Monteith’s Brewery Tour

Monteith’s Brewery Tour in Greymouth offers a peek into one of New Zealand’s oldest beer brands, blending history, tasting, and a bit of hands-on fun. While it’s not a full-on brewery visit with production on display, it’s a well-curated experience that’s more about appreciating the heritage and craft behind Monteith’s beers. If you’re in the West Coast area and enjoy learning about local brewing traditions — or simply want a relaxed activity with a decent shot of tasting — this tour could be just right.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who share local stories and insights with a friendly, down-to-earth vibe. Second, the after-tour opportunity to kick back in the brewery’s restaurant and bar, enjoying good food and two free poured beers. On the flip side, some visitors find the overall experience a bit limited if you’re expecting a detailed brewery tour with brewing in action — because no brewing actually happens on-site anymore.

This tour really suits those who appreciate a mix of history, tasting, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s particularly good if you’re traveling with friends or are curious about West Coast brewing traditions but don’t want to spend hours on a tour or pay a high price for a full brewery experience. It’s also ideal for folks who want a fun, casual way to sample some local beers and take home a 6-pack.

Key Points

• Informative and friendly guides make the experience engaging and personable.
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of the historic Greymouth brewery building.
• Hands-on pouring allows you to learn how to serve your own beer with the perfect head.
• Tastings include three beers or ciders, with tasting notes to help you appreciate the flavors.
• You get a 6-pack of Monteith’s beers to take home, adding value to the experience.
• Post-tour relaxation in the brewery’s restaurant and bar, with good food and a laid-back vibe.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: Monteith’s Brewing Company

The tour begins in the historic part of Greymouth’s Monteith’s brewery, which has been a fixture on the West Coast for over 150 years. While no brewing takes place on-site now, the location is still a spot worth visiting for its architecture and stories. Your guide will introduce you to the brewery’s past, sharing tales of local brewing traditions that give you context for the beers you’ll sample later.

The guided experience lasts about 45 minutes. During this time, you’ll explore the architecturally interesting former brewhouse, learning about historic recipes and equipment that once powered the brewery. It’s a chance to see some of the gear that helped Monteith’s become a local icon, even if the brewing itself moved elsewhere.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

You’ll get around 15 minutes behind the scenes, where the focus is on showing you the space and sharing local stories. This isn’t a full production tour with tanks and brew kettles bubbling away — because that’s no longer part of what happens here — but it’s enough to give you a sense of the brewery’s heritage and the craftsmanship behind their beer.

Tasting and Pouring Lessons

The highlight for many is the 20-30 minute tasting session. You’ll learn how to pour your own beer with just the right amount of head — a surprisingly fun skill to pick up, especially if you’re a bit of a beer enthusiast. The guide will walk you through the process, and you’ll get to taste three of Monteith’s beers or ciders, with tasting notes to help you appreciate the differences.

Several reviews mention how engaging and informative the host is, making the tasting part both educational and enjoyable. One guest shared, “Austin did a great job explaining, giving tips on how to make a good beer, and making it interesting,” which sums up what you can expect from a knowledgeable guide.

Sample Beers and Takeaway

The tour includes two beers poured directly from the brewers’ table, giving you a real taste of what Monteith’s is about. Plus, you’ll leave with a 6-pack of Monteith’s beers — a nice souvenir or gift — which many find a great bonus for the price.

Post-Tour Relaxation

After the tasting, you’re encouraged to relax in the brewery’s restaurant and bar area. It’s a pleasant spot to unwind, enjoy some local food, and chat more with your guide or fellow travelers. Many reviews praise the good food and friendly atmosphere, making it a nice wind-down after the brief but informative tour.

Price and Value

At approximately $28 per person, this tour offers decent value, especially when considering the 6-pack of beers you’ll take home. For just under thirty dollars, you get an engaging guide, a behind-the-scenes look, three tastings, and the takeaway pack — which many other beer tours don’t include.

Some visitors, however, note that the tour doesn’t include a full brewery experience with actual brewing on-site, which might be a disappointment if that’s what you’re expecting. One reviewer remarked, “It’s not really much of a tour, nothing really to see,” but still appreciated the good value and the relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, if you enjoy tasting local beers, learning about regional brewing, or just want a fun activity without breaking the bank, this tour hits the right notes.

What You Should Know Before Booking

• The tour lasts about 45 minutes, with most of that dedicated to tasting and a brief behind-the-scenes look.
• It starts at 4:00 pm, so plan your afternoon accordingly.
• Children under 18 are not permitted to drink but are welcome to join if accompanied by adults; those aged 4 and under are free but do not get the tasting or passport.
• You’ll need flat, non-slip shoes (boots are provided free of charge), which is standard for safety in brewery environments.
• The tour is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• If you’re late or need to cancel, note that refunds are only available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This is a solid choice if you’re curious about the heritage of West Coast brewing and want to enjoy some local beers in a friendly environment. It’s also perfect for casual drinkers who appreciate a relaxed, informal setting without the pressure of a full-on brewery visit. Families with older kids might find it fun, especially if they’re interested in local history and beer culture.

If you’re expecting an in-depth look at the brewing process or want to see beer being brewed, this might not be the right fit — but for a taste of history, good company, and some tasty samples, it’s a nice option.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 4 and under can join for free but won’t participate in tastings or receive a passport. Kids over 4 require adult supervision and are best suited for families with older children interested in the history or the surroundings.

Does the tour include actual brewing?
No, the current setup doesn’t feature brewing happening on-site. It’s more about the history, the heritage, and tasting the beers.

What’s included in the price?
You get an expert guide, a 15-minute behind-the-scenes look, a tasting of three beers or ciders, two poured beers from the Brewer’s Table, and a 6-pack of Monteith’s beers to take away.

Can I buy more drinks during or after the tour?
Yes, after the tour, you can relax in the restaurant and bar. They serve food and additional drinks, so you can extend your experience if you wish.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is near public transportation.

What should I wear?
Wear flat, non-slip shoes — boots are provided for free — for safety reasons.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 38 days ahead, which is a good idea if you want to secure a spot during peak season.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations less than that are non-refundable.

Is there any food included?
No, food is not included in the tour, but you can enjoy a nice meal afterward in the brewery’s restaurant.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour begins at 4:00 pm, making it a great late-afternoon activity, especially if you want to unwind after a day exploring the West Coast.

In the end, Monteith’s Brewery Tour offers a relaxed, friendly way to appreciate New Zealand’s brewing heritage, with enough tastings and stories to make it worthwhile. It’s best suited for those who want a casual, insightful experience without the complexity of a full brewery visit — perfect for beer lovers, history buffs, or travelers seeking a chilled activity with local flavor.