If you ever find yourself in beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand and you enjoy drinking beers, then I highly suggest going brewery hopping with Hop on Beer Tours. Not only do you get to go to 3 breweries you also get to meet new people while taking in the breathtaking landscapes.
What’s Included
- Transportation – one perk is that the guide picks you up from your accommodation so you don’t have to worry about getting lost trying to find the meeting spot. Talk about great service!
- 3 tastings at 3 different breweries – if you aren’t a beer person you can opt for the wine or cider option. There are tastings for everyone!
- A lunch that is paired with your beer – I honestly had no idea you could pair beer with food, I totally thought that was just a wine thing. Also, the food is delicious.
- Small groups – this tour allows 9 people max to make it more personable.
- Guide – your guide is a local and beer enthusiast with great hospitality!
The Breweries
The craft beer scene is up and coming in Queenstown and you get to visit some of the best breweries in town. The 3 breweries we visited each had its own unique character and vibe. Plus we got very generous tastings at each one, there is no way you will have a bad time on this tour.
- SearchLight Brewery – SearchLight Brewery is an independently owned and operated brewery with some delicious beer! The owner put his heart and soul into building the brewery (for real, he literally built the tables and polished the floors!) and also put his heart in to brewing good craft beer. This brewery has the most adorable outdoor area with a mountain backdrop.
- Cargo Brewery– This brewery is now 4 years old and located in the beautiful Gibbston Valley. Even though Gibbston Valley is known for its wineries, Cargo Brewery decided to serve beer instead and pioneer hop growing on the land. This brewery is built inside an old church-style building and you are surrounded by the most amazing scenery. This brewery makes food to compliment your beer tastings and it is yummmmy! Cargo Brewery is also very family friendly as it sits on lots of land meaning tons of room to play! They offer volleyball, cricket, football, badminton, and more!
- Altitude Brewing – Just like the other two breweries, the views from Altitude Brewing are spectacular! This brewery is located along the water and once again you are surrounded by mountains that take your breath away. The brewery has a variety of beers to taste that all have a unique flavor. I don’t think there was a beer there that I didn’t like!
Throughout the tour, your guide will also drive you through some of the most amazing landscapes you will see. Our guide even went out of his way to take us to view points and let us get out to take pictures. After your last brewery, you have the option to be dropped off back at your accommodation or to be dropped off at another brewery located in town. Since all of us had gotten to know each other throughout the day we all chose the obvious and best choice..another brewery, duh! One of my favorite thing about traveling and taking tours is that complete strangers can become friends. Plus, I feel like beer always brings people together. Adding Hop On Beer Tours to your “to do” list in New Zealand is a MUST.
If you are traveling through New Zealand be sure to check out my other blogs about this beautiful country: Top 10 Things to do in Queenstown and 10 Must Do Things in New Zealand. Cheers!
