Three stops, one afternoon, lots of sips.

This Bay of Islands craft beer and spirit tour mixes wine tastings at two wineries with a craft beer stop and a final binge-worthy spirits shop in Paihia—so you’re not stuck doing the same style of tasting over and over. I especially like how it spotlights family-run places and keeps the pace relaxed, with time to talk, ask questions, and pick up bottles if something really clicks.

The one thing to watch is lunch: the platter can feel light if you’re a big eater or if you prefer not to share.

Key Highlights

• Ake Ake Vineyard grape-to-glass tour with samples like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc
• Marsden Estate lake-view lunch plus multiple wine tastings in a calm courtyard setting
• PhatHouse Brewery Bar & Kitchen focused on natural ingredients and unfiltered, unpasteurised beer
• Bad Habits in Paihia for a wide range of New Zealand spirits and liqueurs, including lots of gin and rum
• Maximum 11 people so you get real conversation instead of waiting your turn for a photo

An Easy 4-Hour Plan for Bay of Islands Sippers

This is built for an afternoon, not an all-day production. You start at 1:30 pm and the tour runs about 4 hours, which fits nicely between beach time and dinner plans. It’s also a good way to hit multiple local businesses without worrying about driving, parking, or lining everything up yourself.

Because the group stays small (up to 11), you can actually hear what’s going on at each stop. That matters on a tasting tour: the difference between a fun sample and a meaningful one is whether someone explains what you’re tasting and why.

Timing, Pickup Rhythm, and What the Small Group Means

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking. It ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stranded at the far side of the peninsula with your taste buds doing jazz hands.

That small-group size is one of the practical wins here. With fewer people, guides can slow down when someone asks a question about grapes, brewing, or how to compare styles. In past trips, guides such as Bill and Ken have been called out for being friendly and attentive, and that kind of hosting tends to show up when the group isn’t huge.

Stop 1: Ake Ake Vineyard and the Grapes-to-Tasting Lesson

The afternoon kicks off at Ake Ake Vineyard, just outside Kerikeri. This first stop sets the tone: instead of jumping straight to wine, you tour the vineyard and learn how grapes are grown and how that work turns into what’s in your glass later.

You’ll also taste several wines—Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are specifically mentioned—so you can start picking up your own preferences early. If you like crisp whites, this stop usually feels like a fast win. If you’re less certain what you like, that variety helps you figure it out quickly.

Why this matters for you: wine tastings can feel abstract if nobody connects the dots. Starting with grape production gives you a simple framework for what to notice next: acidity, aroma, and how different grape styles behave.

Stop 2: Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant, Six Tastings Plus Lunch

From the vineyard, you head to Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant, started by the McIvor family about 30 years ago. This is where the tour adds a bigger set-piece: you get six wine tastings plus lunch.

Lunch is served as a platter in a relaxed courtyard setting, with views over the lake. That matters more than it sounds. A tasting tour can turn into a rushed snack. Here, you’re given a real break where you can pause, compare wines, and reset before the next stop.

One detail that’s easy to overlook: the platter format is a shared style. That’s part of the casual vibe, but it’s also the reason some people may feel lunch is more of a snack than a full meal—especially if you’re solo and want more on your plate. If you know you’re hungry mid-afternoon, you might consider eating lightly before the tour starts.

Stop 3: PhatHouse Brewery Bar & Kitchen for Natural, Unfiltered Beer

Next up is The PhatHouse Brewery Bar & Kitchen, founded in 2015 by Caroline and Rob. This stop is refreshingly different from the wine stops, because it’s about brewing choices.

Here, the focus is on natural ingredients and beers described as unfiltered and unpasteurised, which is the kind of label language that actually means something. In plain terms, it often translates to flavors that can taste fresher and a bit more intense than heavily processed styles.

Expect a more hands-on feel compared to a classic tasting room. If you’ve ever wondered why craft beer can taste more “alive” than mass-produced lagers, this is the kind of stop where you’ll pick up the reasons without needing a brewing degree.

Practical tip: beer tastings add up. Even if you’re enjoying everything, pace yourself—save your top two favorites for the last moment, not the first.

Final Stop: Bad Habits in Paihia for New Zealand Spirits

The tour closes at Bad Habits in Paihia, a bar that stocks a big range of New Zealand made spirits and liqueurs north of Auckland. The numbers are eye-catching: 46 gins and 19 rums are specifically listed, along with other options.

This isn’t about learning to mix cocktails like a TV bartender. It’s more like a tasting playground for people who love spirits and want to explore what’s being made locally. If you came for wine and craft beer, this stop can still be a fun finish—often the easiest way to discover a bottle you’ll actually bring home.

Why I like the ending: it lets you decide what you want next. Some people feel full after beer and wine. Others suddenly get their second wind and want to browse and sample a bit more. Either way, you’re in a setting designed for browsing and selecting.

Price and Value: Is $130.32 Worth It?

At $130.32 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for small-group tasting experiences in the Bay of Islands. The value is in what’s included rather than just the fact that you’re drinking.

You’re paying for:

• Multiple tastings across wine and beer (including six tastings at Marsden)
• A platter lunch at Marsden with lake-view courtyard vibes
• Admission tickets at each stop, and a guided route that saves you the hassle of getting between Kerikeri, the wineries area, and Paihia

For me, the best way to judge value is simple: you’re getting three different categories—wine, craft beer, and spirits. Many tours do wine only, or wine plus one token brewery stop. This one gives you variety, and variety is what keeps the afternoon from feeling repetitive.

What to Expect in the Real World: Pace, Info, and Food

The overall vibe is relaxed. A recurring theme in the experience is that the day feels friendly and not pushy, meaning you can taste, talk, and buy bottles if you want. That kind of low-pressure hosting is what makes these tours enjoyable rather than awkward.

Still, there are two things to be aware of:

1) Wine info can vary by guide and by how the group flows. Some people wanted more explanation about the wines themselves during tastings. If you’re the type who likes specifics—flavor notes, growing conditions, and how each wine is made—ask questions. Guides can usually tailor the conversation when the group stays small.

2) Lunch portions are the main complaint. The platter is part of the fun, but it can feel light to some people. If you’re going to be hungry, don’t assume the platter will fully cover you for the late-afternoon hours.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a half-afternoon plan in the Bay of Islands that’s built around tastings
• Like mixing wine, craft beer, and spirits instead of repeating the same style
• Prefer a small group where you can ask questions and get answers
• Want a rainy-day-friendly activity: the stops include winery and bar settings where you can still have a good afternoon even when the weather isn’t cooperating

I’d reconsider if you:

• Need a hearty lunch that clearly fills you up
• Only care about one category, like wine only, and don’t want the beer/spirit stops

Quick Tips to Get the Most From Your Tastings

• Start with pace, not enthusiasm. You’ll taste at multiple places, so space out your favorites.
• Ask one good question per stop. Whether it’s about grape choices at Ake Ake, the wine comparison at Marsden, or brewing choices at PhatHouse, it turns sampling into learning.
• Plan a calm dinner after. You’re not going to want to sprint around town afterward.
• If you’re prone to getting full quickly, you might like the platter format. If you’re prone to feeling underfed, consider a light snack before pickup.

Should You Book This Bay of Islands Spirit and Craft Beer Tour?

I’d book it if you want an afternoon that feels like you’re being shown around by local operators—vineyard folks, winery hospitality, and craft brewers—while still getting the practical win of not driving yourself between stops. The mix of wine, craft beer, and New Zealand spirits in Paihia is the big reason it works.

Skip it—or choose a different style—if lunch is a deal-breaker for you or if you only want one drink category. Otherwise, this is a fun, well-timed way to taste the Bay of Islands without turning your day into a checklist.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 1:30 pm.

How long is the Bay of Islands Spirit & Craft Beer tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a platter lunch at Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant.

What kinds of tastings are included?

You’ll taste wine at the vineyard and wineries, craft beer at PhatHouse Brewery Bar & Kitchen, and New Zealand spirits and liqueurs at Bad Habits.

Where is the tour stops located?

Stops include Ake Ake Vineyard (near Kerikeri), Marsden Estate (with lake views), PhatHouse Brewery and the bar Bad Habits in Paihia.

What’s the tasting focus at each winery or bar?

Ake Ake focuses on vineyard growing and tasting wines such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Marsden includes multiple wine tastings and lunch. PhatHouse is centered on craft brewing, and Bad Habits focuses on a wide range of NZ spirits and liqueurs.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.