Queenstown, New Zealand is on a journey to regenerative tourism.
We’re working to change the way people travel for good with our goal to be a regenerative destination by 2030. It’s a world first.
So, what exactly does this mean? And how are we going to get there? Scroll to learn more about Queenstown’s journey to regenerative tourism.
Why Queenstown?
Since the late 1800s, Queenstown has been the home of countless adventures set to the stunning scenery and landscape we all love – you probably have some incredible memories here. In the 1950s, Queenstown became a pioneer in adventure tourism. Ever since then, people have been drawn here, and travel became the major economic driver for Queenstown Lakes.
Then, in 2020, our hiking and bike trails emptied, and the chairlifts stopped spinning. With a little bit more time on our hands, we could reflect on what a better future for Queenstown could look like.
We talked to our locals, our community, and our businesses to hear what they wanted for the future of this place. Their unanimous answers formed a plan to guide Queenstown's future. Together, we set a big, audacious goal...
By 2030, Queenstown will be a regenerative tourism destination with a carbon zero visitor economy.
How will we get to carbon zero?
Frankly, we’re not 100% sure. We know that some of the technology we’ll use to achieve this goal is yet to be invented. What we do know is that we’ll harness the pioneering spirit of Queenstown to innovate and reach our goal.
A team of industry experts and advisors, including scientific advisors, policy advisors, and government representatives – are working on solutions as we speak. These experts are working alongside our awesome local businesses and organisations who are already on the regenerative journey.
We believe that working together is key to achieving goal.
Next up, is our optimal visitation plan project which will help us understand the environmental and economic impact visitors have on the region, to make sure we have the infrastructure we need into the future.
Becoming a regenerative destination is a journey. We’re not afraid to try things, get them wrong, and share our progress.
Regenerative [adjective]: "Move beyond sustainable. Creating an environment, a place, and an economy for Queenstown that is circular in nature and gives back more than it takes."
How you can join the mission
We would love your help to protect this place. Together, we’ll ensure Queenstown thrives as a regenerative destination into the future.
Here’s three easy ways you can join the mission.
1. Become a temporary local on your visit
Becoming a temporary local when visiting Queenstown means you slow down, take your time to get to know and appreciate the people and place, forge connections with the community and give back to the place we all love.
2. Support Love Queenstown
Love Queenstown is a giving platform supporting local climate, conservation and biodiversity projects that actually make an impact. Learn how you can support here.
3. Learn and share the Queenstown story
We don't just want Queenstown Lakes to be regenerative. These principles and vision can be applied in destinations all around the world. Think something we are doing could work in your community? Take inspiration and share away!
Regenerative Travel FAQs
What is regenerative travel?
Regenerative tourism moves beyond sustainable tourism. Sustainable travellers aim to leave no trace. That’s great if the place you visit is untouched, but sustainability is no longer enough.
Being a regenerative destination means giving back more to our place and people than we take, so Queenstown becomes healthier, more resilient, and even more memorable over time. We’re doing this by investing in our local community, restoring the environment, and becoming carbon zero by 2030.
Queenstown is full of things to do and places to stay and eat that care for our environment and our community. So, when you visit, please choose to Love Queenstown and make this place even more special. Thank you.
What is carbon zero?
Carbon zero is a step beyond carbon neutral. Offsetting emissions isn’t enough. We can’t continue to pump out CO2 and think we’re ok because we’ve planted a few trees. Instead, we’re eliminating fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions so Queenstown has zero emissions by 2030.
What is carbon neutral?
Carbon neutral means creating a balance between producing carbon and storing carbon so your net release of CO2 is neutral. Carbon neutrality is usually achieved by carbon offsetting, where destinations or organisations continue to produce CO2 and buy carbon neutrality through supporting offsetting schemes such as reforestation, conservation, or renewable energy.
What's been done so far?
There are a number of projects underway already, and multiple businesses and organisations starting on their regenerative journey. You can view the projects in progress on the regenerativetourism.co.nz website, and learn all about our local initiatives here.
How can I find out more?
You can find out more about Queenstown Lakes' regenerative ambition by reading Travel to a thriving future, our destination management plan here.
Sign up to the email database to stay up to date on the Queenstown Lakes' journey to becoming a regenerative tourism destination and carbon zero by 2030.
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