Speights Brewery, Dunedin Overview

Since 1876, Speights Brewery is one of the most iconic and popular breweries in Dunedin in New Zealand. Known as the “Pride of the south” and owned by the Japanese-controlled holding company Lion, the brewery is known for its informative and educative tours other than the wholesome, delicious cold beer.

Ever since its inception, the brewery has been based at the same place in Rattray St. and has been producing kegs of premium quality beer day after day, year after year. The Beer Tour is the primary draw and highlight of visiting the brewery. The interactive tour is famous not only among beer lovers but also among history buffs. It lets you explore and watch the production process and touch, smell and study the ingredients that go into making the world-class beer. You can also sample the beer on your own.

Tour of the Speights Brewery

The tour begins with an interactive discourse where the 141+ years of brewing history is imparted to the guests by the very educated and informed guide.
This is followed by exploring the brewery from top to bottom and you will be guided about the ingredients that go into the making of the beers.
After this comes the most interesting part of the tour which is sampling the beers. You will be taken to the grand tasting room where you can pour out your own choice from the extensive range.
Once you are done tasting the beers, you can proceed to have food (if you have opted for lunch or dinner). The delicious Southern Fare food is generously spread out for you to gorge on.
After the tasting and dining, you can proceed to the brand new cellar to buy the amazing beer from. They have a wide range from which you can choose.

Tickets and Timings

Winter Tours ( 1st April - 30th September):
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM

Summer Tours (1st October - 30th March):12:00 PM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM

Tour Rates
Adult - NZD 30.00
Children (5-17 years, under 5 free) - NZD 14.00
Family (two adults, and four children) - NZD 64.00
Senior - NZD 27.00
Student - NZD 27.00

You can also upgrade these rates to include lunch or dinner.

History

First brewed on the 4th of April 1876 on the Rattray Street in Dunedin, the beer brand was founded by James Speight, Charles Greenslade, and William Dawson. In 1880, the beer won two gold medals at the Melbourne Exhibition for its outstanding taste and quality and just like that a brand name was born. By 1887, Speight’s became the biggest brewery in the country and started exporting beers to Australia, Fiji and Tahiti. The beer also started to be sold overseas in 2007 to Samoa, Panama, the Bahamas, New York and London. Ever since, the brand has held its ground and has boasted of soaring sales and exponentially growing profits.

Tips

You are required to reach at the Brewery 15 min before the scheduled time of the tour.
Alcohol is not sold to, or to be tried by anyone below the age of 18 years.
To check in the brewery, you will need to carry your Passport, New Zealand Driver’s License, HANZ 18+ Card, failing which entry to the same will not be granted.
There is no parking available. In case you are driving, please have buffer time to find a spot for your vehicle.
Volunteers, high on alcohol or drugs, are not allowed on the tours.
You are required to wear flat soled, full covered shoes.
The tour takes place in a space with around 200 stairs. In case, there is a mobility problem, you will be required to inform beforehand.
In case you want to cancel your bookings; you are required to do so before 24 hours of the scheduled time, failing which you will be charged the cancellation fee. Similarly, you are also needed to reconfirm your booking 24 hours in advance.