Our Commitment to Care
We're always looking at how we can improve our environmental and conservation efforts and invite you to come along with us on our journey!
Our Sustainability Priorities
Skyline Queenstown has been an integral part of the local community since its humble beginnings in 1967. Our focus is on ensuring that we continue to work in harmony with the environment, guided by our three sustainability pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity.
People
We care for our people, our communities, and our customers. We are committed to promoting diversity and fostering meaningful connections between our team, guests and community through inclusive practices and products.
Place
Our commitment to a light footprint on the land reflects our role as guardians of the environment. We focus on protecting the natural beauty around us by monitoring and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and supporting biodiversity.
Prosperity
We are a purpose-driven business with a focus on responsible growth. As leaders in regenerative, sustainable tourism, we aim to create lasting value for our community and future generations.
Supporting 100% Renewable Electricity Generation
We’re proud to support 100% renewable energy generation by purchasing Meridian’s Certified Renewable Energy product. This means that the electricity we get from our grid in New Zealand is matched on an annual basis by an equivalent amount from Meridian’s hydro stations or wind farms, which are independently verified as producing 100% renewable electricity.
We consider this initiative important as it has reduced our *Scope 2 emissions considerably, however we’re not done yet; our priority is on exploring more ways to decarbonise our on-site operations through energy, resource, and waste minimisation. It’s one way we’re committing to offering memorable tourism experiences with a lighter footprint.
*Using the market-based reporting methodology as per the GHG Protocol’s Scope 2 Guidance.
Driving Positive Change
At the heart of our sustainability efforts at Skyline Queenstown are our three core pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity. Driving these efforts is the Skyline Care Team—a dedicated group of passionate individuals from various departments across the business, united by a shared mission to bring our sustainability objectives to life locally.
This team works collaboratively to translate our sustainability plans into meaningful action. From restoring native habitats and reducing our carbon footprint to supporting local initiatives, the Care Team plays a crucial role in tracking our progress. Their work not only advances our goals but also creates meaningful change for the environment and the community we proudly call home.
Giving Back to Queenstown
Our team is incredibly proud to partner with and sponsor a number of local community organisations and events, including schools, sporting groups, charities and people within the area. Each year, we contribute over $250,000 in cash and in-kind sponsorships to local organisations.
Sponsorships that align with our business principles are offered in the form of vouchers for our experiences, which can be used in fundraising auctions or giveaways. Applications must be submitted through our sponsorship form at least two weeks prior to your event for consideration.
Removing Invasive Wilding Pines
We’re taking a stand against one of New Zealand’s most aggressive and destructive weeds: wilding conifer pines. These invasive trees threaten native ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and increase wildfire risk.
In 2020, we began restoring Bob’s Peak’s natural landscape by removing a significant area of wilding pines. This ongoing effort is key to protecting the region’s ecological balance. Learn more about our wilding pine removal project here.
Through our partnership with the Whakatipu Wilding Control Group (WCG), we’ve expanded our work to the wider Wakatipu Basin. By participating in WCG’s Adopt-a-Plot programme, the Skyline Care Team and local volunteers continue to make meaningful contributions to wilding pine removal. Join us for one of our volunteer days and receive a Gondola Annual Pass as a token of appreciation. Stay connected with us on social media for updates on upcoming volunteer days!
Restoring Native Biodiversity
Removing invasive species is just the first step. To fully restore the Wakatipu Basin, we’re proud to partner with Love Queenstown on an ongoing mission to plant native trees and rejuvenate the landscape for local wildlife.
In collaboration with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Mana Tahina, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council, our Skyline Care Team leads planting days, guiding volunteers through best practices to ensure each tree thrives.
At the Love Queenstown Industry Planting Day in September 2024, over 100 volunteers joined our Care Team to plant 2,000 native trees at Jardine Park.
From pulling invasive pines to planting native trees, we’re proud to play our part in restoring the environment and supporting a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
The Road To Zero Waste To Landfill
At Skyline Queenstown, we’re on a mission to leave the world a little greener, with an ambitious goal of achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030. It’s a big challenge, but we’re all about aiming high—just like our Gondola!
Our journey is driven by creativity and innovation. With support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund, we’ve repurposed old staff uniforms, upcycling some and updating logos on others, while donating high-quality items like puffer jackets to local charities. This effort keeps waste out of the landfill and gives materials a second life.
In 2024, we took another step forward by launching a food waste composting programme, already diverting 42% of our waste to local composting. These initiatives are part of our commitment to a more sustainable future, proving small changes can make a big impact.
Skyline Charity Golf Classic
The first Skyline Golf Classic was held in 1979 and the tournament has been continuously sponsored by Skyline Enterprises.
Over the years, the event has grown into much more than just a golfing competition. Today, it stands as a charity-focused initiative, dedicated to supporting a different local organisation each year. From grassroots groups to larger community charities, the Skyline Charity Golf Classic aims to make a real difference by channelling support where it’s needed most.
As one of New Zealand’s longest-running sports sponsorships, we’re incredibly proud of the legacy this event has created. The Skyline Charity Golf Classic highlights our values of community, connection, and giving back, and we’re honoured to continue supporting this remarkable event year after year.
A Space For Change
Skyline Queenstown is proud to support sustainability-focused initiatives by providing our theatre space to community groups and organisations. With past successes like the Kea Conservation Talk and Green Drinks with Sustainable Queenstown, we’ve seen the incredible outcomes that this collaborative shared space can help to create.
If your event aligns with our sustainability values, we’d love to hear from you. Through our sponsorship programme, we can offer complimentary use of the theatre space and help with event execution.
