Bikes n' Beers

Nowhere combines world-class cycling with even better beers than Otago. Whether on a chilled multi-day biking holiday with friends along Otago’s network of Great Rides, hammering the single track on a mountain bike mission or out on a gravel bash exploring the backroads, you’re never too far from a crafty cold pint.

So if you’re in pursuit of hoppiness (not just a pun, but actually the name of NZ’s only dedicated craft beer magazine) here’s a locals guide to a bike n’ beer tour from Queenstown through Central Otago, and down to Dunedin that will have you drinking in some epic scenery as well as supping some of the best craft beers New Zealand has to offer.

Stop 1: Victoria Store Brewery, Clyde
Located at Olivers Restaurant and Bar in Clyde, the Victoria Store Brewery is a gem that seamlessly blends the region’s gold-mining history with contemporary brewing. Sample their Blacksmith Porter, Gold Panner Golden Ale or a tasting tray of all their brews while soaking in the atmosphere of the historic town.

 Stop 2: Station Brewing Co., Alexandra
From Clyde it’s a short ride along the Otago Central Rail Trail or along the Clutha River Track to Alexandra. Here you’ll find Station Brewing, a brewery which puts the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients to deliver authentic Central Otago flavours. Try their Gold Digger Ale or Old Mountaineer Porter as a reward for your efforts on the trail.

In Alexandra you have a choice: turn left and follow the Otago Central Rail Trail for 152km to Middlemarch; or turn right to connect to the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails and ride all the way to Waihola on the east coast. Whilst the Rail Trail is affectionately known by locals as the “Ale Trail” due to the proliferation of country pubs along its entire length, there’s no shortage of watering holes between Alexandra and Waihola too.

From either Middlemarch or Waihola, you're then only a short hop to Dunedin - beer capital of the South! 

Coastal Cycling and Craft Beer Capital

Dunedin is the undisputed beer capital of the South, and its breweries offer a mix of historic charm and modern flair. Hop onto the new Te Aka Ōtākou (The Otago Vine) cycleway which runs from Port Chalmers to Portobello (‘port to port’) for a loop ride around the Harbour before immersing yourself the city’s craft beer scene.

Stop 1: Emerson’s Brewery
Emerson’s Brewery, an institution in New Zealand’s craft beer world and in their own words is the place to get “a liquid education”! Established in 1992, Emerson’s has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s craft beer movement. Grab an 1812 Pale Ale or a Bookbinder session ale and enjoy a brewery tour if you have time.

Stop 2: Steamer Basin
Situated in the intriguingly named (or unnamed) No Name Alley a visit Steamer Basin's stylish new taproom, just off Bond Street is a Dunedin must. Steamer Basin brews using low-tech, traditional methods to make well-balanced beer. The brewery produces small batch seasonal beers using fresh ingredients matched with delicious woodfired pizza.

Stop 3: Noisy Brewing Co
Next, head to the Noisy Brewing Co, where you’ll find small-batch beers with big flavours. Whether you're into a hoppy IPA or a crisp lager, Noisy Brewing will surprise you with their bold creations – plus they have a sensational food menu to be paired with your pint.

Stop 4: Speight’s Brewery
Wrap up your Otago brewery tour at the iconic Speight’s Brewery. While Speight’s might be more mainstream, their on-site bar has several small-batch beers you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, you can’t leave Dunedin without trying a cold Speight’s Gold Medal Ale straight from the source.