A Feel-Good, Eco-Friendly Escape

Your Sustainable Queenstown Itinerary

Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate adventure playground and a hub for eco-conscious travel. From carbon-neutral ziplining and organic brunch spots to lakeside eco-lodges, you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday that honors Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). This sustainable Queenstown itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and eco-goodness for conscious travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys good food and great views.

Stay Sustainably at The Rees Hotel Queenstown

Nestled on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, The Rees Hotel offers panoramic views of the Remarkables. The hotel is actively working toward carbon neutrality by installing energy-efficient systems, reusing grey water for irrigation, composting food waste, and partnering with local suppliers to reduce plastic use. Most food is sourced locally, and they run ongoing energy, water, and conservation programs.

Start Your Day Right at Hustl. Café

Hustl. Café is Queenstown’s go-to café for health-conscious, sustainably-minded bites. Think locally roasted coffee, vibrant plant-based meals, and a zero-waste mindset. It's the kind of place where you feel better just walking in. Their smoothie Groovy Granola and Happy Toast are out of this world, and everything is served with a smile and a side of sustainability.

Take a Nature Break at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

For a peaceful escape from the crowds, take a short drive or boat ride to Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, just across the lake from Glenorchy. This off-the-grid gem runs on renewable energy and is surrounded by pure alpine magic. You can hike the nearby trails, kayak the crystal-clear waters, or simply soak in the views with a wine in hand. This is slow travel at its best.

Pedal Power with Whizzy E-Bike Hire

Whizzy E-Bike Hire makes exploring Queenstown a breeze! They'll deliver premium e-bikes right to your door or a nearby trailhead—no queues, no hassle. Choose from half-day or full-day hires, and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. With friendly service and insider tips, Whizzy ensures your ride is as smooth as the trails you'll discover.

Stargazing Session at Skyline

Ascend Bob’s Peak via the Skyline Gondola for a 60-minute stargazing tour under Queenstown's pristine night sky. Guided by astronomy experts, you'll explore the Southern Cross, the Milky Way, and distant galaxies through high-powered telescopes. On clear nights, enjoy a warm beverage at the Stratosfare Bar to conclude your celestial adventure. 

Finish with a Forest Adventure – Ziptrek Ecotours

Wrap up your sustainable Queenstown adventure with Ziptrek Ecotours! As the first certified carbon-neutral tourism business in Queenstown, Ziptrek offers the exhilarating Kea 6-Line Tour. This 2.5–3 hour experience includes six ziplines, a native beech forest hike, and breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. The tour concludes with the world's steepest tree-to-tree zipline, descending 30 stories at speeds up to 70 km/h. Beyond the thrill, each tour is infused with stories of conservation and sustainability, ensuring you leave with both an adrenaline rush and a deeper appreciation for the environment.

A Few Quick Tips for Travelling Lighter:

• Bring a reusable water bottle – Queenstown tap water is super fresh.

• Ditch the car – Walk, bike, or catch the bus where you can.

• Support local – Choose cafés, shops, and tours that care about the environment and community and don’t forget a reusable coffee cup.

• Pack light, travel right – The less you carry, the less fuel it takes to move you around.

Queenstown proves you don’t have to compromise on fun to travel sustainably. With just a little intention, your trip can be just as exciting, even more meaningful—and a whole lot kinder to the planet. So grab your reusable coffee cup, charge up your camera, and get ready for the ultimate feel-good getaway.