Jesse Boulay (25) had just walked into resort bar Vinyl Underground early on Saturday, when he was punched in the face by a total stranger.
Mr Boulay, well-known by Queenstown locals, suffered a brain injury in a car crash on New Year's Day in 2010.
After spending a year in a coma and being told he had just five years to live, Mr Boulay is now a pie-maker at Fergbaker.
While he has trouble walking, he said he managed to remain standing during the attack.
It left him bruised, in shock, and ruing a ruined weekend.
"It's a big deal,'' he said.
"I just don't know why it happened.''
While he had never experienced anything like that before, he believed it was becoming more common in Queenstown.
The alleged offender was caught on a security camera entering the bar with two other men.
Yesterday a police spokeswoman said police were continuing to appeal for information to help identify the men.
Anyone with information can contact the Queenstown Police Station on 03 441 1600.
