Welcome back, GFZ’s!

Queenstown, New Zealand—the adventure capital of the world, where bungy jumpers, jet boats, and breathtaking landscapes collide—is taking on its biggest thrill yet. This mountain town, famous for fun, has set its sights on becoming the world’s first carbon-zero tourism destination by 2030. Yes, you read that right. Queenstown is flipping the script, aiming to swap the fuel-filled thrills for full throttle eco-adventures in just six years.

Innovative Eco-Adventures in the Making

Imagine landing on the South Island and taking an electric gondola or hydro-powered ferry to town. Skiers will ride up the slopes on solar powered chairlifts, and you can speed along Lake Wakatipu on fully electric jet boats, taking in the pristine views without leaving a single carbon footprint behind. Even the TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown’s vintage coal-fired steamship, will swap its coal for hydrogen, keeping the charm but cutting the emissions.

This isn’t a flashy greenwashing effort. Queenstown’s carbon-zero goal has the whole community engaged—from adventure operators to small business owners, and even local eco-pioneers like *Mr. Chippy,* who’s composting 20 tonnes of hotel food scraps a month to create nutrient-rich soil. Queenstown isn’t just offsetting emissions; it’s aiming for zero emissions altogether. That means every person, every business, and every innovation matters in this ambitious eco-makeover. We love this!

Sustainable Stays and Eco-Friendly Thrills

Queenstown’s lodges are rolling out the green carpet too. Take Sherwood Queenstown: this 40-year-old motor inn, with its 248 solar panels, now grows nearly half of the restaurant’s produce onsite. Or Headwaters Eco Lodge, built entirely from recycled materials and meeting the world’s most rigorous eco-standards - the Living Building Challenge. These accommodations prove that eco-friendly stays don’t have to compromise on comfort—or impact.

For thrill-seekers, the adventures in Queenstown are evolving. Shotover Jet, known for its heart-stopping spins and canyon runs, is soon to launch the world’s first electric-powered jet boat. Imagine the same wild ride, but without the fossil fuels. And on Lake Manapouri, just a stone’s throw away, an electric hydro-foiling ferry will launch by 2025, expected to save over 240 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. How cool?!

As Queenstown transforms itself from carbon-heavy thrills to a sustainable paradise, it’s setting the pace for eco-tourism worldwide. This once fuel-guzzling town is inspiring other destinations to think bigger and bolder about what sustainable travel can look like.

If you loved this week’s story, there’s plenty more Happy Earth News where that came from—take a look here!

Until next week GFZ's, 

Much love!