Written by Appellation Wine Tours
Christmas Day in Queenstown
Christmas in Queenstown is a truly special time of year. Long summer evenings, vibrant vineyard landscapes, and the dramatic backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables create an unforgettable setting for the festive season.
However, Christmas Day itself in Queenstown is intentionally quiet. Most wineries and cellar doors close for the day, and wine tours do not operate on 25 December, allowing local teams to spend time with family and friends. Instead, the focus shifts to relaxing, celebrating, and enjoying a long lunch at one of the special venues open for the occasion.
We have put together a guide, detailing some of the venues that will open for Christmas Day dining in Queenstown.
Threesixty Restaurant & Bar
Conveniently located within Crowne Plaza hotel, this is a great spot to enjoy a delicious selection of festive favourites. The menu includes premium meats, fresh seafood, seasonal salads, and indulgent desserts - this is a true Christmas feast. To top it off, meals are paired with organic wines from well-loved local winery, Domaine Thomson!
You’ll take in stunning waterfront views of Lake Wakatipu as you create memorable moments. This is a family friendly venue with lunch buffet, a 2-hour beverage package, and a visit from Santa.
Domaine Thomson is a premium, family-owned winery based in Central Otago, celebrated for its organic Pinot Noir and its unique "one vision, two hemispheres" philosophy. Alongside its estate vineyard overlooking Lake Dunstan, the winery also owns vineyards in Burgundy, France, producing both New Zealand and French wines that showcase the distinctive character of each region. Should you wish to visit Domain Thomson for a full wine tasting, we can arrange this on a Private Wine Tour.
Adult $259.00 / Child $199.00
Book your dining experience here
ROKI Collection
Awarded two Michelin Stars in 2026, and led by acclaimed Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, Essence by ROKI blends New Zealand's finest seasonal ingredients with refined European culinary techniques. This is the only restaurant in the country to have received two stars in the Michelin Guide New Zealand 2026…. that should tell you all you need to know about how special this dining experience is. They will be offering lunch and dinner from $495.00 per person.
If you’d prefer the casual luxury of The Terrace by ROKI, bookings are opening soon. Sitting at $395.00 per person, spaces will be limited.
Book your dining experience here
QT Queenstown – Bazaar
Take a stroll along Lake Esplanade where you'll find this restaurant perched up high, overlooking the town. Bazaar has picture perfect views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable mountain range. Having opened their doors with a fresh new look in mid-2026, this is sure to be a spectacular Christmas venue.
Well known for their premium buffet, they will be offering special seasonal stations, carving up delight and spreading joy through a tour of internationally-inspired fare made with New Zealand’s very best local ingredients.
Adult $309 / Teenager $259 / Child $149
Book your dining experience here
Wakatipu Grill at The Hilton
A trip to Queenstown is not complete without a visit to sun soaked Kelvin Heights. Peering towards Coronet Peak and Ben Lomond, this is a vantage point of Queenstown that you won't want to skip. Head to Wakatipu Grill, at The Hilton, for a decadent buffet lunch or dinner, using only the best local and fresh produce. Toast amongst your family and friends with a glass of bubbles to start your festive feast.
One of the highlights of dining at this fantastic restaurant is the opportunity to enjoy Akarua wine, one of Central Otago's celebrated producers. Whether you choose a vibrant Pinot Noir, crisp Chardonnay, or refreshing sparkling wine, Akarua's range perfectly complements the region's exceptional cuisine. If tasting these wines leaves you wanting to discover more, our wine tours can take you beyond the restaurant and straight to Akarua's beautiful Bannockburn vineyard. There, you'll experience the stunning landscapes, learn about the winemaking process, and sample an even wider selection of wines where they are crafted—making for an unforgettable Central Otago wine experience.
This really is a beautiful Christmas Day venue overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Mere metres from the waterfront, a post-lunch stroll couldn’t be easier!
Prices from $65.00 - $249.00
Book your dining experience here.
Botswana Butchery Queenstown
Okay, so not quite Christmas Day with this one…but Christmas Eve instead.
We'd be doing you a diservice if we didn't mention Botswana Butchery! They are well known and often fully booked for very good reason. Fine dining, waterfront views and an experience to tell your friends about.
December 24th, they are offering three delicious courses followed by a special treat to finish.
A great dining experience is elevated by an exceptional wine list, and this restaurant serves wines from acclaimed New Zealand producers including Prophet's Rock and Cloudy Bay. Whether you're enjoying the elegance and complexity of a Prophet's Rock Pinot Noir or the vibrant freshness of Cloudy Bay's world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, each glass reflects the unique character of its region. If these wines inspire you to explore further, our private wine tours offer the opportunity to visit Prophet's Rock and Cloudy Bay in the heart of Central Otago, where you can experience the vineyard, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy tastings surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Book your dining experience here.
Embrace a classic Kiwi-style Christmas
- A lakeside picnic
- Swimming or boating on Lake Wakatipu
- Time spent unwinding with a bottle of Central Otago Pinot Noir
Pro tip: purchase bottle or two of your favourites during an Appellation wine tour, so that you can enjoy these on Christmas Day.
A More Relaxed, More Memorable Festive Experience
Rather than trying to fit everything into Christmas Day, the most enjoyable approach is to stretch your celebrations across several days.
A typical festive itinerary might look like:
- Christmas Eve: Wine tour through Gibbston or Bannockburn with a vineyard lunch
- Christmas Day: Relaxed dining experience or lakeside picnic
- Boxing Day: A guided scenic tour, with a wine stop included to continue the celebration
This way, you experience both sides of Queenstown:
- The energy and flavour of its wine scene
- The calm, celebratory atmosphere of Christmas Day
Plan Your Wine Experiences Around Christmas Day
The best way to experience Central Otago wine over the festive season is to plan your tastings on the days leading up to and following Christmas Day.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the region is at its peak:
- Cellar doors are lively, and in full swing
- Vineyard restaurants are ideal for relaxed lunches
- Private wine tours offer access to boutique producers and premium tastings
We recommend booking your tour for:
- 23–24 December for a vibrant, pre-Christmas atmosphere
- 26–30 December to continue the celebrations post-Christmas
This allows you to enjoy the best of the region without the limitations of Christmas Day closures.
Start Planning Early
December is one of the busiest times of year in Queenstown. Wine tours, vineyard restaurants, and Christmas dining experiences all book out well in advance.
If you’re visiting in December 2026, we recommend securing:
- Wine tours at least 4 weeks ahead (the longer the better if you have a jam-packed itinerary)
- Christmas Day dining as early as possible (3 months in advance if possible)
- Any premium or private experiences well in advance
With the right planning, you can enjoy a seamless festive vacation - combining world-class wine, exceptional food, and the unique rhythm of Christmas in Queenstown.
Why book with Appellation?
Over 27 years of experience – Established in 1999, Appellation is one of Queenstown's longest-running specialist wine tour companies, with deep local knowledge and winery relationships
Taste more varietals of wine - The region is divided into six wine sub-regions, each with its own soils, climate and character. Unlike other operators, we include tastings across three of the wine sub-regions on a daily basis! This means you get a real chance to taste Central Otago, visiting Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn.
Food included – All of our tours are fully inclusive of the wine tastings, food and wine guide. This means no hidden costs!
Small-group experiences – Daily wine tours are capped at 12 guests, creating a more personal and interactive experience than larger coach tours.
Children are welcome - Children aged 6 – 17 years are welcome on shared wine tours with Appellation. Children of all ages are welcome on our private tours. Children of any age can join our Queenstown Highlights Tour.
Promo Code for Appellation Wine Tours – When booking direct with us, please use the promo code on our website for a discount!
Not sure yet? Check out our FAQ's here or reach out to us on bookings@appellationwinetours.nz
