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Tourism Industry Aotearoa has named the finalists for the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards, recognising the quality and variety of tourism experiences on offer throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year saw a record 150 entries received – up 25 per cent year on year.
“We were thrilled by the huge number of high-quality entries received from a range of individuals and tourism businesses,” says TIA CEO Rebecca Ingram.
“Each year I feel truly energised by the Awards – and this year is no exception, with the entries showing the extent of amazing experiences that are wowing people each and every day.”
The Awards provide an opportunity for tourism businesses, both large and small, to showcase achievements across 12 categories, with the finalists providing a benchmark of excellence and inspiration to the wider tourism industry.
“Each year the Tourism Awards gives the industry a chance to reflect on their activities that can otherwise be missed. By asking individuals and businesses to take a moment and truly consider their work and articulate this in an award entry, we give the industry a chance to highlight and celebrate the truly amazing achievements and successes achieved,” says Rebecca
The 35 dedicate judges were impressed by the exceptional quality of entries received, with many commenting on the breadth of innovation, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by tourism operators across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Winners will be announced at the Tourism Awards gala dinner at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, following the Tourism Summit Aotearoa. This year’s Summit theme, New Zealand Tourism 2030: Being dynamic in a global marketplace, focuses on equipping the tourism industry with the tools, strategies and perspectives needed to ensure they remain competitive in a changing world.
New Zealand Tourism Awards 2025:
Categories and Finalists
Community Engagement Award 2025
Auckland Sea Kayaks
Christchurch Adventure Park
Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd
Tatapouri Bay
Visitor Experience Award 2025
eRide Waiheke
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership
Tongariro River Rafting
Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award 2025
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Hind Management
Tomahawk Tourism
Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) 2025
Auckland Sea Kayaks
Blue Duck Station
Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
Tongariro River Rafting
Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business) 2025
Black Cat Cruises
Wellington Cable Car
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Ziptrek Ecotours
Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) 2025
Intrepid Travel New Zealand
New Zealand Trails
RealNZ
Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership
KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award 2025
Blue Duck Station
Ngā Manu Trust
RealNZ
Tohu Experiences
Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award 2025
Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd and AU Consulting
Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership
Tohu Experiences
Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Collaboration Award 2025
Department of Conservation
Development West Coast
Southern Way and Air New Zealand
The Hotel Britomart and Velskov
Innovation Award 2025
Christchurch Adventure Park
eRide Waiheke
LyLo
Mad Campers
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award 2025
Fiona Stevens, MajorDomo
Gavin M. Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International
Nadine ToeToe, Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd
Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings
Emerging Tourism Leader Award 2025
Bikesh Sherchan, JW Marriott Auckland
Briana O’Donohue, Millbrook Resort
Courtney Russell, Bill Richardson Transport World
Zac Watson, Maverick Digital Tourism Marketing
