Queenstown and Wānaka’s natural environment is our greatest asset. Destination Queenstown (DQ) and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) are supporting businesses to play a role in protecting and restoring local ecosystems. Discover how your business can contribute to biodiversity health, conservation partnerships, and the wellbeing of te taiao.
Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown provide an opportunity for our business community to come together, leave a legacy we can be proud of, and inspire change the world over.
Their mission is to accelerate grassroots climate, conservation and biodiversity action –bringing our visitors and our visitor industry together to look after the landscapes that define our region and inspire people to return time and time again.
Launched by Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown in 2023 as part of the region’s regenerative tourism plan, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown provide a unique opportunity for the visitor industry to come together and look after the environment at the heart of our home.
Raising both funds and awareness for grassroots climate, conservation, and biodiversity initiatives, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown give local operators a direct way to accelerate local restoration efforts and make a tangible difference.
The real impact is in the collaboration, with over 80 local businesses and more than 1,000 visitors already showing their support and demonstrating that every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a difference.
Who’s behind these initiatives?
Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown are powered by Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown and are delivered in partnership with the 45South Community Foundation (Registered Charity: CC55258).
On-the-ground support is provided by Ash Bickley, Community Fund Coordinator.
How can my business get involved?
Donate, lend a hand, or partner with Love Wānaka or Love Queenstown for long-term impact. With flexible partnership opportunities, automated online donations, and annual volunteer events, it’s easy to get involved and start making a difference.
Get in touch to discuss options that will work best for your business!
What impact can we see?
Since launching in 2023, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have raised over $185,000 for local environmental efforts.
$145,000 has been granted back to the community to support local restoration programmes, more than 9,000+ native trees have been planted with support from industry volunteers, and over 1,085 passionate visitors and businesses have joined the mission.
Where can I learn more?
Check out the Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown websites for all you need to know, or reach out to Ash Bickley, Community Fund Coordinator, for more information.
Business Case Studies
A range of businesses across the Queenstown Lakes District are leading the way in biodiversity and conservation. From native planting projects to predator control and ecosystem restoration, these initiatives show how tourism can give back to nature. Explore the case studies below to see how local businesses are making a real impact.
