The 8 BEST Queenstown Hotels for Christmas Stays 2026
Explore Queenstown stays offering festive charm, scenic settings, and convenient access to holiday-season highlights. Finding a Queenstown hotel for Christmas can be tricky as festive dates fill quickly. This list highlights stays suited to a memorable holiday escape.
Kawarau Village, 79 Peninsula Road, Queenstown
Lakefront Christmas buffets come with bubbles and mountain views. Christmas is a proper lakeside occasion here: Wakatipu Grill serves festive buffet lunch and dinner with local produce and bubbles to start. Between the feast and the lake views, the heated indoor pool and eforea spa keep the day pleasantly unhurried. A water taxi reaches central Queenstown in about 15 minutes, while the airport is a five-minute drive away. You get a relaxed resort Christmas with the Remarkables as your summer backdrop.
8 Duke Street, Queenstown
New Zealand seafood headlines a festive sharing-style lunch. Christmas Day lunch is a generous sharing feast of New Zealand seafood, summer salads, roast meats and festive desserts. French-inspired rooms and So Spa make it easy to turn the meal into a polished, lingering holiday treat. The Skyline Gondola is a five-minute walk away, and Queenstown Gardens are about 15 minutes on foot. You get a refined town-centre Christmas that feels celebratory without losing its easy summer pace.
93 Beach Street, Queenstown
Santa, Otago wines and lakeside Christmas buffets. The threeSixty restaurant pairs its festive Christmas lunch buffet with Otago wines, a two-hour drinks package and a visit from Santa, while dinner brings its own buffet celebration. Balconies look toward Lake Wakatipu or the Remarkables, so the scenery does its part before and after the meal. Queenstown Beach is a four-minute walk away, with the town’s main streets just beyond. You get a cheerful, central Christmas stay that works especially well for families.
Kawarau Village, 79 Peninsula Road, Queenstown
Festive dining at the Hilton sits close across the village. Set beside the lake in Kawarau Village, DoubleTree puts the festive buffet lunches and dinners at nearby Hilton’s Wakatipu Grill within easy reach. Its roomy self-catering rooms and the deck at Stacks Pub make it simple to alternate a special meal with low-key lake-view downtime. Central Queenstown is about 15 minutes away by water taxi or 20 minutes by car. You get a quieter, village-style Christmas with a celebratory meal close at hand.
2 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Historic lakefront suites bring fireside character to Christmas. An old-Queenstown Christmas comes naturally at this historic lakefront hotel, where suites with fireplaces make a relaxed retreat after a sunny day out. The Grille restaurant and Eichardt’s Bar bring local produce, cocktails and fireside atmosphere to your holiday evenings. The waterfront promenade is at the door, and the Skyline Gondola is about a kilometre away. You get an intimate, polished Christmas stay with the lake woven into every outing.
10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown
Lodge-style warmth frames lake and Remarkables views. With lodge-style rooms, lake-and-mountain outlooks and a garden hot tub, Hotel St. Moritz feels made for a relaxed summer Christmas. The brasserie-style Lombardi Restaurant keeps the sense of occasion going with a dining room framed by Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Queenstown’s town centre is a short stroll away, about five minutes on foot. You get an alpine-flavoured stay that feels warm and grounded in the landscape.
38-54 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown
Designer lake views and lively dining keep Christmas playful. Lake-facing rooms and a lively, design-led feel give Christmas at QT a bright Queenstown edge, with the Remarkables filling the view. Bazaar restaurant’s international marketplace dining and Reds Bar make festive evenings feel social without needing a formal programme. Steamer Wharf is nearby, and the town centre is a five-minute walk. You get a stylish, upbeat Christmas stay for travellers who like their celebrations relaxed and a little playful.
377 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Private balconies and spacious apartments invite a slower Christmas. Christmas feels wonderfully unhurried in The Rees’s lakefront apartments, where private balconies open to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Spacious living areas and a full kitchen let you make the holiday your own, while True South Dining Room adds a polished dinner option. The hotel is around a 10-minute drive from central Queenstown and runs a complimentary shuttle. You get a roomy, self-contained Christmas escape with the lake as your constant backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hotels in Queenstown offer special Christmas packages?
Several hotels in Queenstown provide special Christmas packages that may include festive meals, decorations, and activities. Look for options like the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa or the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, which often feature holiday-themed offerings.
Are there any hotels in Queenstown with views of Lake Wakatipu during Christmas?
Yes, many hotels in Queenstown offer stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Consider staying at the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa or the Rees Hotel, both of which provide beautiful lake views and great access to local attractions.
Which hotels are closest to Queenstown's Christmas markets?
Hotels like the Crowne Plaza Queenstown and the QT Queenstown are within walking distance of the Christmas markets. This allows for easy access to local crafts, food stalls, and festive events during the holiday season.
Do any Queenstown hotels provide family-friendly amenities for Christmas?
Yes, many hotels cater to families during Christmas. The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa offers family suites and activities for children, making it a great choice for those traveling with kids.
Which hotels in Queenstown are best for a romantic Christmas getaway?
For a romantic Christmas stay, consider the Eichardt's Private Hotel or the Matakauri Lodge. Both provide luxurious accommodations and intimate settings, perfect for couples looking to celebrate the holidays together.
Can I find hotels in Queenstown that offer Christmas dinner options?
Many hotels in Queenstown host Christmas dinner events, featuring special holiday menus. The Skyline Queenstown offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views, while the Sherwood Queenstown provides a cozy atmosphere and locally sourced food.
Are there any hotels in Queenstown that provide shuttle services to Christmas events?
Some hotels do offer shuttle services to local Christmas events. It is advisable to check with accommodations like the Peppers Beacon or the Wanaka Hotel for shuttle availability and schedules.
Which Queenstown hotels are located near winter sports activities during Christmas?
For those interested in winter sports, hotels like the Rydges Lakeland Resort and the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside are conveniently located near ski resorts. This makes it easy to enjoy skiing and snowboarding during your Christmas holiday.
What hotels in Queenstown are known for their festive decorations during Christmas?
Hotels such as the Hilton Queenstown and the Rees Hotel are known for their beautiful festive decorations. They often create a warm holiday atmosphere that enhances the Christmas experience for guests.
Can I find pet-friendly hotels in Queenstown for Christmas stays?
Yes, some hotels in Queenstown are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the holiday. Check with the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside or the Rees Hotel for their pet policies and accommodations.
