A 24-year-old UK national was arrested in the resort yesterday evening and charged with injuring with intent to injure, police said today.
Earlier, the Australian victim said he hoped his attacker would do a stint in prison.
Aaron Rice-Williams (27) was punched from behind and fell face-first on to the pavement outside the Devil Burger eatery about 2.45am on Saturday.
His attacker then repeatedly punched him as he lay unconscious.
''It started with a bit of sledging,'' Mr Rice-Williams said.
''There were three of them trying to goad me into a fight. Then one's got behind me and king-hit me.''
The Adelaide man, who was on the first week of a five-year trip around the world, was left with a cut eyebrow and black eye, bruising and swelling on his ear and neck.
Mr Rice-Williams spent the night in Lakes District Hospital but was discharged the next morning.
Mr Rice-Williams said his attacker ''hit me from behind and then I'm told landed three or four punches when I was on the floor.
''It's a pretty dog thing to do and back home people are pushing for a mandatory prison sentence for things like this, because one punch can kill someone, and from behind more so than ever.
''So I'd want him caught and do a nice stint in jail before he's deported.''
But Mr Rice-Williams, a 196cm basketball ''addict'', record label owner and property developer, is not letting the attack ruin his trip.
''You've got to be philosophical about it. It could be a lot worse,'' he said.
''And the community of Queenstown has been great, really supportive.
''Everyone has said something like this shouldn't have happened. I've been given free coffees in cafes and people have been great.''
