Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

First of all, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄

It’s our special Christmas & New Year double edition, bringing you two full weeks of what’s on while we all ease into summer mode. Expect lakefront fireworks, laid-back daytime parties, big New Year’s Eve energy, family-friendly fun and a few slower, feel-good ways to start 2026 right. Let’s dive in!

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎆 Queenstown Lakefront New Year’s Eve Celebration – Earnslaw Park

  From 7:30pm  – 1am on Wednesday 31 December, Earnslaw Park turns into a free family‑friendly party with live bands, DJs and a midnight fireworks finale. Grab friends, find a picnic spot and welcome 2025 against the glow of Lake Wakatipu – there’s an alcohol‑free zone so everyone can enjoy the festivities.

• 🎸 Rhythm & Alps Festival – Cardrona Valley, Wānaka

  New Zealand’s most iconic summer festival returns to the mountains from Monday 29 December to Wednesday 31 December. Rhythm & Alps delivers three days of big-name international and local acts, immersive stages and high-energy alpine vibes, all wrapped up with a legendary New Year’s Eve countdown. Tickets vary in price and are selling out quick.

• 🍹 New Year’s Eve at Sherwood – Sherwood

  Looking for a chilled afternoon? Sherwood’s courtyard hosts DJ Mitch E.P. from 2pm – 6pm on 31 December. Sip summer cocktails, snack on wood‑fired pizzas and let the kids enjoy indoor cinema and games. Free entry and slow‑summer vibes make this the perfect warm‑up before the main countdown.

• 🥂 Midnight Society NYE – Mountain Club, Steamer Wharf

  For a luxe New Year’s Eve, the Mountain Club’s exclusive 7pm – 1am party on 31 December offers balcony views of the lake fireworks, premium cocktails and a who’s‑who of Queenstown. Member tickets are $200 and guest tickets $275, with numbers capped – dress to impress and count down in style.

• 🏇 Glenorchy Races – Glenorchy

  Experience a true southern Kiwi tradition on Saturday 3 January when the Glenorchy Races take over the community. The first race starts at 11am, with $20 cash entry for spectators. Bring a picnic, soak up the summer sun, and enjoy the quirky charm of this beloved local event. It's a day of horse racing, community spirit, and pure fun.

• ❄️ Nieuwjaarsduik – Bathhouse Playground, Marine Parade

  Shake off New Year’s Day sluggishness by joining the Dutch‑inspired lake plunge on Thursday 1 January Gather from 1:30pm, race into Lake Wakatipu at 2pm and then warm up with good company. Participation is free (Unox hats are $7), and the cheers and adrenaline make it an unforgettable local tradition.

• 🌞 New Year’s Day at Gantley’s Tavern – Arthurs Point

  Ease into 2026 on Thursday 1 January with lawn games, face‑painting and free live music at Gantley’s. Danny Atkinson plays 12pm – 4pm, with Ginger & Tonic following 5pm – 9:30pm. It’s free and family‑friendly; grab a picnic rug, let kids enjoy balloon art and soak up the afternoon sunshine.

• 🧘‍♀️ The Gathering – Secret Queenstown Location
  On Sunday 28 December 1pm – 5pm, start your new year with breath‑work, movement and live music courtesy of DJ Insight, Saxy Lady and Chris Churcher. Tickets are $44 and the location is revealed after purchase; expect a relaxing afternoon ending with a Mexican fiesta and a renewed sense of purpose.

• 🎸 Falling Doves 10th Anniversary Tour – Yonder

  Glam‑rockers the Falling Doves bring their neon‑soaked show to Yonder on Saturday 27 December; doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. Tickets are $20, and the Los‑Angeles band promises riffs, hair, and sing‑along anthems. It’s their 10‑year anniversary tour – expect a night of nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll fun.

• 🎶 Je Marco Live – Smithy’s Smoke House, Millbrook Resort

  Brazilian rhythms meet alpine views on Friday 26 December when local musician Je Marco takes over the alfresco bar at Smithy’s Smoke House Millbrook. Music kicks off in the afternoon; enjoy signature burgers and craft beer or wine. Entry is free and weather dependent; it’s the perfect Boxing Day wind‑down.

• ❤️ New Year’s Day – iLodge Ultimate House Party – iLodge, Arthur’s Point

  Ease into 2026 with a New Year’s Day gathering that blends wellness, music and summer vibes in a stunning lodge setting. Running on Thursday 1 January, 12pm – 11pm, expect sauna and cold plunges, yoga and breathwork before the day rolls into sunset grooves and an evening boogie with DJs and live performers. Capacity is limited to keep things intimate, with tickets $85.

🏔️ Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🏃 Queenstown Parkrun – Queenstown Gardens

  Start your weekend with a free 5 km run/walk at 8am through Queenstown Gardens. Register online once and join the friendly volunteers for a timed trot on Saturday 27 December. It’s a wholesome way to feel good during the festive feasting.

• 🦁 Welcome to the Jungle: Boxing Day Edition – The London

  Love underground dance? This Boxing Day edition runs 11pm – 4am on Friday 26 December at The London. Expect Latin tech and house grooves, tribal rhythms and a dark jungle atmosphere. Entry is free but capacity is limited, so secure tickets early for a wild night that will keep you moving until the early hours.

• 🎨 January Holiday Programme 2026 – Te Atamira

  Get creative these summer holidays with Te Atamira’s January Holiday Programme — a fun, hands-on arts and craft experience for kids aged 5 – 13. Running from Tuesday 6 January – Friday 30 January, sessions start at 9:30am and offer multidisciplinary workshops that inspire imagination and artistic skills, from sculpture and painting to printmaking and more. With extended hours available.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🦇 Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies Expands Native Bat Monitoring

  The Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies Sanctuary is scaling up its pekapeka (native bat) conservation programme with a $10,000 grant. Expanding from 10 to 25 monitoring devices across wetlands and valleys, the project combines light-reduction initiatives with habitat restoration and predator control. Future community planting days and neighbourhood engagement will ensure Glenorchy's unique nocturnal environment thrives for generations to come.

• 🎵 Rhythm and Alps Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Record Lineup

  Rhythm and Alps returns for its 15th anniversary, bringing an incredible international and local lineup to the Cardrona Valley this New Year. The festival has become a summer institution, drawing thousands of music lovers to celebrate together in the stunning high country. With world-class artists and a commitment to sustainability, Rhythm and Alps continues to set the standard for New Zealand festivals.

• 🌿 Love Queenstown Announces 2025 Impact Grant Recipients

  Love Queenstown has announced six inspiring organisations receiving support through their 2025 Impact Grants, totalling over $50,000 in funding. From native bat monitoring programmes to community biodiversity initiatives and wetland restoration projects, these grants are fuelling lasting environmental change across the region. Local volunteers and conservation groups are stepping up to protect Queenstown's precious natural environment proving that when community comes together, real transformation happens.

Thanks for reading and supporting Queenstown Scene this year. We really appreciate it. See you in the New Year 🎆