Ayrburn

About Ayrburn

Ayrburn is Queenstown's most delicious destination and a delightfully daring food and wine playground. Tucked in the folds of the Southern Alps at Lake Hayes, this extraordinary multi-venue precinct invites guests into a wonderland of restaurants, bars, gardens, galleries, and distinctive experiences. The precinct houses multiple award-winning dining and wine venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and culinary perspective. Ayrburn Wines, crafted from Central Otago's best vineyards with nuanced flavours that showcase the region's renowned terroir, anchors the experience. Two venues—Billy's and The Woolshed—have earned Michelin Selected recognition. The precinct has achieved Qualmark Gold Certification, a mark of excellence in New Zealand hospitality. Whether discovering Otago for the first time or returning again, Ayrburn functions as a must-on-any-itinerary destination where food, wine, and hospitality converge seamlessly. The complex welcomes visitors to experience fine dining, wine tastings, cocktails, artisan retail, and gallery spaces all within one carefully curated location. Ayrburn is an unmissable travel destination representing the very best in New Zealand hospitality.

Ayrburn Lake Hayes: Queenstown's Multi-Venue Wine & Dining Destination

A Wonderland of Food, Wine & Hospitality

Ayrburn stands as Queenstown's most delicious destination, a multi-venue precinct nestled in the Southern Alps at Lake Hayes. Far more than a single restaurant, Ayrburn is a carefully curated food and wine playground where multiple distinct venues, each with its own character and culinary voice, operate within a single extraordinary location. The precinct invites guests into a wonderland that blends fine dining, casual bistro fare, artisan retail, gallery spaces, and world-class wine experiences—all united by a commitment to excellence and hospitality.

The vision behind Ayrburn reflects a sophisticated understanding of what modern travelers seek: not just a meal or a wine tasting, but an immersive experience. From the moment you arrive, you're invited to explore at your own pace, moving between venues, discovering new flavours, and experiencing the breadth of what Central Otago has to offer.

Fine Dining & Culinary Excellence

At the heart of the precinct sit Billy's and The Woolshed, both earning Michelin Selected recognition—a testament to their culinary quality and commitment to hospitality. Billy's occupies a historic homestead that meets glorious glass house architecture, creating an atmosphere that honours tradition while embracing modernity. The Woolshed offers delectable bistro-style dining in an equally distinctive setting.

The Bakehouse serves all-day, fresh, alfresco dining for those seeking something lighter or more casual. The Dell functions as a central gathering spot for all—a place to relax between tasting flights, grab refreshments, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The precinct's multiple dining options ensure that whether you're after haute cuisine or casual fare, fine wine or craft cocktails at The Burr Bar, there's an experience tailored to your mood.

Ayrburn Wines: The Soul of the Precinct

Ayrburn Wines, hand-crafted from Central Otago's best vineyards, represent the terroir and passion that defines the region. These are not mass-produced bottlings but carefully made wines that showcase the nuanced flavours and distinctive character of sub-regional offerings from Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Bendigo.

The wine experience takes multiple forms. In the Barrel Room, guided tastings occur hourly from 11am daily, led by accomplished team members who walk guests through the portfolio. The Manure Room offers self-guided wine flights—an invitation to swirl, sniff, sip, and savour at your own rhythm. The Vintners Bar specializes in whisky flights, expanding the spirits experience beyond wine. Retail spaces in both the Manure Room and R.M Prime Produce allow you to discover your favourites and take them home, with international shipping available for those wanting to extend the experience.

A Destination, Not Just a Stop

Ayrburn holds Qualmark Gold Certification—recognition reserved for New Zealand hospitality experiences that excel in authenticity, quality, and guest care. This isn't an achievement easily earned; it reflects thousands of small decisions made daily to prioritize guest experience and quality.

Whether you're discovering Otago for the first time or returning to deepen your understanding of the region, Ayrburn functions as the unmissable centrepiece of any wine country itinerary. The precinct represents the very best in New Zealand hospitality: beautiful spaces, serious food, world-class wines, and the kind of warm, unhurried service that makes a visit feel like a privilege rather than a transaction.

Signature items

• Michelin Selected Dining
• Ayrburn Central Otago Wines
• Barrel Room Wine Tastings
• Multi-Venue Precinct
• Qualmark Gold Certification
• Wine Flight Experiences

Menu

Dining Venues

• Billy's — Historic homestead meets glorious glass house—fine dining (Michelin Selected)
• The Woolshed — Delectable bistro-style dining (Michelin Selected)
• The Bakehouse — All day, all fresh, alfresco dining
• The Dell — Central gathering spot for all
• The Burr Bar — Cocktails—shaken or stirred

Wine Varieties

• Pinot Gris — Central Otago white wine
• Methode Traditionelle — Sparkling wine
• Rosé — Central Otago rosé
• Magnum — Premium bottle sizes
• Hand-Picked Selection — Award-winning wines from sub-regional offerings including Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Bendigo

Retail & Specialty

• R.M Prime Produce — Retail space with wines to take home
• The Dairy — A storybook of sweetness—artisan confections
• Gallery Spaces — Art and culture throughout the precinct

Membership & Packages

• Napoleon Club — Exclusive membership with retail and dining discounts, concierge, pre-release event invites, birthday magnum upgrade
• Gift Vouchers — Available for dining and wine experiences

Wine & Tasting Experiences

• Barrel Room Wine Tastings — Guided tastings of Ayrburn Wines hourly from 11am daily
• The Manure Room Wine Flights — Self-guided wine flights and shared plates
• The Vintners Bar — Home of the whisky flight
• Cellar Door — Retail space for wine purchase and take-home selection

Frequently asked questions

What venues are included in the Ayrburn precinct?

Ayrburn houses 10 distinct venues: Billy's (fine dining), The Woolshed (bistro), The Bakehouse (all-day casual), The Manure Room (wine flights), The Burr Bar (cocktails), The Barrel Room (wine tastings), The Dairy (artisan sweets), The Dell (gathering spot), R.M Prime Produce (retail), and The Vintners Bar (whisky flights).

Can I visit just for wine tasting without dining?

Yes. The Barrel Room offers guided wine tastings hourly from 11am daily, and The Manure Room provides self-guided wine flights. You can also browse the Cellar Door retail spaces to purchase wines without committing to a full dining experience.

Are the restaurants Michelin starred?

Two venues have earned Michelin Selected recognition: Billy's and The Woolshed. This denotes excellent food and hospitality, representing one tier of Michelin recognition.

Can I purchase wines to take home?

Absolutely. Cellar Door retail spaces are located in both The Manure Room and R.M Prime Produce. Ayrburn also offers international shipping for those ordering online.

What is the Napoleon Club?

It's an exclusive membership program offering retail and dining discounts across the precinct, concierge service for priority booking, pre-release invites to Ayrburn events, and a birthday magnum upgrade.

Is the precinct family-friendly?

Ayrburn is described as welcoming to all guests. The Dell and The Bakehouse are more casual options suitable for families, while other venues cater to wine enthusiasts and fine dining patrons.

Are gift vouchers available?

Yes. Gift vouchers are available for dining and wine experiences, making Ayrburn an excellent gift choice for food and wine lovers.

Tips

• {"body":"Hourly tastings from 11am walk you through Ayrburn's portfolio and the region's sub-regional terroir. A perfect orientation to the wines you'll encounter at dinner.","title":"Start with a guided wine tasting in the Barrel Room"}
• {"body":"The precinct is designed for wandering. Have wine flights at The Manure Room, dinner at Billy's or The Woolshed, cocktails at The Burr Bar—create your own experience.","title":"Explore multiple venues in one visit"}
• {"body":"Membership unlocks exclusive benefits including dining and retail discounts, priority booking, and pre-release event invites. Birthday magnum upgrade is a nice touch.","title":"Join the Napoleon Club if you're a wine enthusiast"}
• {"body":"If you want Ayrburn's quality but prefer casual dining, The Bakehouse offers fresh, all-day fare in a relaxed setting without requiring reservations.","title":"Visit The Bakehouse for a lighter, alfresco experience"}
• {"body":"Ayrburn is designed for lingering—wine tastings, gallery browsing, conversation. Arrive without tight time constraints to fully savour the experience.","title":"Plan for unhurried time"}

Good to know

• {"wine":"Ayrburn Wines sourced from Central Otago's best vineyards; tastings available hourly, wine flights at Manure Room","awards":"Michelin Selected (Billy's, The Woolshed), Qualmark Gold Certified, world-class hospitality recognition","dining":"Multiple venues on-site from fine dining to casual alfresco, accommodating different moods and preferences","retail":"Wine Cellar Door spaces, artisan confections, galleries, and specialty retail available throughout precinct","location":"Lake Hayes, Queenstown—tucked in the Southern Alps, part of the renowned Central Otago wine region","transport":"Safe, reliable transportation options available to focus on the experience"}