Nestled on the banks of the scenic Tongariro River in Tūrangi, Bed and Breakfast Olive Rabbit stands as a luxurious getaway of peace, tranquillity and outstanding guest experience.
And as a celebration of that outstanding hospitality, the prestigious 2023 Essence of Bed & Breakfast of the Year Award was recently awarded to Tim and Mary Wood, the proud owners of Olive Rabbit.
This prominent accolade recognises the remarkable efforts made by operators who go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional hosting experience for their guests, not only within their business but also throughout their region and New Zealand.
Having relocated to Tūrangi in late 2019, Mary and Tim Wood embarked on a transformative journey, seizing the opportunity for a career change. Since opening their luxury bed and breakfast, they have wholeheartedly embraced their new community, lending support to numerous local causes and fostering collaborations with nearby businesses.
The judges agreed that: “Mary and Tim share the day-to-day running of their B&B and have quickly become stellar examples of great hosts and unashamed promoters of their wonderful region”.
The Vision Insurance Excellence Awards program, judged by Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene and the Bed & Breakfast Association’s president and vice president, culminated in an elegant gala dinner held in Wellington during the association’s annual conference. During the gala dinner, the winners were revealed, and Mary and Tim Wood of Olive Rabbit were in awe as their names were announced.
Speaking about their unexpected win, Mary says: “We were pleasantly surprised to be a finalist and totally elated to be the winner of that award on the night.”
The overwhelming feedback received by Olive Rabbit in the wake of the awards has poured in from various platforms, including social media, personal calls, and industry professionals. Congratulations had also been received from the Bed & Breakfast Association of New Zealand, Tomahawk (one of the sponsors), Vision Insurance, their online Property Management System (PMS) provider (Free online) local businesses, fellow bed and breakfast owners, Love Taupo, their local district councillor, and even the mayor.
Comments and likes have flooded in from past guests, not only from New Zealand but also from as far as Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
This win has also given Olive Rabbit great marketing and publicity opportunities, elevating their profile and strengthening their credibility within the industry.
A testament to the dedication of Mary and Tim Wood to their craft, their guests, and the Tūrangi community they call home.
“This journey has confirmed that we are doing an excellent job running our business and hosting our guests,” says Mary.
“It was also a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on our operations, enabling us to establish further goals for the future. We are always looking for ways to improve and build upon what we offer, thereby providing a quality experience for our guests.”
