Daily ToursGourmet Food and Wine TourBoutique Wine TourClassic Wine TourTwilight Stars And Wine TourQueenstown Highlights TourWritten by Appellation Wine Tours
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.
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!
Youāll 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
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 2026ā¦. 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 youād 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
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 Zealandās very best local ingredients.
Adult $309 / Teenager $259 / Child $149
Book your dining experience here
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 craftedāmaking 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 couldnāt be easier!
Prices from $65.00 - $249.00
Book your dining experience here.
Okay, so not quite Christmas Day with this oneā¦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.
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:
This way, you experience both sides of Queenstown:
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:
We recommend booking your tour for:
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 youāre visiting in December 2026, we recommend securing:
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.
Over 27 years of experience ā 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 ā All of our tours are fully inclusive of the wine tastings, food and wine guide. This means no hidden costs!
Small-group experiences ā 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 ā 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 ā 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
In just one weekend, this girls trip to Queenstown had it all. From heart-racing freefalls over the Shotover River and high-speed jet boat rides, to wine tasting in NZās largest wine cave and a surprisingly lovable 18km e-bike adventure.
Queenstown has been dubbed the ''Adventure Capital of the World'', and for good reason! Whether youāre craving adrenaline, scenic serenity, or just good wine and better company, this trip proves you can have it all in 48 hours.
It is an absolute hub of outdoor activities, endless dining opportunities & street performers. The streets are bustling and the coffee is GOOD. The town itself is full of stylish boutiques, cozy cafĆ©s, and buzzing cocktail bars. It's ideal for exploring with your besties. Splash out on a fancy dinner at a lakeside restaurant like Botswana Butchery or RÄtÄ, and toast to friendship with local pinot noir.
Queenstown offers a magical mix of opportunities, making it a dream destination for a girlsā trip.
If you're visiting in winter, donāt miss the chance to hit the slopes at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Both are perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers. After a day on the snow, unwind with aprĆØs-ski drinks by a roaring fire or explore Queenstownās vibrant nightlife, with chic bars like Little Blackwood or cocktail lounges tucked into alpine-style settings.
In warmer months, opt for a lake cruise or a paddleboarding session on the crystal-clear water. No matter the season, Queenstown delivers unforgettable moments and Instagram-worthy backdrops. Itās more than a tripāitās a chance to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate the joy of friendship.
š Read the full itinerary and get all the insider tips HERE
Photos courtesy of Sophie van Soest
Sophie and Jaime travelled to Queenstown as guests of Booking.com and Destination Queenstown.
Proudly introducing sustainable transportation with electric vans (EVs) into their fleet. Appellation Wine Tours have been the leading provider of immersive wine experiences in the Central Otago region for over 24 years. This significant investment underscores the company's commitment to long-term sustainability. It sets a new standard for eco-conscious tourism in the area.
The introduction of these state-of-the-art EVs aligns seamlessly with the company's mission. With this intention, Appellation aim to provide unforgettable wine tours while prioritising sustainability. They are reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmentally conscious tourism, thanks to their new fleet of electric vans.
First in the Region to Offer Wine Tours in an EV: Appellation Wine Tours takes pride in being the first in the Central Otago region to pioneer wine tours in an EV. They are leading the way in sustainable travel experiences.
This ground-breaking move with electric vans reinforces the company's dedication. With this in mind and a big focus on showcasing the finest vineyards and scenery while prioritising eco-friendly practices, Appellation are enhancing the overall experience for their valued customers.
Sarah Russell, General Manager of Appellation Wine Tours expressed enthusiasm about this eco-conscious initiative, stating -
"At Appellation Wine Tours, we are always thinking about our environmental impact and going electric made sense. We want to continue to provide exceptional experiences whilst also contributing toward a more sustainable future.ā
āThe introduction of the Ford Transit EVs represents a significant step towards decarbonisation and a sustainable future for tourism in the Central Otago region."
The new Ford Transit Electric Vans are now in operation. Appellation Wine Tours invites wine enthusiasts and eco-conscious travellers to come. They can embark on unforgettable journeys throughout the breath-taking landscapes of Central Otago.
If you'd like to see more ways in which Queenstown as a whole is aiming towards its goal to ''Electrify Queenstown''...take a look here. With a goal of being carbon zero by 2030, there's a lot of changes pending. This includes the transition to electric vans.
If you're planning what to do for 10 days in New Zealand, leaving your rental wheels behind and allowing the team from Appellation Wine Tours to drive you direct to Central Otago's premium vineyards is a must. A highlight of the half-day "Valley of the Wines" tour is a visit to the impressively carved wine cave at the venerable Gibbston Valley Winery where you can sample and buy some of the stellar region's finest drops, including its pioneering pinot noirs. The visit is one of a selection of itineraries on offer if you're looking for ideas on what to do 10 Days in New Zealand. See appellationwinetours.nz
New Zealandās luxury lodges, invariably owned by wealthy and visionary American benefactors, enjoy an international reputation for their superb locations, sumptuous comforts and fine food and wine. The embodiment of this characteristically Kiwi-style of accommodation is the contemporary Matakauri Lodge, discreetly perched beside a serene stretch of majestic Lake Wakatipu, minutes outside of QueenstownIt's the perfect place to stay if you're wondering what to do 10 days in New Zealand. The tariffs may be as steep as the adjacent mountainsides but the experience is well worth the splurge. See robertsonlodges.com
Where is New Zealand's best restaurant? Auckland? Wellington? Christchurch? No, it's the longstanding and long well-regarded winery restaurant, Amisfield, set at a crossroads on Queenstown's outskirts. In part thanks to it being named Cuisine magazine's 2022 restaurant of the year, there's often a waitlist as long as the wine list for precious tables, a must-visit if planning what to do 10 days in New Zealand. Book ahead if you want to experience chef Vaughan Mabee's skilled and innovative interpretation of the tastes of Aotearoa. See amisfield.co.nz
Time for a break from the puffer and the beanie brigades? If so, all arrows point to a more subdued Arrowtown, only 20 minutes but a world away from Queenstown. A gold rush-era relic, Arrowtown's delightfully-preserved main street includes some suitably golden Kiwi eateries such as the Northern Italian-themed Aosta and its casual offshoot, Little Aosta. Nearby, The Dishery, a most agreeable bistro-style newcomer, open for breakfast and lunch, is helmed by Amisfield chefs and wait staff. Adding a detour to Arrowtown is a great idea when deciding what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See thedishery.co.nz; littleaosta.co.nz; arrowtown.com
Once a 19th-century New Zealand Shipping Office, the rustic Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro is on the shores of the aforementioned lake and, framed by those pleasantly omnipresent snow-capped peaks, a little away from busy central Queenstown. Breakfast, brunch or lunch al fresco and heartily on the deck in summer or snuggled up inside near a raging fire in winter. You won't go wrong with the typically robust Kiwi coffee here either. See boatshedqueenstown.co.nz
The chic Kamana Lakehouse bills itself as the highest altitude hotel-cum-resort in Queenstown, and while it's not exactly set right atop a mountain, its lofty position affords knockout views of the aptly-named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. The glass-encased, panorama-packing Nest restaurant is perhaps Queenstown's most imposing dining room. There are also some fancy, semi-outdoor and private hot-tubs, replete with views, available for rental houseguests. Adding what to do 10 days in New Zealand often includes staying at remarkable hotels like Kamana. See kamana.co.nz
Hit the wondrously winding road to Glenorchy for a glorious 45-minute alpine drive from Queenstown. Nestled on the northern shores of the lake, Glenorchy itself is more village than town with the point of the trip being the sight of the dramatic surrounding Middle Earth scenery which acted as locations for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia flicks. It's also action stations central for everything from jet boating to cycling and walking to kayaking. See queenstownnz.co.nz
Thermal hot-springs-blessed Kiwis adore a good soak, as they call a therapeutic steamy dip, so it's no wonder that the well-run Japanese-style Onsen, nestled in the mountains at Arthurs Point, is so popular. Reserve your private, cedar-lined bath well before your head across that other well-filled tub known as the Tasman. You can order wine and snacks as you immerse yourself in both the warm waters and the surrounding mountains and valley outlook, adding relaxation to your list of what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See onsen.co.nz
In the middle of a frigid Queenstown winter, or for that matter any season, there are few cosy and more congenial places to eat and drink than Tanoshi, an izakaya (a lively Japanese bar serving small, typically inexpensive, dishes and drinks). Tucked away in the always mooing Cow Lane in the lively Queenstown CBD, perch yourself up at the counter for the best view of the action and some craic with the amiable crew. See tanoshi.co.nz
Rather than flying in directly, tackle the so-called "Powder Highway" to Queenstown from Christchurch. This almost 500-kilometre inland scenic road trip traces its route along the mighty Southern Alps with the drive at its most dramatic in winter. Including a scenic drive as one of the activities is popular when planning what to do 10 days in New Zealand. See christchurchnz.com
Anthony Dennis visited as a guest of Tourism New Zealand, QueenstownNZ and Air New Zealand. See newzealand.com; queenstownnz.co.nz; airnewzealand.com.au
