Sparking a Cleaner, Smarter Energy Future for Queenstown Lakes
Electrify Queenstown is a growing movement catalysing Queenstown Lakes district’s shift to clean energy and low-emissions living. As we face the urgency of climate change and the need for energy resilience, this initiative offers a tangible and community-powered path forward for the Queenstown Lakes region.
What is Electrify Queenstown?
Launched in 2024 and now an annual fixture, Electrify Queenstown is a three-day event bringing together the community, businesses, policymakers and innovators to accelerate the transition to a low-emissions, electrified future. It’s part showcase, part workshop, part inspiration - designed for both everyday homeowners and industry leaders alike.
The event combines hands-on experiences with strategic conversations around electrification, clean energy, and climate resilience. Whether it’s exploring solar energy solutions, testing out electric vehicles, or hearing directly from national leaders, the aim is clear: make electrification real and accessible for everyone.
2025: A Breakthrough Year
Electrify Queenstown 2025 marked a significant step forward. Over three energising days, attendees connected through powerful talks, panel discussions, and interactive exhibitions.
Highlights included:
- International keynote speaker Saul Griffith offered insights from global electrification projects, grounding them in local relevance.
- Ministers and regional leaders outlined policies shaping New Zealand’s energy future.
- A buzzing exhibition space featured cutting-edge clean tech, solar setups, and EV test drives.
- Field experiences showcased real-world applications, including a visit to the world’s first 100% electric cherry orchard and Queenstown’s e-marine hub.
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 highlight video to get a taste.
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.
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.
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.
What’s Next - and How You Can Get Involved
Electrify Queenstown returns 17–19 May 2026. 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. Find out more: https://www.electrifyqueenstown.co.nz/
If you have any questions, feedback, or comments, please reach out through the contact form.
