We decided to stop off at monteiths brewery and take a tour of the brewery as we had a bit of spare time. It is the best value for money tour I have ever taken. For $20 we received 4 250ml samples of our choice from the taps one of which we got to pull ourselves. You also receive a voucher for a free monteiths original ale from a few of the local bars, it can also be redeemed at some bars in Franz Josef.
My family only this week visited this fine restaurant, very friendly staff, price per serving is very good, they are tapa style foods on the menu (small) but filling very yummy. It's a unique style & the tours are very rewarding. A great idea & a fun way to learn a little of the West Coast's brewing history.
We were really excited about this place but the waitress unfortunately did not share our enthusiasm, and made us feel unwelcome. We were told that there was no more cheese to place with the beer tester platter, but the price would remain the same. We then saw, after finishing our tester, another waitress bring a cheese platter to her table, which peeved us immensely. Lastly, i tried the specialty whitebait appy and would describe it as dry fish cake on burned toast. I wish i could give a positive review as i generally really enjoy the brewery experience, but during our one month stay in New Zealand, this was the worst dining experience we had.
The tour of the brewery was a wee bit boring but the food and the beer and alcoholic ginger beer was top notch!!! Staff are friendly and the shop had some nice tnings to buy. I recommend the alcoholic ginger beer!! Very nice.
Our family of four enjoyed an after-hours tour (meaning the brewers were no longer working, but the restaurant/brewery was still open) and learned a lot. We had a trainee taking us through, so probably missed out on some of the knowledgeable banter that other guides would have given, but we enjoyed the tour nonetheless. There an opportunity to pour your own beer afterwards and there are plenty of coupons for enjoying beer both there and in other venues on the West Coast, so it more than pays for the tickets. We thought the food at the brewery was great and certainly better than the Australasia restaurant where we also ate. Even if you don't want a tour, go there for dinner - it's a great atmosphere and a fun way to try different beers and eat good pub food.
Monteith's Brewery tour is a wonderful little attraction around a NZ icon. They have a few choices of affordable tour packages that take you through the entire brewing and bottling process. It is a very informal, informative and interesting experience that throws in a few well deserved and refreshing brews of your choosing (and discounts) at the end. The brewery has a gift shop, bar/restaurant and a wonderfully designed historical montage of the trials and tribulations of Monteith's and brewing in NZ through the ages. This is an iconic piece of West Coast heritage and it delivers on every level. Check it out.
Food and atmosphere is great. Worth stopping in. Sign the visitors books. Lots of positive comments and take the tour. There is a fee for the tour.
My brother and I went for a brewery tour in early Mid February, the tour costs $20 per adult, includes 3 free beers (draught) from the brewery afterwards, a free self pour beer (we had raspberry ale), and a pamphlet including discounts at other locations throughout the South Island. We had a cheese and meat platter, and ribs - food was great and came out quick. Tour leader was very knowledgable and friendly, answered all questions well. Definitely come if you're interested in seeing how they do things (or learning about beer).
The Brewery is an old name on the coast despite Aucklanders trying to export it to Auckland.The atmosphere is great. The meals are great.And during the week you get to tour the brewery as well. Beer drinkers heaven
Really nice litle tour with people who seem very proud of their product and happy to share with all of us. The tour is not too long so it's just right for a quick visit but the best is that it includes tastings of 4 different beers including a chance to pull one for your self. I also loved that could purchase a mix-and-match six pack of the different ales to take away. There is also options to eat as well as a chance to score all yer Monteith's gear. Thanks so much, we enjoyed it all!