Speight's Brewery

Speight's Brewery, located in Dunedin, New Zealand, is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts and history buffs.

It is the oldest continually operating brewery in New Zealand, with a history dating back to 1876. The brewery is owned by the Japanese-controlled holding company Lion and is best known for its Gold Medal Ale, which is one of the best-selling beers in New Zealand.

The brewery building is a prominent landmark in Central Dunedin, located just to the west of The Exchange at the corner of Rattray and Maclaggan Streets. It has undergone several major extensions and renovations over the years, most notably extensions in 1938 designed by Harry Mandeno. The most recent renovation was to provide earthquake strengthening in 2012–14.

Visitors to Speight's Brewery can take a 90-minute interactive tour of the brewery, which focuses on the history of this Dunedin icon. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who take visitors through the historic brew floor, where they can see over 141 years of brewing history. Visitors can also learn about the brewing process and sample some of Speight's delicious beers. After the tour, visitors can head to The Ale House Bar & Restaurant, which is located on the brewery site. The Ale House is a lively bar in a brewery-restaurant setting and serves authentic and quirky dishes, including a "drunken" steak, which is steak marinated in dark beer.

Speight's Brewery also gave rise to a chain of Speight's Ale House gastropubs across the country. These gastropubs serve a range of Speight's beers and offer a menu of hearty pub fare. Speight's has a long-standing relationship with rugby union in the Otago and Southland regions. In 1977, the brewery began sponsoring the Dunedin club championship, and it currently has a strong presence in the local rugby community.

Overall, Speight's Brewery is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Dunedin, New Zealand. With its rich history, delicious beers, and lively atmosphere, it's a great place to learn about New Zealand's brewing heritage and enjoy some great food and drink.