The installation, made possible through co-funding by the Low Emission Transport Fund and support from EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), comprises three marine-side chargers delivering a combined 300kW of power. These units are now available to boat owners operating on Lake Whakatipu and mark a turning point for decarbonising New Zealand’s recreational and commercial boating sector.
A vision driven by innovation
The project is backed by Xero founder Rod Drury, who has turned his sights from digital software to sustainable marine technology. His company, *Electric Wave*, is on a mission to reimagine the way Kiwis experience their lakes, coasts, and harbours—by eliminating combustion engines, oil spills, and exhaust fumes.
Electric Wave’s ethos is built on the idea that boating can be both beautiful and clean. From purpose-designed electric propulsion systems to pioneering energy infrastructure, they aim to deliver a premium marine experience without the environmental price tag.
“Electric boating is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening right here, right now,” said Drury. “Queenstown is the perfect launchpad, with its strong tourism profile, natural beauty, and community focus on sustainability.”
Industry-backed and community-focused
EECA’s Group Manager for Delivery and Partnerships, Richard Briggs, said the project directly addresses one of the key barriers to marine electrification: access to reliable charging infrastructure.
“Charging infrastructure like this gives businesses and boaties confidence to invest in energy-efficient vessels. These vessels not only save on fuel and maintenance but also remove the risk of polluting our waterways,” Briggs said.
Further technical support came from Aurora Energy, which supplied the high-capacity transformer needed to support the load, and Meridian Energy, which contributed via its public charging network subsidiary, Zero. These partnerships reflect a broader alignment between public infrastructure and private clean-tech ventures in accelerating the shift to low-emission transport.
Frankton developments point to wider expansion
Meanwhile, a complementary project is underway just around the corner. Lakes Marina Projects, in collaboration with Electric Wave, has received approval to install e-boat charging facilities at Frankton Marina. Two existing dock “fingers” will be replaced with a wider berth that will house two more electric boat charging cabinets. It’s the first time electric marine infrastructure has been introduced to Lake Whakatipu at this scale.
This development follows broader national trends. In the deep south, Meridian is planning to launch a fully electric hydrofoiling ferry on Lake Manapouri. In the north, Auckland’s EV Maritime is rolling out electric ferries, while Wellington’s harbour already hosts East by West Ferries’ electric catamarans.
Mat Woods, CEO of Destination Queenstown, sees the Frankton project as a game-changer for local transport.
“This opens the door to e-marine being used not just for tourism, but as a regular, reliable, and sustainable mode of public transport,” said Woods. “That’s a big step forward for Queenstown’s future as an environmentally conscious destination.”
Next Steps: Turning a pilot into a network
While these developments are just the beginning, they signal a genuine momentum shift. Infrastructure investment is one of the biggest hurdles in transitioning marine fleets—especially private charters, tourism operators, and commercial transport providers—to electric propulsion. Queenstown’s e-marine hub sets the standard and provides a real-world test case for other regions considering similar transitions.
In time, e-marine charging is expected to expand to other key boating regions around New Zealand, including the Bay of Islands, Marlborough Sounds, and the Hauraki Gulf. But for now, all eyes are on Queenstown—a place better known for jetboats and lake cruises, now leading the country into a new era of clean boating.
REFERENCES
Electricity meets marine innovation
EVs and Beyond
