Bay of Islands, Spirit & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch

If you’re seeking an afternoon that combines local flavors, scenic views, and insights into New Zealand’s vibrant food and drink scene, this Bay of Islands Spirit & Craft Beer Tour is a compelling choice. This tour promises a relaxed pace, plenty of tastings, and a chance to learn what makes this region’s beverages so special.

What we love about this experience is its focus on family-run vineyards and breweries, which often means more authentic stories and personalized service. The second highlight is the delicious platter lunch overlooking the lake, offering a perfect break to soak in the scenery and chat with new friends.

A potential consideration is the limited duration of around four hours, which means you’ll sample a good variety but won’t get an in-depth visit to each location. Still, for those who want a taste of local wine, beer, and spirits without a full-day commitment, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Designed for travelers who appreciate good wines, craft beers, and spirits, and who enjoy learning about local businesses in a friendly setting, this tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed, taste-focused experience with the added bonus of scenic vistas.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences with family-run vineyards and breweries
• Tastings of premium New Zealand wines, craft beers, and spirits
• Beautiful setting with views of lakes and scenic countryside
• Relaxed, small-group atmosphere (max 11 travelers)
• Enjoyable platter lunch with lake views
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Ake Ake Vineyard

The tour kicks off outside Kerikeri at the Ake Ake Vineyard, a family-run operation that adds a personal touch to your wine experience. We loved the way the guide explained how grapes are grown here; it’s a hands-on process that’s quite different from a sprawling commercial vineyard.

Here you’ll sample Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, all made on-site. Multiple reviewers noted the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the wines, with one mentioning they bought a few bottles because some wines were “very good” and reasonably priced.

The vineyard’s setting offers a peaceful backdrop, and the small size means you’re likely to get personalized attention. The focus here is on sharing the story of the land and how the wines are crafted, making it a genuine introduction to New Zealand’s wine scene.

Second Stop: Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant

Next, you’ll head to Marsden Estate, established about 30 years ago by the McIvor family. This spot is a standout thanks to its picturesque lakeside setting—imagine sipping wine while gazing across calm waters.

Here, you’re treated to six wine tastings, which is a generous sampling to really get a sense of their offerings. The highlight for many is the platter lunch served in the relaxed courtyard—perfect for enjoying local cheeses and charcuterie alongside your wines. Reviewers described the lunch as “really good,” though some found it a little light for a full meal, which is worth considering if you’re very hungry.

Bill, our guide, was praised for his knowledge and warm hospitality. Multiple guests highlighted his engaging storytelling and friendly manner, making the experience feel more like a visit with a knowledgeable friend than a formal tour.

Third Stop: The PhatHouse Brewery Bar & Kitchen

A shift from vineyards to craft beer is a natural progression. Founded in 2015, The PhatHouse Brewery is passionate about natural ingredients, making their beers unfiltered and unpasteurized.

Expect a variety of craft beers that reflect New Zealand’s innovative brewing scene. Guests have appreciated the careful craftsmanship, with one noting the beers were “made from natural ingredients.” The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to sample and chat.

This stop is particularly appealing for those who enjoy discovering different types of beers and learning about the brewing process from passionate local brewers. It’s also a chance to see a family-run business thriving in the modern craft scene.

Final Stop: Bad Habits Bar in Paihia

Your last stop is Bad Habits in Paihia, which stocks the largest range of NZ-made spirits north of Auckland. With a selection including 46 gins, 19 rums, and more, it’s heaven for spirit enthusiasts.

Here, you can explore the local distilling scene, often with staff eager to share the stories behind their products. Many reviews appreciate the friendly service and the variety of spirits available for tasting, rounding out the day’s beverages.

Return & Reflection

The tour wraps up back at your starting point, leaving plenty of time to explore Paihia or continue your adventure in the Bay of Islands.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides—particularly Bill and Ken—for their friendliness and local expertise. Their ability to share stories and answer questions enhances the experience significantly.

Stunning Settings: From lakeside vineyards to scenic breweries, the tour’s locations are visually appealing and contribute to a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

High-Quality Tastings: Guests consistently mention the quality of wines, beers, and spirits, with some buying bottles on-site. The variety and authenticity of the drinks make this a worthwhile outing for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike.

Good Value: At around $130 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience including tastings, lunch, and transport—all with small-group intimacy. Many reviewers feel they received excellent value for money, especially given the personal service and high-quality products.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour is scheduled at 1:30 pm and lasts approximately four hours. It’s booked on average 59 days ahead, indicating good demand but also manageable planning. The group size is capped at 11 travelers, which helps ensure a personalized experience.

The lunch at Marsden Estate is considered tasty, but a few found it on the lighter side—so if you’re very hungry, you might want to supplement it. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome.

Since the tour focuses on local family-run businesses, expect a friendly, relaxed vibe rather than a corporate feel. The entire experience is designed to give you a taste of New Zealand’s best wines, beers, and spirits in a scenic setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic local products and enjoy learning about regional food and drink. If you love wine tasting but don’t want a full-day commitment, it’s perfect. Craft beer enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, especially with the chance to visit a dedicated brewery.

It’s great for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a friendly, informative outing. If you’re interested in spirits and like a relaxed, scenic environment, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transport between stops, making it easy to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about driving.

How long does the tour last? Approximately four hours, from 1:30 pm until around 5:30 pm.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers? It’s mainly focused on wine, beer, and spirits, so it’s best suited for adults. However, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery, food, and the informative guides.

What’s the group size? The maximum is 11 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

Are the tastings included? Yes, all tastings at the vineyards, brewery, and spirits bar are included in the price.

Can I buy bottles during the tour? Absolutely. Several travelers mentioned purchasing bottles because of the quality and reasonable prices.

What’s the lunch like? A platter lunch served at Marsden Estate, with cheeses, meats, and other local produce. Some found it a bit light, so consider bringing snacks if very hungry.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What is the price and is it good value? At about $130 per person, the tour offers a lot—tastings, a scenic lunch, and knowledgeable guides—making it a good deal for what you get.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Bay of Islands Spirit & Craft Beer Tour offers a well-balanced mix of tasting, learning, and scenic enjoyment. Its focus on family-run businesses adds an authentic touch, and the small group size ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd.

Whether you’re a wine lover curious about New Zealand varieties, a craft beer aficionado, or just someone looking for a relaxing afternoon in beautiful surroundings, this tour delivers. The guides’ friendliness and local knowledge make the experience even more memorable, and the included lunch provides a lovely pause amid the tastings.

While it’s not a comprehensive deep dive into each business, it’s a perfect taste of the Bay of Islands’ vibrant beverage scene. It’s ideal for those who value high-quality products, friendly service, and authentic stories, all within a manageable four-hour window.

If you’re seeking a fun, well-organized, and flavorful way to spend an afternoon in this stunning part of New Zealand, this tour is a worthy addition to your itinerary.