Restaurant
Essence
The evening tasting-menu restaurant at ROKI Collection, holder of two MICHELIN Stars and Cuisine's Restaurant of the Year 2026, cooking New Zealand produce with European technique.
Billy’s at Ayrburn
Modern Chinese cooking in the restored homestead and glass conservatory of the Ayrburn estate near Arrowtown, listed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern Chinese
- Area
- Ayrburn, Arrowtown, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open 5 days a week (closed Monday, Tuesday)
- Official site
- ayrburn.com
Good to know
- Glass conservatory
- Banquet menus
- Signature cocktails
- Lunch special
Why we recommend it
Billy's is the Chinese restaurant at Ayrburn, the dining and wine precinct on Ayr Avenue near Arrowtown. It occupies the estate's original homestead, which Ayrburn says was the first home in the region to have electric lighting more than a century ago and which has only recently opened to the public. The restaurant is listed as MICHELIN Selected in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand, where the tourism board's summary highlights its refined Chinese cooking, Chinese-themed cocktails and conservatory.
The menu is modern Chinese, described by the restaurant as authentic and elevated, under Executive Chef Richard Highnam. Signature dishes include prawn and truffle dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, Peking duck and mud crab, and banquet menus make it easy for a group to share a spread of dishes. A lunchtime special is offered on the days the restaurant opens for lunch, which is a more affordable way to try the cooking.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. Inside, the homestead is divided into intimate rooms, while a bespoke glass conservatory, inspired by historic orangeries and framed by topiary, allows what Ayrburn describes as year-round outdoor dining under the Otago sky. The drinks list includes signature cocktails inspired by the menu and a wine list with an exclusive Homestead Pinot Noir.
Billy's is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It opens for dinner from 5pm on Wednesdays, and from Thursday to Sunday it is open from 11.30am through to late. Reservations can be made online and are a good idea for dinner and for groups. The restaurant suits couples, groups of friends sharing a banquet and anyone who wants a change from European menus during a stay in the Wakatipu Basin.
Ayrburn has several other venues if you want to make an afternoon or evening of it. The Woolshed serves bistro food, The Barrel Room hosts wine tastings, The Vintners Bar is known for whisky flights, The Burr Bar serves cocktails near the homestead, and The Dairy specialises in sweet treats. Ayrburn publishes local transport options on its website; if you plan to drink, arrange transport rather than driving back to Queenstown.
Billy’s at Ayrburn FAQs
Where is Billy's?
Billy's is at Ayrburn, Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown, in the estate's original homestead.
What kind of food does Billy's serve?
Modern Chinese food, with dishes such as prawn and truffle dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, Peking duck and mud crab.
When is Billy's open?
It is closed Monday and Tuesday, open from 5pm on Wednesday, and from 11.30am until late Thursday to Sunday.
Is Billy's in the MICHELIN Guide?
Yes. It is listed as MICHELIN Selected in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand.
Are there banquet menus?
Yes. Banquet menus are available for groups.
What is special about the building?
It is Ayrburn's original homestead, said to be the first home in the region with electric lighting, with a modern glass conservatory added.
Who is the chef?
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Richard Highnam.