If you’re visiting New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands and want to combine scenic beauty with a taste of local craftsmanship, this 4-hour wine, craft beer, and spirit tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s burgeoning alcohol scene. While it’s not a full-day extravaganza, what makes it worthwhile is the careful selection of stops, quality tastings, and a friendly, knowledgeable guide who takes the hassle out of organizing your own tasting tour.
Two things we really like about this experience are the diversity of flavors—from fine wines to craft beers and potent spirits—and the relaxed, intimate atmosphere of small-group touring. It feels less like a commercial hustle and more like hanging out with friends who happen to know a lot about what they’re showing you. A possible drawback? The tour’s duration is just four hours, which is perfect for a quick taste but might leave serious aficionados craving more. That said, it’s a fantastic fit for travelers who want a curated, enjoyable sampler of Bay of Islands’ alcohol scene without spending the entire day.
This tour suits those who love authentic tastes, appreciate scenic drives, and enjoy learning about local products from passionate producers. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a laid-back but engaging experience. If you’re after a taste of New Zealand’s wine and craft spirits with a side of scenic views, this tour hits the spot.
Key Points
- Small group size (limited to 11 participants) ensures a personal, friendly experience.
- Diverse tastings including wines, beers, and spirits give a broad flavor of regional craftsmanship.
- Scenic drives through the Bay of Islands add visual pleasure to the tasting experience.
- Authentic local producers like Marsden Estate and Phat House Brewery showcase genuine New Zealand skills.
- Platter lunch at Marsden Estate offers a relaxing break and a taste of local produce.
- Flexible pickup options in Paihia and Kerikeri make joining easy and convenient.
An In-Depth Look at What to Expect
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kerikeri.
Starting Point and Logistics
Your adventure begins at either the Paihia I-site or a designated pickup in Kerikeri, depending on your accommodation. Pickup is at 1:30 pm in Paihia, slightly later at 2:00 pm from Kerikeri. The tour is run by Mullarkeys Tours and is limited to 11 participants, which means it’s small enough to foster genuine conversations and personalized attention.
The First Stop: Marsden Estate
Our first visit is to Marsden Estate, a family-run vineyard that’s been producing wine for around 30 years. Here, you’ll sample six different wines—likely a mix of reds, whites, and possibly rosés—while enjoying a platter lunch in their peaceful courtyard overlooking the lake and vines.
The setting alone is worth the trip—relaxing, picturesque, and informal. The estate’s long history hints at careful craftsmanship and a strong local reputation. The staff is friendly and eager to share insights about the wine-making process. Guests consistently praise the quality of wines and the laid-back atmosphere, with one reviewer noting that it’s “something we had never done and would do again.” The value here is notable: multiple tastings plus a delicious lunch at a reputable estate.
The Craft Beer Experience: Phat House Brewery
Next, the tour heads to Phat House Brewery at Haruru Falls. Founded in 2015, this brewery prides itself on using natural ingredients to craft unfiltered, unpasteurized, and preservative-free beers and ciders. You’ll be able to sample up to four different products—likely a mix of IPAs, lagers, or specialty brews—chosen by you or guided by staff.
The owners Caroline and Rob’s dedication to quality shines through. Visitors rave about the authenticity of the beers and the passionate storytelling from staff. It’s a chance to see a relatively new but rapidly growing craft scene in the region, and you’ll learn about the brewing process in a friendly environment.
More Great Tours NearbySpirit Tasting at Bad Habits
For the final tasting, the tour visits Bad Habits, a bar in Paihia offering New Zealand’s largest selection of spirits north of Auckland. With over 100 varieties—including dozens of gins, rums, vodkas, whiskeys, and liqueurs—you can expect to taste three different spirits accompanied by food samples that complement each product.
This stop offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the local distilling craft and perhaps pick up a bottle as a souvenir. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, with one traveler calling Bill “so good and professional,” and many guests appreciating the well-curated tastings.
Overall Experience and Value
The entire tour lasts about four hours, which balances enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The small group size fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere, and the guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience.
The price point is reasonable when you consider the quality of the tastings, the platter lunch, and the opportunity to purchase products directly from producers. Reviews consistently mention that the experience offers good value for money, especially given the variety of drinks and scenic drives involved.
The Itinerary in Detail
Though the tour’s core is about enjoying tastings, it’s also about the journey between stops. The scenic drives through the Bay of Islands add a peaceful backdrop, with views of lakes, vineyards, and lush countryside. The stops at Fat Pig Vineyard and Ake Ake Vineyard & Restaurant offer more opportunities to taste local wines, and although the itinerary mentions a “local restaurant,” it’s likely the lunch at Marsden Estate itself that provides the main meal.
The tour concludes back at your starting points—either in Paihia or Kerikeri—giving you plenty of time to relax afterward or explore the towns further.
Authenticity and Guides
Reviews consistently praise the guides, especially Derek, for their friendliness and expertise. Their knowledge about the region, the products, and the production processes makes each tasting more meaningful. You’ll appreciate their patience and ability to answer questions, making this a genuinely educational experience rather than just a tasting.
Practical Tips for Participants
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider for specific needs.
- Children under 18 are not permitted, as the focus is on alcohol tasting.
- It’s advisable to arrive a few minutes early to avoid missing the start.
- Since you can reserve and pay later, it’s flexible to fit into your travel plans.
- Consider bringing a small bag or cooler if you wish to purchase wines or spirits to take home.
The Sum Up
This Paihia or Kerikeri: Wine, Spirit, & Craft Beer Tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, authentic tasting experiences, and friendly guidance. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy discovering local products in a relaxed setting, without the crowds or rush of larger tours. The combination of award-winning wineries, innovative breweries, and top-quality spirits makes it a worthwhile addition to your North Island itinerary.
For those who love to understand what they’re drinking and want a taste of New Zealand’s craft spirit scene, this tour provides a comprehensive, enjoyable, and very good value experience.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, giving enough time for relaxed tastings and scenic travel without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour start?
Pickups are available at the Paihia I-site at 1:30 pm or at a BP Service Station in Kerikeri at 2:00 pm, depending on your accommodation.
Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 11 participants, ensuring a personal and friendly atmosphere.
Can I buy products during the tour?
Absolutely. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase wines, beers, and spirits at each stop, which can serve as souvenirs or gifts.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not allowed, as the focus is on alcohol tastings.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to confirm specific needs with the provider beforehand.
This tour offers a friendly, insightful, and tasty way to explore the local drinks scene of Bay of Islands, ideal for curious spirits enthusiasts and those looking to add some flavor to their New Zealand adventure.
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