Electrify Queenstown

Electrify Queenstown is an annual three-day event that’s fast becoming a flagship in the Queenstown Lakes calendar and a genuine national gathering point for New Zealand’s electrification sector. Backed by national partners, the event draws government decision-makers, international innovators, and renewable energy experts to Queenstown alongside the local businesses and residents the event is built to serve. It showcases and supports the region’s transition to clean energy and electric solutions, bringing together central government, national industry, and local community to explore practical ways of reducing emissions and building energy resilience – with Queenstown itself, and the trailblazing local projects on show, serving as a working example for the rest of the country.

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What is Electrify Queenstown?

Launched in 2024 the Electrify Queenstown event is now a multi-award winning event that combines hands-on experiences with expert insights. Attendees can test drive electric vehicles, explore solar setups, hear from national and local leaders, and connect with innovators. The aim is simple: make the shift to electric solutions accessible, practical, and relevant for everyone – from everyday homeowners to industry operators.

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2026: A national conversation

After the 2025 event took home the inaugural Bizzies Business Event Award for Legacy Impact, and the Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability -  Electrify Queenstown 2026 levelled up, growing from locally relevant solutions to national ones. It’s centerpiece The Future of New Zealand’s Energy System– Political Leaders Debate, brought voices from across the political spectrum to Queenstown on day 2, resulting in cross-party outcomes generated on Queenstown soil. Hundreds of attendees, from local business owners and homeowners to national industry leaders and policymakers, connected over three energising days through panel discussions, interactive exhibitions and electric experience field trips to local projects and tourism operators leading the way.

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Highlights of the 2026 event included:

• The political leaders debate took the electrification conversation nationally, holding leaders to account on the solutions available that improve New Zealanders’ health, unlock financial savings, and increase resilience, all while significantly reducing emissions.
• International keynote speaker Saul Griffith offered insights from global electrification projects, grounding them in local relevance.
• A  ‘how to hub’ that showcased clean technology and renewable energy solutions including, solar and batteries, transport, heating and cooling, hot water, cooking and finance
• Six electric experience visits to real-world examples showcasing electrification in action. From electric transport and renewable energy to innovative businesses and tourism experiences.

Beyond the tech, it was the conversations that left a mark - cross-sector discussions on what electrification means for homes, tourism, transport, and business. Check out the highlights video to get a taste.  

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Why it matters for tourism and the Queenstown Lakes region

Electrify Queenstown isn’t just about energy - it’s about future-proofing the Queenstown Lakes local economy and lifestyle. Queenstown Lakes is heavily reliant on tourism, and transport-related emissions (especially air and road travel) make up a significant portion of the district’s carbon footprint.

By promoting clean energy alternatives and showing what’s possible, Electrify Queenstown directly supports the region’s decarbonisation goals. It helps tourism businesses and the wider community reduce emissions from transport, accommodation, and daily operations - bringing the Carbon Zero by 2030 goal within reach. The event also creates local economic opportunities by connecting residents and operators to renewable energy providers, low-emissions technologies, and funding pathways for green upgrades.

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A living example of regenerative action

This initiative aligns closely with Project 9: Carbon Zero by 2030, the keystone project of the Destination Management Plan. It also supports Project 8: Measure Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Project 16: Tourism Business Excellence, by providing businesses with the knowledge and tools to transition.

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Electrify Queenstown exemplifies regenerative tourism in action - reducing environmental harm, enabling climate adaptation, and strengthening community capability. It reflects the strategic pillars of restoring the environment, building economic resilience, and enhancing the visitor experience.

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What’s next - and how you can get involved

Electrify Queenstown returns May 30 - June 1, 2027. Whether you’re a homeowner thinking about solar panels, a business exploring fleet electrification, or a tourism operator looking to cut emissions, there’s something for you.

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Find out more: https://www.electrifyqueenstown.co.nz/  

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If you have any questions, feedback, or comments, please reach out through the contact form.

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