What’s Good in Queenstown: Meet the businesses making a difference

Over in Arthurs Point, Canyon Brewing is crafting up a brew you can feel truly great about sipping. From growing their own barley (one of the first breweries in New Zealand to do so) to repurposing the by-product of malting barley into delicious dishes or livestock feed, the team here is committed to reducing their footprint. Canyon also partners up with like-minded businesses to drive purposeful projects. The “Be Here Now” Hazy Pale Ale was made in collaboration with Sherwood to support local biodiversity initiatives, “Vacation Hazy Pale” was released to help restore and maintain backcountry huts, and their first sour beer used botanicals from Sherwood’s organic garden and leftover cherry pulp from a Cromwell grower.

Just a stone’s throw from the airport in Frankton, this Saturday farmers’ market has been committed to sustainability since day one. Leading the charge, they proudly became New Zealand’s first Single-Use Cup Free market in 2019, and have since replaced all disposable serveware for ceramic plates and metal cutlery. The impact speaks volumes. Across 20 Saturdays alone, 34,000 items have been washed and reused – instead of going to landfill. Now if we could just get every other market in New Zealand to do the same…

Amidst the lavish amenities of king-sized beds, walk-in rain showers, private verandas and stunning mountain views, rest assured that this is more than a luxurious retreat. The Headwaters Eco Lodge has been designed to achieve Net Zero Energy Building Certification, with nature and sustainability considered in every construct. Generating as much renewable power as it uses, with solar gardens and cutting-edge water and energy-saving technology, the lodge aims to operate at 50% less consumption than its counterparts. Plus, all profits funnel back into the Glenorchy Community Trust, supporting community-focused initiatives to enrich the area for generations to come.

The dream at Sherwood is that only people will come and go through its doors – and they’re well on their way. Across 18 months alone, this eco-friendly boutique hotel in Frankton has diverted 40,000kg of waste from ending up in landfill, thanks to a plethora of planet-conscious practices. The on-site bar and kitchen aspires to a zero-waste system, with all organic waste returning to the soil to grow more food, over 60% of wine bottled in house, and seasonal produce sourced from their large organic garden or local suppliers. Sherwood is also one of the few hotels in the Southern Hemisphere to be powered by the sun. The eco-designed rooms are beautifully rustic with low-impact materials used, and over 90% of marketing activity is channelled into community focused events. They just get it.

Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, the Shotover Jet has been providing thrills for decades, making impressive technological advances along the way. But it’s their most recent update that has catapulted the tourism business into an era of sustainability and innovation, propelled by a commitment to preserve the precious land and river. The team has successfully converted one of its petrol-powered boats into a fully electric vessel, and is currently working on taking the full fleet in the same direction. Stay tuned for exciting developments.

Since 2014, the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust has led community-driven conservation projects, inviting visitors and locals to give back to a land that gives them so much in return. Each year, volunteers come together to plant approximately 10,000 native trees and shrubs at seven key sites, part of a grander scheme to establish wildlife corridors and significantly enhance biodiversity in the region. What makes this initiative extra special is its inclusivity – everyone and anyone can take part, with seasoned volunteers providing expert guidance every step of the way.

As you soar through the skies with Ziptrek Ecotours, there’s more than an adrenaline rush in store. The first zipline company to open in New Zealand, Ziptrek Ecotours has been committed to a carbon-neutral approach since kicking off in 2009 – and they’ve got the environmental and sustainability awards to show for it. Their goal is to develop and nurture an appreciation of the natural environment, giving nature-based learning a thrilling twist. Ziptrek also work closely on local community initiatives, are a patron of the Queenstown Trails Trusts, and sponsor of the Tuatara enclosure at Kiwi Park.

Originally a rubbish tip until locals Dick and Noeleen Wilson leased the site in 1984 and began the long restoration process to establish a wildlife sanctuary in the centre of Queenstown. Nowadays, Kiwi Park plays a significant part in wildlife conservation with various initiatives visitors can interact with via educational programs, conservation shows, guided tours, and the favourite Kiwi encounters experience. Also, hit the Honey Bee Centre on the way out for a sweet tasting finish.  

Love Queenstown is a giving platform that enables both the visitor and tourism industry to protect this piece of majestic beauty, today, tomorrow and every day to come. Through donations and volunteering efforts, the organisation works to grow awareness and raise funds for local environment action. All profits are allocated to initiatives that benefit the region and contribute to a low-carbon, regenerative future.