How do we build a food system that can nourish people and the planet for generations to come? Explore food resilience through the lenses of whenua, community, tourism, education, growing, energy and circularity.

Our tour starts by bus from Frankton into Queenstown and aboard the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, visiting inspiring local initiatives, meeting the people driving change and discovering practical ideas for creating thriving, locally connected food systems.

Read more about the day in this blog post by Babu Blatt, Food Resilience Programme Manager at Wao.

We encourage Wānaka participants to carpool to Frankton.

DAY PROGRAMME

Friday 30 October 2026

8:15AM: Transport by coach and boat: Frankton to Queenstown Wharf, then onwards to Walter Peak onboard the TSS Earnslaw. Workshops held in the Walter Peak Woolshed.

9:45AM: Welcome by RealNZ: Discover how tourism and stewardship come together at Walter Peak to create lasting value for people, place and future generations.

10:00AM: Changing the Narrative: What does it mean to feed ourselves from the whenua? Explore food resilience through mātauranga, seed saving, traditional growing practices, community knowledge and adaptation.

10:20AM: The Power of Partnership: Food resilience is built through partnerships. Discover how collaboration is strengthening food security and unlocking local solutions to feed our communities.

10:40AM: Morning Tea provided by Walter Peak

11:00AM: Agents of Change: Discover what enables communities and organisations to lead transformation across New Zealand's food and fibre production system, drawing on insights from the Agents of Change research.

11:15AM: Soil, Animal and Human Health: Discover how soil biology and integrated livestock can restore farm ecosystems, strengthen food quality and support the health of animals, people and planet.

11:30AM: Walter Peak kitchen garden visit, with Gardens Team Leader Finley Watkins

Transport by boat and coach: Walter Peak - Queenstown Wharf - Queenstown Primary School. Lunch will be served on the boat.

1:00PM: Future Food Citizens: What we teach children today shapes tomorrow's food system. Discover how hands-on food education is growing resilient, healthy and connected communities.

1:45PM: Harvesting Energy: Food and energy are deeply connected. Learn how on farm solar, agrivoltaics and biological energy systems can strengthen resilience and productivity.

Transport by coach: Queenstown Primary School to Harvest Community Garden

2:15PM: Cultivating Community: Growing food grows communities. Discover how commercial gardens, community initiatives and local food networks are strengthening resilience, connection and belonging.

Transport by coach: Harvest Community Garden (Gordon rd) to Waste to Wilderness - via Arthur's Point Orchard

3:30PM: Closing the Loop: What does a truly circular food system look like? Discover how nutrient cycling and composting can regenerate both soils and communities.

Transport by coach: Waste to Wilderness, back to Frankton.

4:30PM: Tour ends

Schedule subject to change, any updates will be communicated here and to ticket holders.

PASS OPTIONS