Ultimate Guide To Spending Christmas In Queenstown
Christmas in Queenstown is very different from what I’m used to back home, where Christmas usually means bundling up in scarves and gloves. December marks the beginning of summer in New Zealand, meaning warmer weather and lots of fun activities to do as the holiday season begins.
When I was living in Queenstown, the lead-up to Christmas and Christmas Day was so much fun. The town was buzzing (it’s one of the busiest times of the year), and on Christmas Day, everyone headed to the beach with their Santa hats on to celebrate.
Queenstown has loads of fun things to do during the holiday season, even if it’s not quite what you’re used to for this time of year. In this guide, I’ll tell you what to do, where to eat on Christmas Day, and what events are worth checking out.
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– Rent A Car Here: Discover Cars
Why Visit Queenstown at Christmas
The holiday season in Queenstown isn’t your typical festive wonderland filled with endless Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and snow-covered streets.
Sure, there’s a huge Christmas tree in town and some decorations scattered around, but it’s nothing like the extravagant festive displays you get in Europe or the US. But I actually love it.
December in Queenstown is one of the best times to visit, it’s lively, with warm weather and just a lot of fun. The views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains make it an amazing place to spend the holidays. The town is buzzing, and it’s just an all-around great time to be there.
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, and that doesn’t change over Christmas. There’s bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, or just racing down the luge, plenty to keep you busy. And if you want to really get in the Christmas spirit, both Queenstown and nearby Wanaka have some fun festive events worth checking out.
Weather in December
December in Queenstown is a mix of warm days and cooler evenings. During the day, temperatures usually hit around 22 degrees Celsius, but some days can get much warmer, while at night they can drop to about 8 degrees. It’s definitely a good idea to pack a jacket for the chillier evenings.
The UV index in New Zealand is very high, especially at this time of year, so don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen. I got caught out a few times here and got sunburnt, even on cloudy days!
December also sees about 11 days of rainfall on average, but even if the sun isn’t shining, there are still plenty of fun things to do around town.
Christmas Events In Queenstown
Queenstown might not have as many Christmassy things to do as you’d find elsewhere, but there are still some great events that bring a bit of Christmas cheer and help you get into the festive spirit.
Queenstown Christmas Show
The Queenstown Christmas Show is a fun annual event held at the Queenstown Events Centre. The 2024 show is on December 8th, with performances at 1pm and 5pm. This year’s show will be full of laughter and holiday magic, making it a perfect event for families to enjoy together.
You can book your tickets and find out more about the show here.
Santa’s Grotto In Wanaka
Santa’s Grotto might not be in Queenstown, but Wanaka is just a 45-minute drive away and is definitely somewhere you should visit during your trip anyway.
The 2024 dates for the grotto are from November 30th to December 8th (excluding the 4th), and it will have festive stalls and appearances from Santa and his elves, making it a great little festive outing.
What To Do On Christmas Day
Christmas Day in New Zealand is pretty similar to anywhere else that celebrates it —it’s all about spending time with family and (or) friends, and most places around town are closed.
However, some restaurants and hotels still serve a delicious Christmas dinner, often with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
But my favourite thing to do on Christmas Day is head down to the beach. You’ll see everyone there—locals, backpackers, expats, and holiday-goers—all in their Santa hats, enjoying a drink and celebrating.
You can bring a picnic, fire up a BBQ, or take a dip in the lake. I loved the vibe here it’s honestly unreal and everyone just enjoys the Christmas spirit.
It does get pretty busy at the main beach in town, but if you’re after a quieter spot, you can always head further along the lake for some extra space.
Things To Do In Queenstown In The Holidays
I absolutely love the South Island at this time of year—the weather is great, it’s lupin season, with roads lined in an explosion of colour, and it’s the perfect time for outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Queenstown during the holidays.
Skyline & The Luge
The luge has to be one of Queenstown’s most iconic and fun activities. It’s up at Skyline on Bob’s Peak, and it’s basically like a gravity-powered go-kart that zooms down a winding track.
You’ve got two tracks to choose from—one’s slower and perfect for families, while the other is steeper and lets you pick up some speed if you’re feeling adventurous!
Something that makes this even better is the incredible views. As you ride down, you’ll have epic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables.
You take the gondola up to get there, and once you’re at the top, there’s plenty more to do. You can try a bungy jump, zip lining, or even stargazing. And if you just want to chill, there’s food at the Stratosfare Restaurant or Market Kitchen Cafe.
You can book your Skyline tickets here.
Do A Bungy Jump
Doing a bungy jump is almost like a rite of passage if you’re visiting Queenstown. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not for me, but people come from far and wide to try one of Queenstown’s three different bungy’s. All of them are run by AJ Hackett, who pioneered the bungy craze.
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the original jump, with a 43-meter drop down to the Kawarau River. If the water level is right, you might even dip into the river at the bottom of your jump. You can also go for a tandem jump if you’d rather not do it solo.
The Ledge Bungy is found at Skyline, 400 meters above Queenstown, with a 47-meter drop. It’s got an incredible location and is perfect for taking in the views while you make the leap.
And then there’s the Nevis Bungy, which is the mega bungy of them all. This one has a massive 134-meter drop, making it the highest bungy in New Zealand! If that’s not enough, there’s also the Nevis Swing, which swings you 300 meters through the canyon for a seriously wild ride.
Go Skydiving
Unlike bungee jumping, I absolutely love skydiving, and Queenstown is one of the most scenic places to do it. You’ll have unbelievable (and probably one of the best) views above the mountains and across Lake Wakatipu.
When I lived here, I could see the Remarkables from my bedroom window and would always watch as the plane circled, climbing higher and higher above the lake. Then, one by one, I’d see tiny dots falling into the sky until the parachutes opened a moment later.
You can choose to do your tandem jump at either 9,000 feet, 12,000 feet or 15,000 feet.
Jet Boating
Jet boating is a must-do in Queenstown, especially over the Christmas holidays. There are heaps of jet boating tours around town, but these are a few of the best ones.
The Shotover Jet is hands down the most iconic jet boating experience in Queenstown. It’s a thrilling 25-minute ride through the tall, narrow canyons of the Shotover River, with high-speed turns and 360-degree spins.
Another great option is KJet, which gives you a longer, one-hour ride that’s a mix of speed (up to 95kph) and stunning scenery. You’ll cover 45 kilometres, zipping across Lake Wakatipu and along both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
If you enjoy a bit of history along with your thrills, Skippers Canyon Jet is a fun choice. It starts with a guided drive through the historic Skippers Canyon, followed by a jet boat ride along the upper Shotover River. It’s a great way to learn about Queenstown’s gold mining past.
Visit Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the most stunning places you can visit on the South Island and a trip over the Christmas period is well worth it if you have the time. Sure, it’s not in Queenstown, but you can make it a day trip or include it as part of a longer road trip.
This awesome fjord was carved out millions of years ago and once you’re on your boat tour, you’ll be surrounded by towering mossy cliffs.
Being one of the wettest places on earth means there are waterfalls everywhere, including Bridal Falls. The boats do get up close, so you might get pretty wet! If you’re not up for a free shower, staying towards the back of the boat is your best bet.
You’ll likely spot some wildlife from seals, dolphins, and even penguins. When I visited, we saw a bunch of seals hanging out on the rocks with their pups!
Hydro Shark
I’d actually never seen anything like this until I came to Queenstown, but it’s a super popular and unique activity to do here.
Hydro Attack is a shark-shaped, semi-submersible watercraft that whizzes above and below the water of Lake Wakatipu. They’re super fast, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h on the surface, and can dive underwater at 40 km/h before popping back up again.
Each ride lasts about 15 minutes, and it’s just you and the pilot—so you can decide if you want a more chilled experience or something totally adrenaline-fueled. It’s a pretty unique way to see Lake Wakatipu, both above and below the water.
Visit An Ice Bar
If you’re missing the cold over the festive season, Queenstown has not one, but three ice bars to check out!
Each one has bars, tables, and sculptures made entirely of ice. Minus 5º (at Steamer Wharf) and Below Zero (on Searle Lane) are packed with cool ice sculptures, and Queenstown Ice Bar (on Brecon Street) has a Scandinavian vibe with constantly changing ice art.
All three spots serve up cocktails (or mocktails) in ice glasses for the full experience, and they provide extra cosy jackets so you can stay warm.
Bob’s Cove
Just a short 15-minute drive from Queenstown, Bob’s Cove is a peaceful spot perfect for escaping the town’s hustle and bustle. I think it’s one of the area’s prettiest beaches and lookout points, with an easy 30-minute walk to reach the top.
Start at the car park and take the Bob’s Cove Loop Track, which winds through native bush, past a historic lime kiln, and leads to the iconic jetty.
After the jetty, it’s a 5-10 minute uphill climb to the viewpoint. Although it’s steep, the reward at the top is so worth it with a picnic spot and amazing views over the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu.
Make sure to bring your swim gear so you can cool off with a dip on your way back to the car.
Go Wine Tasting or Visit A Brewery (Or Both!)
If you love wine, you’ll be happy to know that Queenstown is surrounded by vineyards, with about 200 in Central Otago alone!
The closest wine region to Queenstown is Gibbston, where you’ll find popular spots like Gibbston Valley, Amisfield, and Chard Farm. You can hop on a shuttle to visit these vineyards but there is also a cycle trail which is a more scenic way to check them out at your own pace.
There are also three awesome breweries in Queenstown—Searchlight Brewery, Altitude Brewing, and Canyon Brewery—so if you’re into craft beer, you’re in for a treat! My favourite is Canyon Brewery because of the amazing views over the Shotover River, plus they make some seriously good pizzas.
All three are just a little outside the town centre, but they’re easy to reach by bus.
Where To Eat Christmas Dinner
One of the most important parts of Christmas Day is, of course, the Christmas dinner! Here are a few options for where to enjoy your festive feast in Queenstown.
Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant
Take a ride up the gondola for Christmas dinner with an incredible view. Stratosfare Restaurant serves up a buffet at both lunch and dinner, with plenty of tasty festive dishes to choose from.
TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Dining
This experience is super popular, so make sure you book early if it’s on your list!
You’ll cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, where you’ll enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch. The dining area is beautifully decorated for Christmas, adding to the festive vibe.
Millbrook Resort
Just near Arrowtown, Millbrook Resort has a few different restaurants open on Christmas Day, including Kobe Restaurant and The Millhouse. The Millhouse offers a banquet-style feast, while Kobe serves a more traditional Christmas dinner.
Picnic By The Lake
If you want something more low-key, why not set up a picnic or BBQ by the lake?
Bring along your favourite festive treats, enjoy the views, and make the most of Queenstown’s beautiful outdoors. Just remember to grab everything you need the day before since shops will be closed on Christmas Day.
Where To Stay In Queenstown
Adventure Q2 Hostel
If you’re looking for somewhere budget-friendly over the holidays, Adventure Q2 Hostel is a great pick. This is actually the hostel I stayed at when I first came to Queenstown before moving to a rented place, and honestly, the social vibe here is amazing.
Queenstown House Bed & Breakfast and Apartments
For a mid-range option, Queenstown House Bed & Breakfast and Apartments is a great choice. It’s just 200 meters from the town centre and has awesome views across Lake Wakatipu.
QT Queenstown
If you’re up for splurging a bit and indulging over the holidays, QT Queenstown is a more luxurious pick. The views are incredible, looking out over Lake Wakatipu and facing the Remarkables.
Driftaway Holiday Park
If you’ve rented a camper over the Christmas period, Driftaway Holiday Park is a perfect spot to park up in Queenstown.
It is 6km outside of the city centre, something to keep in mind.
Transport Options
Public transport doesn’t run on Christmas Day in Queenstown, so you won’t be able to catch any buses. Luckily, the town is small and very walkable, so if you’re staying in the central area, getting around shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
If you need to venture further, or you’re staying a little way out of town, you can still catch an Uber, but the prices will skyrocket on Christmas Day.
Renting a car or campervan is also a good idea over the festive period, making it a lot easier to explore beyond the town.
Queenstown At Christmas FAQ’s
Is Christmas A Big Thing In New Zealand?
Yes, Christmas is widely celebrated in New Zealand, though I found it way more low-key compared to back home in England. You’ll still see decorations, lights, and even Santa parades, and most places close up on Christmas Day, just like they do back home.
You’ll also spot the usual Christmas trees, but there’s something unique here too—the Pōhutukawa tree. It’s got these bright red flowers and is often used as a decoration or featured on Christmas cards.
What To Do In Queenstown On New Year’s Eve?
There’s a lot happening in Queenstown over New Year’s Eve, but the main event is definitely the fireworks at the waterfront. You’ll find local bands and DJs performing across different stages, with fireworks lighting up the sky as you ring in the new year.
All the bars and clubs are open too! It gets busy, but the vibe is amazing and you’re bound to have an amazing time!
Final Thoughts
Christmas in Queenstown is definitely a different vibe if you’re coming from a wintery northern hemisphere!
Instead of snow, you’ve got sunshine, lake views, and heaps of outdoor fun. There’s loads to do, whether you’re into adventure activities, checking out local breweries, or chilling at the vineyards.
I loved spending the holiday season there, and I’m pretty sure you’ll have a blast too!
