Be a part of a history of innovation
Innovation has long been at the heart of the Queenstown community. It evolved from a bustling gold rush hub in the 1860s to a premier global tourism destination. This transformation was fueled by innovators and adventurers whose spirit still permeates the town. Once sought for its riches beneath the earth, Queenstown is treasured for its natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Its journey has progressed from gold mining to an adrenaline-pumping adventure capital to a future focused on technology, sustainability, and modernisation.
Supporting Innovators of the Future
Queenstown Lakes is committed to becoming a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030, and we're looking for innovators like you to help us achieve this ambitious goal. Joining Queenstown’s innovation sector is not just about being part of a high-powered community; it's about becoming part of a family that values and nurtures startups and creative ventures.
With a strong focus on tourism, technology, and sustainability, the region offers a unique ecosystem for innovation. Support is available in council initiatives, networking events, funding opportunities, and collaborative workspaces. Innovating in Queenstown means being part of a community that nurtures bold ideas and sustainable solutions, all set against a backdrop of inspiring natural beauty.
Are You Queenstown’s Next Innovator?
Discover all the essential information you need to get started right here.
Featured Queenstown Stories Meet the Businesses Making it Happen
Appellation Wine Tours: Going Further, Exploring More, Emissions Free
- 3 min read
Appellation Wine Tours prides its business on going further, exploring more of Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago. Now these tours aren’t only enjoyable, they’re on the road to an emissions free future.
Pioneering the Future of Adventure
- 3 min read
From a pioneering history to paving the way, Shotover Jet Queenstown is embarking on a journey to build the world's first commercial electric jetboat.
Canyon Brewing: Brewing and Growing its Own Beer to Help Lower its Carbon Footprint
- 3 min read
When Canyon Brewing set out to measure their carbon footprint, they were shocked to find that malting barley (one of the key ingredients in beer) accounted for…
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat: Retreat in Nature and Discover Your Nature Within
- 7 min read
Sustainability wasn’t a word that was used in the early days – it was just a matter of common sense.
Peregrine Wines: Land, Birds and Pinot
- 3 min read
The story of Peregrine Wines goes deeper than the accolades and blissful tastes of pinot noir the region is well known for. Its vines are rooted in…
Driftaway Holiday Park: Sustainability by Design
- 3 min read
Queenstown’s newest holiday park was designed to minimise its environmental impact from the ground up.