubs of Christchurch. This is your first full day in Aotearoa – a celebration of some sort will be in order.

Overnight: Christchurch

Day 5 – Tuesday, January 5, 2027 – House of Hops Lunch, Lake Tekapo Walk, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt. Cook (B, L, D)

We bid farewell to Christchurch this morning after a lovely breakfast at the hotel. Our destination is Aoraki/Mount Cook Village for a spectacular overnight in the mountains. On the way, we’ll stop at House of Hops Brewpub for beer and lunch. Continue to Lake Tekapo for a short walk along the glorious turquoise lake. Flowers should be in bloom and, on a clear day, the mountain backdrop is spectacular.

Continuing up the road, past Lake Pukaki, we arrive in Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Most day visitors will be departing before we arrive, making evenings and early mornings the best times to be in the park and walk the trails. We’ll have dinner tonight in the aptly named Panorama Room at the Hermitage Hotel, enjoying a three-course meal with views of towering peaks. The entire village is located in an international dark zone, meaning spectacular stargazing is quite possible. Celebrate a beautiful night in alpine splendor.

Overnight: Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village

Day 6 – Wednesday, January 6, 2027 – To Ōamaru, Local Beers & Steampunk Vibes (L, D)

There’s time this morning for some more exploring around the park. Our lodgings do not offer breakfast, as our place is a combination hotel/hostel, but options are nearby. The lighting is completely different in the morning from the afternoon.

Late this morning we travel back toward the coast and the funky steampunk town of Ōamaru. Along the way we make a lunch and beer stop at Burkes Brewpub in Twizel. Ōamaru is home to a lovely hotel, where we’ll be staying, and a couple of great breweries. Cool bars and restaurants, a quirky vibe and nice stuff to explore await. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner on the town; the rest of the night is free.

Overnight: Ōamaru

Day 7 – Thursday, January 7, 2027 – Ōamaru Free Morning, Victoria Line Coastal Train, Dunedin Walk & Beery Dinner (B, D)

Today is open until our afternoon scenic coastal train to Dunedin. The ride is about 2½ hours and we will make the most of it – great views and locals on board make it a memorable trip.

Dunedin is an old Scottish settlement with a slightly different feel than Christchurch, yet it shares a culture of many cool little breweries. We’ll do some sightseeing with a local guide, learn a bit about the town, and get oriented. We’ll visit a brewpub before landing in our dinner spot. After dinner, Thursday night in Dunedin… who knows?

Overnight: Dunedin

Day 8 – Friday, January 8, 2027 – Free Day / Beer Day in Dunedin (B)

Today is a free day in lovely Dunedin, with nothing formally planned. Enjoy the city. Visit the opulent Larnach Castle and gardens, explore the city’s world-class street art, discover a bit of the past at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, wander further afield to the Otago Peninsula for a wildlife cruise, or take a “dark walk” to Tunnel Beach. We’ll be sure to visit more than a couple of well-lauded breweries of various types and vibes.

Overnight: Dunedin

Day 9 – Saturday, January 9, 2027 – To Te Anau, Beer & Lake Time (B, L, D)

We’ll get an early start this morning as we say ka kite (farewell) to Dunedin and the east coast, crossing the country and heading west into Fiordland National Park and our home for the next two nights, Te Anau. This is the jumping-off point for the Kepler Track, Milford Track and Milford Sound. It is also a very laid-back South Island town, well positioned to explore many natural attractions in the area.

There will be time to look around, possibly take a short hike or relax before dinner, which takes place at the local pub featuring good food and an excellent range of New Zealand craft beers.

Overnight: Te Anau

Day 10 – Sunday, January 10, 2027 – Milford Hike & Cruise (B, L)

After a good breakfast, we have a big and excellent day ahead. We’ll head toward Milford Sound, with time for walking and exploring waterfalls, lovely trails, big trees and more. We’ll get lunch along the way and prepare for an epic float beneath soaring peaks, waterfalls and spectacular scenery on Milford Sound.

Return to Te Anau this evening.

Overnight: Te Anau

Day 11 – Monday, January 11, 2027 – To Queenstown, Lakefront Beer Dinner (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll check out and head to Queenstown, our home for the next two nights. Check in to the hotel, explore the local neighborhood attractions, find some brewpubs and enjoy a great dinner on the lake.

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, home of the bungee jump, and there is a huge variety of excursions and adventures to be had. The evening is free after dinner – pub crawl?

Overnight: Queenstown

Day 12 – Tuesday, January 12, 2027 – Queenstown Adventures & Free Evening (B)

Enjoy a full free day in Queenstown, with many activities of varying degrees of adventure and local culture. Or just enjoy the laid-back vibe of this mountain town on the lake. Regather this evening (informally) for some dedicated beer seeking in a great town.

Overnight: Queenstown

Day 13 – Wednesday, January 13, 2027 – Arrowtown, Fork & Tap, To Wānaka (B, L)

After breakfast this morning we’ll load up and head toward Wānaka and beyond. Along the way, we’ll stop in the historic mining settlement at Arrowtown, home to shops and curiosities as well as The Fork & Tap for good beer and good food.

Continue up the road to Wānaka, set on the southern end of the eponymous lake. Views of snow-capped mountains signal that this is the gateway to the Southern Alps’ Mt. Aspiring National Park with wilderness, glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes. Outside of town you can explore Puzzling World, an interesting maze and sculpture gallery. In town there are three breweries, offering a variety of beers and scenes. Excellent stargazing and beautiful views along the lake await.

Overnight: Wānaka

Day 14 – Thursday, January 14, 2027 – Haast River Safari, Lake Matheson & Fox Glacier (B, L)

Early start this morning as we head toward the wild West Coast. We’ll brush by Mt. Aspiring National Park and travel along the Haast River valley toward the Tasman Sea. En route, we will explore the Haast Valley at river level on a boat-powered, stay-dry eco-safari. We’ll cruise and explore as we head downstream to our destination at Haast Bridge. Lunch and a nice selection of West Coast beers are nearby.

Next we veer north to Fox Glacier. We’ll stop to walk to Lake Matheson, known as the “mirror lake,” and with any luck there will be spectacular reflections of Mt. Cook and the whole range. Continue to Fox for the evening. Dinner and beer in this small town are on your own – there are a couple of good choices for bar dinners. There is also a short glowworm trail near the hotel, and a beach and trails to the glacier lookout are not far away.

Overnight: Fox Glacier

Day 15 – Friday, January 15, 2027 – Hokitika, Greymouth, Punakaiki & Westport (L, D)

Today we are Westport-bound as we drive a good chunk of the wild and beautiful West Coast. Along the way we will seek out some greenstone and beers in Hokitika, home to crafty Woodstock and other local producers. Greymouth and a brewery lunch await. Sated and warm-cheeked, we continue north to Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park, home to the Pancake Rocks, blowholes and beaches featuring interesting geologic formations shaped by eons of battering by the sea.

We arrive in Westport, one of the oldest settlements on the coast, in time for a good session at the local brewery, Shortjaw, where we will drink in all that is Westport and NZ’s funky West Coast. We’ll have dinner at a local eatery and spend the night in this historic place on the other side of the other side of the world.

Overnight: Westport

Day 16 – Saturday, January 16, 2027 – Buller River Jet Boat, Nelson Hops & City Walk (L, D)

Today is a moving day with a purpose. First, a bit of adrenaline as we jet boat the rapids and rocks of the Buller River Gorge. You’ll experience the true nature of the magnificent Buller River, with the biggest flows of any river on the South Island. Enjoy a mind-blowing 40-minute ride through the beautiful scenery of a protected scenic reserve. Skim across white-water rapids and explore the rich gold rush history on this stretch of the mighty Buller, the Kawateri – “swift and deep.”

Lunch and a sip or two await after our adventure. Continuing toward Nelson, we pass through some prime hop-growing regions – you may have heard of some of these world-famous Nelson hops. A stop at a hop producer is in order to learn about the production and nuances of Kiwi hop cultivation.

Upon arrival in Nelson, check into the hotel, settle in, explore a bit and regather for dinner among locals, artists, beer seekers and tourists alike. Evening free.

Overnight: Nelson

Day 17 – Sunday, January 17, 2027 – Abel Tasman National Park Free Day

Today is wide open for good reason – a chance to explore the coastal glory that is Abel Tasman National Park. Beautiful walks, beaches, boat rides, kayaking, swimming and wildlife viewing all wait just down the road. Plans and options will be determined closer to departure and with the group.

A little nighttime beer seeking at one or three of Nelson’s beer outlets seems appropriate.

Overnight: Nelson

Day 18 – Monday, January 18, 2027 – Nelson Free Day & Beery Farewell Dinner (L, D)

Nelson offers a great range of adventures, artistic diversions and nearby wine or beer experiences. Renting e-bikes makes navigating to wineries and lunch stops easy. Plans will no doubt ferment spontaneously.

Tonight we celebrate a successful and thorough exploration of Te Waipounamu – Waters of Greenstone, New Zealand’s amazing, beery South Island. Kia ora!

Overnight: Nelson

Day 19 – Tuesday, January 19, 2027 – Travel Home or Beyond

Breakfast at the hotel (if flight times allow) is the final official event of the tour. Safe travels home, or onward adventures in Aotearoa and beyond.

Overnight: Your house… or somewhere else in the world.

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 the Panorama Room — 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

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 (Ōamaru to Dunedin), private minibuses, guided day excursions and a jet boat adventure in the Buller Gorge. Brewery visits are woven into the route so that tastings, nature stops and cultural visits are spaced to keep the pace enjoyable — never rushed, never dull.

Practical Notes

Group Size & Pace

This is an intimate small-group journey, limited to 10 travelers. The pace is designed to balance activity and downtime: some big “wow” days (Milford Sound, Buller Gorge, Abel Tasman) are followed by easier days with more free time. You should be comfortable walking several miles over the course of a day at a relaxed pace, including some hills, steps, trails and uneven surfaces.

What’s Included

• All brewery visits, tastings and beer-focused activities listed in the itinerary
• All guided tours and excursions listed (city walks, Milford cruise, Haast River Safari, Buller jet boat, etc.)
• All accommodations (16 nights) in well-located hotels, lodges and guesthouses
• Daily breakfasts (15), plus 7 lunches with beer and 9 dinners with beer, as noted
• All group ground transport during the trip as described (minibuses, scenic rail, local transfers on included excursions)
• Services of an experienced BeerTrips trip leader and local guides

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 (heli-hikes, extra excursions, etc.)
• Personal expenses, tips and incidentals
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Breweries, Trails & Mobility

New Zealand’s South Island offers a mix of city pavements, lakeside promenades, forest tracks, boardwalks and sometimes muddy or uneven paths. Many brewery visits and walks involve stairs, cobblestones, packed gravel or boat ramps. A BeerTrips tour is best suited to travelers who are comfortable walking several miles over the course of a day at an easy pace and who can stand for periods during tastings or guided walks. If you have questions or concerns about mobility, distance or daily pace, please reach out — we’re happy to talk through whether this itinerary is a good fit.

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About BeerTrips

For more than 25 years, BeerTrips has crafted small-group cultural adventures woven through beer, food and history. We travel deeply, laugh often and savor every local flavor — from brewery cellars to family tables, from tiny villages to iconic cities.

*Final brewery lineup and exact timing are subject to confirmation and availability — substitutions, when necessary, will always be at least as good as what they replace.