The WAO Summit runs from Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 1 November 2026 in Wānaka and Queenstown, with talks, documentary screenings, walking tours and workshops on climate action, biodiversity and food systems.
Dates in this update
Taken directly from the key facts
The summit runs from Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
Key facts
- Fact 01
Events are in Wānaka and Queenstown.
- Fact 02
Six days of talks, documentary screenings, walking tours and workshops.
The WAO Summit runs from Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, with events in Wānaka and Queenstown. Wānaka's official visitor website lists it in its spring events guide, which we read on 23 October, and the details below come from that guide.
What is on Over six days the summit offers conversations with thought leaders, documentary screenings, walking tours, hands-on workshops and community events. This year's theme looks ahead to the future and covers climate action, biodiversity and food systems, among other topics. The guide describes it as being for anyone who wants to see the local environment thrive for years to come.
Tickets The guide lists ticket prices as varying and links to the summit's Humanitix ticket page. Its tip is to book workshops early because they sell out fast, and not to skip the smaller community sessions alongside the main stage talks.
Planning your days The guide lists the dates and the two towns but not individual venues, so check the summit's own pages for the full programme before you travel. Our Queenstown versus Wānaka guide helps you decide where to base yourself, and our short walks guide has ideas for the gaps between sessions.
Questions visitors are asking
When is the WAO Summit in 2026?
From Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
Where is the WAO Summit held?
In Wānaka and Queenstown. The guide we read lists the two towns but not individual venues.
Do I need a ticket?
Ticket prices vary and are sold through the summit's Humanitix page. The guide advises booking workshops early because they sell out fast.