Skyline Rotorua Christmas Day Buffet
Guests travel up Mt Ngongotahā on a scenic Gondola ride and are greeted with a festive welcome drink of bubbles or orange juice. Inside a decorated dining room with panoramic views, visitors enjoy a comprehensive Christmas buffet spread alongside a complimentary Luge ride. During lunch sittings, Santa makes a special appearance to hand out gifts to dining children.
What to Expect
Festive mountaintop buffet with Gondola access and a complimentary Luge ride.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (children 3-14 receive gifts)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Skyline Rotorua
Food & Drink
The event serves a festive Christmas buffet with seasonal favourites and a welcome drink of bubbles or orange juice; the Premium Dining Experience adds a house wine, beer, or soft drink on arrival.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families celebrating christmas together
Vibe
Relaxed and festive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Accessibility: The Gondola can be slowed or stopped for boarding assistance, and Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is wheelchair friendly.
Tips & Advice
- Book early and finalise your booking by 30 November because spaces are limited and the event sells out quickly.
- Choose a lunch sitting if children aged 2–14 want to see Santa and receive a gift.
- Allow extra arrival time during school holidays, when Gondola and site queues increase.
- Read and follow the Stratosfare Rotorua Dress Code before you set off.
- Allow for the 1-hour-45-minute average seating allocation; later diners may be asked to move if they exceed it.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa appears during lunch sittings only and brings a gift for each dining child aged 2–14.
- Gondola Annual Pass holders can book listed rates of $197 for adults aged 15+ and $116 for children aged 6–14; members must email or call to book.
- The Premium Dining Experience offers a guaranteed window seat, unlimited still or sparkling water, and a complimentary house wine, beer, or soft drink on arrival; book by phone.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with each ticket?
Each booking includes a return Gondola ride, a welcome drink of bubbles or orange juice on arrival, the Christmas buffet, and one complimentary Luge ride per person.
Does Santa visit during the event?
Santa appears during the lunch sittings only, bringing a special gift for each dining child aged 2 to 14.
How long do guests have at their dining table?
The average allocated seating time for dining is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
What does the Premium Dining Experience upgrade include?
The upgrade includes a guaranteed window seat, unlimited still or sparkling water, and a complimentary house wine, beer, or soft drink upon arrival.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made prior to 21 December incur a 10% fee, while cancellations made after 21 December receive no refund.
More Christmas Events Near Rotorua
More Christmas Events near Rotorua
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.