Lakeside Lagers: A Five‑Hour Craft‑Beer Pilgrimage from Queenstown

QUEENSTOWN FOOD TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Lakeside Lagers: A Five‑Hour Craft‑Beer Pilgrimage from Queenstown

A 5‑hour guided tour led by local Lewis that visits three award‑winning breweries to sample 13 distinctive brews, paired with a gourmet lunch and scenic drives — this guide lays out the route, logistics, and must‑know details.

Lakeside Lagers: A Five‑Hour Craft‑Beer Pilgrimage from Queenstown.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Queenstown
Operator
Queenstown Beer Tours
Category
Food Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Queenstown’s bustling CBD you’re swept into an afternoon that alternates between alpine vistas and the low hum of brewhouse activity: a five‑hour circuit led by local guide Lewis that threads through Arrowtown and past Lake Hayes and the Shotover River to three award‑winning breweries where you sample 13 distinct beers and enjoy a food‑matched lunch.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Scenic drives between lakes and rivers

The tour routes you from Queenstown through historic Arrowtown, past Lake Hayes and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with striking views of the Shotover River punctuating the ride between breweries.

THE BREWS

Three local breweries, 13 award‑winning tastes

Visits to three carefully selected Queenstown breweries let you sample a curated selection of 13 unique brews that showcase the region’s award‑winning craft‑beer scene.

THE MEAL

Gourmet lunch and hands‑on brewing insight

Midday you’ll sit down to a food and beer matched gourmet lunch; one stop includes an interactive brewery tour that explains local brewing techniques and ingredients.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The pace is relaxed but purposeful: a pick‑up from Queenstown’s CBD at 11:50am launches a five‑hour loop of scenic drives and tasting rooms. Expect guided tastings at three breweries, an interactive peek behind the brewhouse door at one location, a matched gourmet lunch and the option to finish back at your accommodation or continue into Queenstown’s craft‑beer bars.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should think twice.

1
Beer loversIdeal: enthusiasts who want to taste a wide selection of local, award‑winning beers and learn about brewing techniques.
2
Families with older childrenSuitable: children 17 and under are welcome, though the program centers on beer tastings for adults.
3
Dietary‑sensitive travelersSuitable with planning: the operator accommodates special dietary requirements—notify them in advance so lunch can be arranged.
4
Small‑group travelersNote: tours require a minimum of four customers to operate and may be cancelled if that minimum is not met.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & Start

The experience runs for 5 hours and begins with a pick‑up from Queenstown CBD at 11:50am.

What to Bring

Bring any personal necessities; advise the operator of special dietary requirements in advance so the gourmet lunch can be accommodated.

Accessibility & Options

The tour includes short walks at breweries and seated tastings; alternative alcoholic or non‑alcoholic options are available at each brewery.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

Where and when does the tour start?

The adventure begins with a pick‑up from Queenstown’s CBD at 11:50am.

How many breweries and beers are included?

The itinerary visits three local breweries and includes tastings of 13 unique brews.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children 17 and under are welcome; adults must be 18 or older.

What about dietary requirements?

Special dietary requirements are accommodated—contact the operator in advance to arrange.

What happens if the tour doesn’t reach minimum numbers?

The operator reserves the right to cancel the tour if the minimum number of four customers is not met.

Can I stay in Queenstown after the tour?

Yes; after the tour you may be dropped at your accommodation or choose to continue to a local craft‑beer bar for exclusive deals.