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Step inside Emersons Brewery in Dunedin for a detailed look at New Zealand’s craft beer scene. This guided tour covers brewing secrets and finishes with a flavor-packed tasting session.
Step inside Emersons Brewery in Dunedin for a detailed look at New Zealand’s craft beer scene. This guided tour covers brewing secrets and finishes with a flavor-packed tasting session.
Book with Emersons Brewery
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Operated by Emersons Brewery · Dunedin, Otago
Set in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, Emersons Brewery offers an immersive glimpse into one of the country’s most celebrated craft beer producers. Founded in 1985 by Richard Emerson, whose passion for English beer set the foundation for this burgeoning brewery, Emersons has grown from a kitchen-floor experiment to a regional powerhouse producing millions of liters annually. This brewery tour is an essential experience for anyone interested in the technical craft behind great beer and the lively culture that surrounds it.
Located at 70 Anzac Avenue, central Dunedin, the brewery sits within reach of the city’s iconic hills and nearby Otago Peninsula, an area known for its rugged coastlines and diverse wildlife. While the tour itself focuses on the intricacies of brewing and packaging, visitors gain insight into why Emersons stands out—not just for its scale but for its commitment to maintaining Richard Emerson’s original vision and uncompromising standards.
Over roughly 60 minutes, a knowledgeable guide takes guests behind the scenes to watch malted grains transform into rich ales and lagers inside state-of-the-art facilities. The tour concludes with a carefully curated beer tasting, where traditional recipes meet innovative brewing techniques, appealing to novices and aficionado alike. Non-alcoholic options ensure inclusivity.
Beyond the beer, the experience connects visitors to the region’s evolving craft scene rooted in Dunedin’s vibrant, youthful energy. Emersons Brewery balances historic brewing techniques with modern sustainability efforts, making it a standout destination for both locals and travelers seeking a genuine taste of New Zealand’s brewing excellence. Whether you’re winding down after a day of exploring Otago’s landscapes or simply savoring quality craft beer, Emersons delivers an adventure in patience, precision, and flavor.
easy.
60 minutes.
No special fitness required; standing and walking at a relaxed pace.
The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, including a guided tasting session.
Yes, non-alcoholic tasting options are available upon request.
Participants must be aged 18 or older to join the tasting. Younger visitors should check with the brewery directly.
Photography is generally allowed but may be restricted in certain production areas for safety and privacy.
Yes, the brewery is centrally located in Dunedin and accessible by local bus routes and walkable from downtown accommodations.
Full refunds or credits are provided with at least 24 hours’ notice or in case of operator cancellations.
Emersons Brewery was founded by Richard Emerson following a 1983 trip to England, aiming to raise New Zealand’s beer standards.
The brewery integrates sustainable practices in water use and waste reduction, supporting local environmental stewardship.
Emersons Brewery, based in Dunedin, Otago, is a prominent New Zealand craft brewery with a long heritage rooted in Richard Emerson’s passion for brewing since 1985. The brewery offers visitor-focused experiences that include a 30-minute Guided Tasting—featuring six signature beers, non-alcoholic options, and an introduction to the brewing process—and a comprehensive Brewery Tour that explores brewing and packaging operations followed by a tasting. Emersons positions itself as one of New Zealand’s largest craft breweries, combining modern brewing facilities with a history of local craft beer innovation. Visitors can expect knowledgeable guides, a focus on brewing craftsmanship, and accessible sessions suitable for both seasoned beer enthusiasts and curious first-time visitors. The visitor experiences emphasize education, sampling, and storytelling about the brewery’s evolution and signature beers. Emersons operates from a purpose-built site in Dunedin and maintains industry-standard production and packaging workflows that support public tours and tastings. The brewery’s public offerings provide clear structure—timed tasting sessions and guided walks through equipment and processes—so guests receive a focused and informative visit. Booking information, session lengths, and tasting formats are provided to help visitors plan their visit. Emersons Brewery’s combination of historical roots, visible production facilities, curated tastings, and public tours supports trust and relevance for travellers and local patrons seeking an authentic New Zealand craft beer experience. Public tastings and tours cater to small groups and individual visitors, with options that highlight signature brews, brewing techniques, and the brewery’s community ties in Dunedin and the wider Otago region, and accessible visitor facilities year-round.
Book with Emersons Brewery