New Zealand Tourism Awards
2026 Finalists
New Zealand Tourism Awards（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards）
Awards Dinner（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/awards-dinner）
Accommodation（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/accommodation-2）
Flights - Special Offer（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/flights-special-offer）
Categories and Criteria（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/categories-and-criteria）
2026 Winners（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/2026-winners）
2026 Finalists（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/2026-finalists）
Partners（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/partners）
Terms and Conditions（https://www.tia.org.nz/events/new-zealand-tourism-awards/terms-and-conditions）
Congratulations to all of the finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards. Winners will be announced in person at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on 4 November 2026 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Avis Budget Group Community Engagement Award 2026
Cycle Journeys
Cycle Journeys（https://cyclejourneys.co.nz/） offers self-guided and supported cycling holidays across some of New Zealand’s Great Rides. By working closely with local accommodation providers, transport operators and other businesses along the trails, they help connect visitors with the people and communities that make each journey unique.
The judges were impressed by Cycle Journey’s ‘Lead Better’ community programme, describing it as a cool and compelling idea to channel their community and engagement connection across multiple touchpoints. The programme displayed clear operational excellence, with their commercial operation demonstrated they deeply understand the importance of local community in their business practice.
Muirs Tours
Muirs Tours（https://www.muirstours.com/） is deeply connected to the coastal community of Maketū in the Bay of Plenty. Through fishing, cultural experiences and storytelling, they share local knowledge and Te Ao Māori with visitors while promoting kaitiakitanga, sustainable practices and respect for the moana.
The judges noted that Deon Muir and his team had taken a strong local leadership role in the community from a Maori perspective; seeking kaumātua support and working with the Native Nations cultural programme. Their offering is fundamentally about the community, supporting people to develop a genuine connection with the environment through kai and whakapapa.
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve（https://ngamanu.org.nz/） is an exemplar of how a small, community-based organisation can lead bold, meaningful action in sustainability. For 50 years, Ngā Manu has protected native flora and fauna while fostering public connection to nature through education, eco-tourism, and volunteering.
The judges noted that despite their relatively small size and budget, Ngā Manu has made a strategic shift to deliver a stronger community impact beyond their borders – backed by over 100 volunteers and community members who are active participants in the organisation. Their sheer love of nature, education and conservation shone through in their application.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari（https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/） is a community-led ecosanctuary in Waikato, created through the collective efforts of iwi, local farmers, residents, council and the wider community. Together, they have transformed Maungatautari into a thriving sanctuary for native species while inspiring people to connect with and care for the natural environment.
The judges scored Sanctuary Mountain highly thanks to their treaty partnership being a foundation and the heart of what they do, alongside their sizable impact on both their local community and the environmental impact. They have displayed both operational excellence and strong tāngata whenua engagement.
NZME Visitor Experience Award 2026
Mad Campers
At Mad Campers（https://www.madcampers.co.nz/）, innovation is in their DNA. They have reimagined what campervan travel can look like and created industry-first vehicles and marketing strategies that are bold, efficient, and built for the modern traveller.
The judges noted that Mad Campers showed strong data and tangible, clear examples of what they've done to improve the visitor experience, including the incorporating of customer feedback; their upgrading of internal systems, as well as camper and storage redesign is a good example of this.
New Zealand Trails
As a 100% New Zealand-owned adventure tourism company, New Zealand Trails（https://newzealandtrails.com/） goal is simple: share Aotearoa like they would with close friends. From the moment guests get in touch, they know their name and they know ours.
The judges were impressed by the in-house longevity of New Zealand Trails staff, noting that their CEO began as a guide there. They see the team as having the experience and passion to help lead and shape the company, and they’ve showed strong evidence of being able to take feedback on board, listen to past guest experiences and make adjustments / improvements for the future.
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa（https://opuke.nz/） is a premium wellness destination in Methven, offering a distinctive alpine hot pool and spa experience. With uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps, Ōpuke combines relaxation, thoughtful design and high-quality hospitality to create a memorable visitor experience.
The judges liked how Ōpuke sought and took onboard feedback in a smart way, dedicating a lot of thought into each element of the experience to improve their operations. As result, their restructured offering led to improved guest flows, more opportunities for local students and enhanced performance overall.
Redwoods Treewalk & Glowworms
Redwoods Treewalk & Glowworms（https://www.treewalk.co.nz/redwoods-glowworms/） offers a distinctive nature-based experience in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest. Visitors can explore the forest from above before stepping inside a purpose-built eco-cave, where a guided experience brings them up close to thousands of glowworms.
The judges noted that Redwoods took the customer experience seriously; reviewing customer service in a structured way and creating an additional product to help keep customers busy while they waited. Their year-on-year growth in both revenue and staff is a clear example of how customer feedback has led to impactful changes being made.
Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award 2026
Hahei Explorer
Hahei Explorer（https://www.haheiexplorer.co.nz/） is a family-run business in the Coromandel, with a passionate team united by their love for the ocean and Te Whanganui-o-Hei. Their people bring local knowledge, personality and experience to every tour, creating a strong team culture and memorable experiences for visitors.
The judges were impressed by the systems and behaviours that Hahei Explorer have put in place, despite being small in scale. Their application showed that they’ve been able to achieve great things with limited resources thanks to their team-led culture; including an authentic people-first culture and a focus on staff development.
Intrepid Travel New Zealand
Intrepid Travel（https://www.intrepidtravel.com/nz） is a B Corp-certified adventure travel company and global leader in responsible tourism. Driven by its mission to create positive change through the joy of travel, Intrepid delivers regenerative visitor experiences that respect te taiao, honour te ao Māori, and uplift the communities it travels through.
What stood out for the judges was a demonstrated increase in customer and staff metrics, with their programmes seen as innovative - and backed by evidence that what they’re doing is working. Their employee-led engagement is helping to develop Intrepid’s culture development and growth, while their B Corp certification is a credible external validator that few other entries had.
Shotover Jet
Shotover Jet（https://www.shotoverjet.com/） is an iconic Queenstown adventure tourism experience, taking visitors through the dramatic Shotover River canyons since 1965. Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, its team brings together adventure, local knowledge and manaakitanga to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The judges loved Shotover jet’s innovative workforce re-design, with a focus on fatigue and cognitive testing, work/life and safety balance, and their understanding of the link between employer wellbeing and business growth. Their application was also able to substantiate all of the organisation’s key metrics, articulating their strengths and the leadership behind their decisions.
RealNZ
RealNZ（https://www.realnz.com/） is a purpose-driven tourism leader delivering iconic, nature-based experiences across southern Aotearoa. From the World Heritage beauty of Piopiotahi and Pātea, to the alpine slopes of Cardrona and Treble Cone, the wildness of Rakiura, and the adventure hub of Whakatipu Queenstown.
Judges noted how alongside the strong organisational leadership programme and operational excellence aspects of RealNZ’s application, the conservation component also shone through. They’re clear about what they deliver, and their focus on inclusion, diversity and people practices make them a popular employer with good staff retention.
Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) 2026
Auckland Sea Kayaks
Auckland Sea Kayaks (ASK)（https://www.aucklandseakayaks.co.nz） is a small business making a big impact , delivering award-winning guided tourism and education experiences across the Hauraki Gulf. At their core is a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and people. They aim to be the best —providing safe, unforgettable marine-based adventures, while protecting the places they paddle and building a workplace that attracts top talent.
The judged loved the application for the evidence and metrics provided around environmental and industry performance, as well as staff training. They were also impressed by the comprehensive nature of what that’s on their dashboard; for a microbusiness to be operating at this scale is extraordinary. Everything they’re measuring is designed to “make their boat go faster”.
Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga
Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga（https://www.glassbottomboatwhitianga.co.nz/） offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the Coromandel, with custom-built vessels that allow visitors to explore the underwater world through glass viewing panels. Their experienced and passionate team combines extensive knowledge of the area with top customer service, passenger safety and strong environmental practices to make every trip one to remember.
Judges noted this as an impressive and balanced entry, covering staff development, a balanced approach to business growth and a strong focus on community participation; they were impressed by how large of an impact this business has despite their relatively small size. This is driven by the owner’s strong and admirable ethos, which is to support everyone working in marine tourism - not just their own business.
Hapuku Kitchen - Te Kura Taka Kai
Hapuku Kitchen（https://www.hapukukitchen.co.nz/） is a Kaikōura-based cooking school offering hands-on cooking classes and dining experiences inspired by the surrounding land and sea. With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, its experiences celebrate the flavours, produce and stories of Kaikōura.
Judges saw this as an authentic and unique entry, with a focus on hyper-local sourcing, a ‘value over volume’ guest experience - and a deep connection and intrenchment with their community. Thanks to their local leadership they’re adding a wonderful depth to their storytelling and destination management, while looking after their Kaikoura backyard; resulting in impressive visitor numbers.
The Seventh Generation
The Seventh Generation（https://theseventhgeneration.org/） offers award-winning nature and history tours in Akaroa, weaving together history, ecology and storytelling. Led by a seventh-generation local, the experiences connect visitors deeply with Banks Peninsula while sharing a strong message of protecting the place for generations to come.
Judges were intrigued by their light footprint model; a one-band band with great contractors on board to deliver the tours. The application demonstrated both a genuine goodwill and passion for the industry, and a cleverness to their business strategy – with their focus on shoulder season delivery resulting in almost half of their tours being operated outside of the summer season.
ServiceIQ Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business) 2026
EcoZip Adventures
EcoZip Adventures（https://www.ecozipadventures.co.nz/） delivers zipline and eco-adventure experiences on Waiheke Island and in Kaikōura. Combining exhilarating ziplines with guided native forest experiences, EcoZip places conservation, ecological restoration and connection to the natural environment at the heart of its operation.
The judges were impressed by the success of EcoZip’s expansion into Kaikoura, all while staying true to their principles of respecting the natural environment. This was evidenced by their wildlife and tree planting initiatives, high staff retention and their willingness to collaborate and seek input from their staff to strengthen their product. Good things happen to companies who do good things.
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens（https://hamiltongardens.co.nz/） takes visitors on a journey through 18 themed gardens, each inspired by various cultures and historical styles. From Ancient Egypt to the present day, the Gardens bring history to life through immersive design, creating a distinctive visitor experience rich in beauty, storytelling and surprise.
The judges were impressed by the ‘brave’ evolution of Hamilton Gardens, as they engaged with the community to shape it from a public space into a commercial entity - with a strongly positive tourism and community impact. Their application demonstrated a thoughtful and strategic approach to their processed, systems and sustainability, showcasing their strong social license, and community relationships.
Wild Kiwi Tours
Wild Kiwi Tours（https://www.wildkiwi.com/） is a small-group tour operator offering guided journeys that connect visitors with Aotearoa’s landscapes, culture and people. With groups of no more than 18 guests, its tours focus on personalised experiences, genuine connection and responsible travel.
Judges considered this as a small entry that packs a big punch; their application was infused with commitment and excitement about what they do. This is a good example of a company that has significantly evolved its business in recent years to build resilience and growth - driven by a highly motivated team who looked outside of their operating footprint to achieve meaningful environmental gains.
Ziptrek Ecotours
At Ziptrek Ecotours（https://www.ziptrek.co.nz/）, they don’t just operate in nature - they operate for it. For 15 years, they have shown that adventure tourism can drive real, lasting change. From cutting emissions by 30% to eliminating single-use plastics and mentoring others in sustainability, they lead with purpose - not just policy.
Judges loved Ziptrek’s passionate commitment to their visitor experience and how they value staff, as well as a strong commitment to sustainability via planting and predator control. Their application and data confirmed them as a well-led, structured and environmentally driven organisation business who lives up to the promises they make to their customers - and to themselves
Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) 2026
Intrepid Travel New Zealand
Intrepid Travel（https://www.intrepidtravel.com/nz）is a B Corp-certified adventure travel company and global leader in responsible tourism. Driven by its mission to create positive change through the joy of travel, Intrepid delivers regenerative visitor experiences that respect te taiao, honour te ao Māori, and uplift the communities it travels through.
The judges were impressed by Intrepid’s application, which demonstrated how the organisation had seamlessly integrated commercial scale with high-impact regenerative tourism – all backed by solid numbers, data and evidence of their success. Their B Corp certification is a huge achievement, positioning them as a leader in Aotearoa's tourism landscape.
RealNZ
RealNZ（https://www.realnz.com/） is a purpose-driven tourism leader delivering iconic, nature-based experiences across southern Aotearoa. From the World Heritage beauty of Piopiotahi and Pātea, to the alpine slopes of Cardrona and Treble Cone, the wildness of Rakiura, and the adventure hub of Whakatipu Queenstown.
The judges noted RealNZ as a consistently high-performing operation for many years, who tick every box and they continue to show improvements in all areas. Their application demonstrated how core conservation initiatives and commercial growth can be fully integrated, setting the benchmark for regenerative tourism in Aotearoa, while still achieving strong financial outcomes.
Shotover Jet
Shotover Jet（https://www.shotoverjet.com/） is an iconic Queenstown adventure tourism experience, taking visitors through the dramatic Shotover River canyons since 1965. Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, its team brings together adventure, local knowledge and manaakitanga to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The judges loved Shotover’s detailed application, which showed evidence of a iconic, well-established business that continues to evolve and improve; their development of solar and electric a good example of this. Regarded as good corporate citizens, their local engagement and sustainability practices are to be applauded.
Southern Discoveries
Southern Discoveries（https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/） has been Milford Sound’s original operator for more than 70 years, offering cruises, coach journeys and small-group experiences. Its approach is shaped by kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga, with a strong focus on delivering meaningful, high-quality visitor experiences across Fiordland.
The judges noted that Southern Discoveries’ entry showed strong operational maturity and resilience, with their use of AI-driven data integration - and their decision to prioritize yield and guest experience over pure volume - reflected in the organisation’s high guest satisfaction metrics.