Brewery History

TUI – BREWING LEGENDS SINCE 1889

TUI HISTORY IS A LITTLE SPECKLED, PARTLY BECAUSE RECORD KEEPING WASN’T UP TO SCRATCH IN THOSE DAYS AND PARTLY BECAUSE HENRY WAGSTAFF WAS MUCH MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT BREWING BEER THAN WRITING ABOUT BREWING BEER.

The Tui Brewery has been around in one form or another since Henry Wagstaff discovered how good the water tasted in the Mangatainoka River in 1889 and decided to build a brewery. The most recognisable part, the Tui Tower, has only been around since 1932.

Commissioned by a fancy Art Deco artist (because we like to be on the cutting edge) the Tui Tower was a marvel… such a marvel in fact that no one bothered to look inside until it was finished and the architect was on the boat back to France with his large sack of cash. Only then did we notice it had no stairs inside, rendering the upper levels useless.

Mildly embarrassed to show off our staircaseless tower, we built the Tui HQ to distract and entertain the punters who came knocking.

Fast forward to today, and Tui Brewery is now a state of the art brew house that is sits pretty in front of a fancy garden bar where punters can enjoy a refreshing beverage under the iconic Tui Tower.

Want to know more about our history… you’ll have to come see us to learn the whole tale! Maybe it’s time to make the pilgrimage?

The best way to learn our iconic story is to stop by for a brewery tour and a visit to our ‘Histui’ museum. Tours run daily at 11.30am.

Guest Feedback

We will be back. This place has everything. The history is amazing, I recommend doing a tour. The food is great and the staff are just awesome. Come in and relax, hit the gift store and enjoy – Alan H, Trip Advisor, 5 Stars

Loved it, very entertaining tour, great lunch, great beer, great coffee, highly recommend, definitely plan on a return visit – Michelle O, Trip Advisor, 5 stars

Great, friendly staff who are extremely welcoming. Furthermore perfect meal to make the roadside stop memorable – Dean S, Trip Advisor, 5 Stars

Great food and even better beer. It was colder out and inside the fire was going. Atmosphere was warm, relaxed and welcoming – Ramirezmp, Trip Advisor, 5 Stars

The food was good and reasonably priced, the beer was great, and the tour was fun. A great overall experience. And did I mention that there was good beer?! – Paul H, Trip Advisor, 5 Stars

A must for anyone passing through. The beer is great, and the staff is friendly. If you are interested in beer making, make sure you do the tour. There are tasting as part of the tour, so don’t fill up beforehand. There are many brews available that you cannot buy anywhere else. We would go again! – EDammen, Google Bus., 5 stars

Stopped on a whim. So glad we did. Excellent short tour with lovely tour guide. Great information and the tastings were good. Loved it would recommend – Christine S, Trip Advisor, 5 stars

The service was excellent & staff friendly. Loved the food & atmosphere – EuniceC807, Trip Advisor, 5 Stars

Great atmosphere. Great staff. Well worth waiting for the place to open. The tastings are worth the stop and even better if you get a passport from them – Jeannette B, Trip Advisor, 5 Stars

A great place to stop and enjoy all things Tui. It’s not just beer, there are gardens, fashion line, and plenty of history in the area. The brewery tour is a good way to aid in the digestion of the wonderful food and beer matches at the cafe/bar. The staff are great and helpful even to the point of finding the perfect Tui gnome – Psyckers DO, Google Bus. 4 stars

Really liked this place. Welcome is super friendly and brewery tour simple but informative. Great merchandise in the shop there and above all else the food is excellent. Well worth a visit – argwatkins, Trip Advisor, 5 stars