December 28, 2025 - January 15, 2026

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..

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!

Aoteroa 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 - Maori and White

Scenic Lake Tekapo Walk

Overnight stay at Aoraki/Mt. Cook - Dinner with View, Walks, Dark Skies

A day in Oamaru, New Zealand's 'Quirkiest' Town with a Steampunk Vibe

A ride on the Historic Victoria Line Coastal Train to Dunedin

Private guided daytrip in Fiordland NP, with Milford Sound Cruise

Time for beer, exploring, wandering in Te Anau, Queenstown & Wanaka

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, w/ Hokitika, Greymouth, & Punakaki

An exhilerating Jet Boat Ride in the mighty Buller River Gorge

A Visit to a Hop Producer near Nelson

Sometime over the course of the past 2 or 3 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 Aoteroa -- 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 Maori 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 4 sailors being clubbed to death by the 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, crossing 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 some other New Zealand natives - an array of flightless birds, Hector's Dolphins, Haast Eagles, New Zealand 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 1.25 million, 10% of whom are native Maori. 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 from 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.

Quite probably the Trip of a Lifetime!!

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

-- $7710 per person, double occupancy

-- Single Room add extra $1450

-- Minimum 6 guests

-- Maximum10 guests

-- Professional Driver Guides

-- Private Vehicles

-- Fully Escorted

Hotels / Overnights

-- 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 w/beer
-- 9 Dinners w/beer

Included Tours and Excursions

-- Christchurch City Walk
-- Coastal Train - Victoria Line Oamaru to Dunedin
-- Dunedin Walking Tour
-- Te Anau / Milford walk and Cruise
-- Haast River Safari
-- Lake Matheson Walk
-- Punakaki Rocks Paparoa NP
-- Buller River Jet Boat

-- Clyde Company Hops Farm*
-- Nelson Walking Tour

Brewers and 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 w driver/guide: Christchurch - Aoraki / Mt Cook - Ōamaru - 2 days

-- Victoria Line Coastal Railroad: Ōamaru- Dunedin - One-way Train Trip to Dunedin - daytrip

-- Private Minibus: Dunedin - Te Anau, with lunch stop - daytrip

-- Guided Daytrip Local Operator: Te Anau - Milford w/cruise, with lunch - daytrip

-- Private Minibus: Te Anau - Queenstown - daytrip

-- Private Driver Guide / Minibus: Queenstown - Wanaka - Fox - Westport - Nelson - 4 days

Highlights / National Parks

-- Aoraki / My Cook
-- Fiordland
-- Mt. Aspiring
-- Tai Poutini
-- Paparoa
-- Abel Tasman

Walking / Hiking / Excursion Opportunities

-- Christchurch - Dozens of walks, long and short
-- Aoraki / Mt. Cook - Several walks, short and long hikes, Dark Zone 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
-- Fox / Franz Jozef Glacier - Heli-hikes, trails to viewing areas
-- Nelson - Abel Tasman NP, cruise, walk, kayak or a combination

-- Nelson - Hops and Vines Day / E-bikes to wineries

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Our Path Around The South Island -- Christchurch to Nelson

Cities and Towns -- Background Information

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 beer range.

Three Boys Brewery: Known for classic styles, including 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 the 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. The 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. The 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 the Steampunk HQ. The nearby shores host colonies of 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: Produces 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.: Focused on small-batch, experimental beers.

Steamer Basin Brewey and 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 the 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:

While Te Anau lacks breweries, 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. Its European exploration began in the late 18th century with Captain Cook’s expeditions.

Cultural & Natural History:

Famed for its fjord-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, but 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 its use as a seasonal hunting ground by Ngāi Tahu.

Cultural & Natural History:

Today, Queenstown is globally recognized as an adventure tourism hotspot, offering bungee jumping, skiing, and more.

Geography:

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

Craft Breweries:

Altitude Brewing: Producing beers inspired by the local landscape.

Searchlight Brewery: A popular spot for creative craft 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: Focused on innovation and creativity.

Ground Up Brewing: Known for bold, adventurous beer styles.

Rhyme x Reason Brewing: The 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 the 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:

Haast lacks local breweries, but 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 the 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 tours 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 the 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 and food!

woodstock

Punakaki

Founding Date & Historical Details:

Punakaki developed as a small settlement catering to travelers visiting the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Its history is tied to the gold rush and the 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, Punakaki features dramatic coastlines, caves, and lush forests.

Craft Breweries:

No breweries in Punakaki. Local Beers.

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, and 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. It was 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: Offers a diverse range of traditional ales.

McCashin’s Brewery: The birthplace of Mac’s craft beer.

Hop Federation Brewery: Highlights the flavors of Nelson-grown hops.

Daily Itinerary

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Day 1, Sunday, December 28

Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy your flight! Overnight on an Airplane

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Day 2, Monday, December 29

Transcending Space and Time

Cross the International Dateline along the way. Today doesn't exist (until later). Overnight in the Ether

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Day 3, Tuesday, December 30

Arrival in Christchurch, Guided Walking Tour / Pub Stops, Welcome Beer Dinner

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 brewpubs on the way to our beery welcome dinner. (Dinner) - Overnight Christchurch

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Day 4, Wednesday, December 31

Explore Christchurch, Local Breweries, Southern Hemisphere New Year's Eve

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 Lyttleton or other nearby excursions, or spend the day exploring the streets, curiosities, and brewpubs of Christchurch. Tonight is New Year's Eve! A celebration of some sort will be in order! (B) - Overnight Christchurch

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Day 5, Thursday - January 1

House of Hops Brewery Lunch, Lake Tekapo Walk, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Dinner

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 mountains. On the way, we will 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 pretty 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 the park and walk the trails. We'll have dinner tonight in the aptly named 'Panorama Room' at the Hermitage Hotel, enjoying a 3-course meal with spectacular views of towering peaks. Time and options for activities and hiking this evening, before and after our meal. The entire village is located in an international dark zone, meaning spectacular stargazing is quite possible! Celebrate a beautiful night in Alpine splendor! (B, L, D) - Overnight Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village

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Day 6, Friday - January 2

Sightseeing en route to Ōamaru, Local Beers, Steampunk Stuff, Dinner on the Town

There's time this morning for some more exploring around the park. Our lodgings do not offer breakfast, as our place is combination hotel / hostel, but options are nearby. The lighting is completely different in the morning from the afternoon. Late this morning we will 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 great breweries. Cool bars and restaurants, a funky vibe, and nice stuff to explore await. Tonight will enjoy dinner on the town. The rest of the night is free. (L, D) - Overnight Ōamaru

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Day 7, Saturday - January 3

Free AM in Ōamaru, PM Victoria Line Coastal Train to Dunedin, Walking Tour, Beery Dinner

Today is open until our afternoon scenic coastal train to Dunedin. The ride is about 2 and 1/2 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 shares a culture of many cool little breweries. Will do some sightseeing with a local guide, learn a bit about the town, get oriented. We'll visit a brewpub, before landing in our dinner spot. After dinner, Saturday night 2026 in Dunedin... who knows? (B,D) Overnight Dunedin

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Day 8, Sunday - January 4

Free Day / Beer Day in Dunedin, Evening Locals

Today is a free day in lovely Dunedin, with nothing planned for the day. Enjoy the city! Or 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 to more than a couple well-lauded breweries of various types and vibes. (B) Overnight Dunedin

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Day 9, Monday - January 5

Morning drive to Te Anau, Road Lunch, Evening @ Black Dog Pub

We will get an early start this morning as we say 'ka kite' (farewell) to Dunedin and east coast, as we cross the country and head 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, it's 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. (B, L, D) Overnight Te Anau

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Day 10, Tuesday - January 6

Full Day Milford Hike and Crusie, PM Free in Te Anau

This morning after a good breakfast, we have a big and excellent day ahead. This morning, we'll head toward Milford Sound, with do some 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. Return to Te Anau this evening. (B, L) Overnight Te Anau

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Day 11, Wednesday - January 7

Morning Drive to Queenstown, Local Breweries, Beery Dinner on the Lake

This morning after breakfast, well check out and head to Queenstown, home for the next 2 nights. Check-in to the hotel, explore the local neighborhood attractions, find some brew pubs, and have 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. Evening free after dinner. Pub crawl? (B, D) Overnight Queenstown

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Day 12, Thursday - January 8

Free Day - Queenstown Adventures, Daytrips, Excursions, Free Evening

Enjoy a full free day in Queenstown, replete with many an activity 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 for some dedicated beer seeking in a great town. (B) Overnight Queenstown

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Day 13, Friday - January 9

Arrowtown, Fork and Tap, to Wānaka, Local Breweries, Evening Free

After breakfast this morning will 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 and 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' Mount 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. And in town are 3 breweries, offering a variety of beers and scenes. Excellent stargazing and beautiful views along the lake awaits. (B,L) Overnight Wānaka

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Day 14, Saturday - January 10

Haast River Safari, Lake Matheson, Local Pubs, Glow Worm Walk, Evening Free, Glacier Tours**

Early start this morning as we head toward the wild West Coast. We'll brush by Mount 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 an boat powered, stay-dry, eco-safari. We'll cruise and explore as we head down river to our destination at Haast Bridge. Lunch and nice selection of west coast beers are nearby. Next we veer north to the Fox Glacier. We'll stop to walk to Lake Matheson, known as the 'mirror lake', and with any luck they'll be spectacular reflections of Mount Cook and the whole range. Continue to Fox for the evening. Dinner on beer in this small town with a couple good choices for bar dinners (on your own). There is also a short, glowworm trail near the hotel and a beach and trails to the glacier lookout are not far away. (B, L) Overnight Fox Glacier

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Day 15, Sunday - January 11

Hokitika, Greymouth, Brewpub Lunch, Punakaki, Shortjaw, Dinner

Today we are Westport bound, as we drive a good chunk or wild and beautiful west coast. Along the way we will seek out some green stones and beers in Hokitika, home to crafty Woodstock Brewery. Greymouth, and a brewery lunch await. Sated and warm-cheeked, we continue north to Punakaki, in the Paparoa NP, home to the pancake rocks, blow holes, and beaches featuring interesting geologic formations shaped by the eons of battering by the sea. We will arrive in Westport, the oldest settlement in New Zealand, 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! (L, D) Overnight Westport

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Day 16, Monday - January 12

Buller River Canyon, Lunch, Nelson Hops, City Walk, Local Dinner

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, 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 hops growing regions. You may have heard of some of these world famous Nelson hops? A stop at a hop producer is order. 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, artist, beer seekers and tourists alike. Evening free. (L, D) Overnight Nelson

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Day 17, Tuesday - January 13

Full Free Day / Abel Tasman NP -- Cruise, Walk, Kayak**

Today is wide open for good reason -- a chance to explore the coastal glory that is Abel Tasman NP. Beautiful walks, beaches, boat rides, kayaking, swimming, wildlife viewing all waiting just down the road. Plans and options to be determined! A little nighttime beer seeking at 1 or 3 of Nelson's beer outlets seems appropriate. (n/a) Overnight Nelson

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Day 18, Wednesday - January 14

Nelson Free Day, Beery Farewell Dinner

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 will celebrate a successful and thorough exploration of 'Te Waipounamu' - Waters of Greenstone, New Zealand's amazing, beery South Island. Kia Ora!! (L, D) Overnight Nelson

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Day 19, Thursday - January 15

Travel Home or Beyond

Safe travels! (n/a) Overnight Somewhere

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!

December 28, 2025 - January 15, 2026

$1,000.00