Monteiths Brewery

Monteiths Brewery is a must-visit for beer lovers exploring the West Coast. Housed in a historic building on Greymouth's main street, this working brewery offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Monteith's distinctive ales and lagers are crafted, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and traditional methods. The tour ends with a generous tasting session in the lively bar, where you can sample seasonal brews alongside classic favourites.

Highlights & What to See

• Brewery Tour: A guided walk through the brewhouse, fermentation room, and packaging area, where you'll learn about the brewing process and the history of Monteiths since 1868.
• Tasting Flights: Sample a range of beers, from the crisp Golden Lager to the robust Celtic Red, and often a limited-edition or barrel-aged release.
• Heritage Building: The brewery occupies a charming 19th-century brick building, with original timber beams and copper kettles that create a warm, authentic atmosphere.
• Brewery Bar & Restaurant: After the tour, grab a pint and a plate of West Coast whitebait fritters or a hearty lamb shank, all perfectly paired with their beers.
• Brewery Shop: Pick up bottles, glassware, and merchandise to take a taste of the Coast home with you.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan on around 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience: the guided tour takes about 45 minutes, plus at least 30 minutes to relax with your tasting paddle and soak up the vibe in the bar. If you're having a meal, allow up to 2.5 hours. The brewery is open daily from late morning, with tours running on the hour or half-hour – it's best to check the schedule ahead, especially in winter when hours may be shorter.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Greymouth Town Centre: Wander the historic streets, visit the Left Bank Art Gallery, or stroll along the Grey River mouth.
• Shantytown Heritage Park: A 10-minute drive south, this recreated 1860s gold-mining village offers panning, steam trains, and a glimpse into frontier life.
• Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks: 45 minutes north along the stunning coastal road, the layered limestone formations and blowholes are a classic West Coast sight.
• Hokitika: 40 minutes south, known for its greenstone (pounamu) carving workshops, wild beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge's turquoise waters.
• Brunner Mine Site: A short drive east, this historic coal-mining site features remnants of the mine and a memorial to the 1896 explosion.

Please check official sources for current details.