Queenstown Airport is ready to welcome thousands of holidaymakers as the summer season kicks into high gear.

About 150,000 passengers will pass through the airport between December 20 and January 4. 

Nearly 57,000 of those will be flying across the Tasman and about 93,000 will be travelling on domestic routes. This is on par with last year's summer holiday numbers.

Saturday December 20 is expected to be the biggest day for Christmas arrivals, with more than 5,500 people expected to fly into Queenstown.

The following two weekends will also be particularly busy, with more than 10,000 passengers a day flying in or out on December 27 and 28, and January 2-4.

Head of operations, compliance and safety Juliet Breen said Queenstown Airport is well-prepared for the festive rush.

"Summer is always a special time in Queenstown. We love the excitement in the terminal as people fly in to spend Christmas with whānau or head off on adventures."

The airport will work closely with its airline partners and border agencies to keep things running smoothly.

"We've also boosted staffing levels and added extra customer service support for the summer," Julie said.

"However, our systems will be operating near capacity, so please be patient and follow the guidance of our staff."

To help get travellers into the Christmas spirit, live music, face-painting, a photo booth and other surprises are planned.

A pop-up caravan selling Central Otago cherries in front of the terminal throughout December and January will also make it easy for fans of the fruit to get their summer fix.

PHOTO: Supplied