QT Auckland, Whangaparaoa Lodge, and Craggy Range take top honours at 2025 Hospitality NZ Awards

Some of New Zealand’s most outstanding accommodation providers have been honoured at the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence, held on Wednesday June 11, at a sold-out black-tie gala at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

QT Auckland was named Best Hotel, Whangaparaoa Lodge received the title of Best Motel, and Craggy Range took home the award for Best Accommodation Provider (non-hotel/motel), reflecting a strong showing from the country’s top-tier lodging operators.

The prestigious annual awards, hosted by Hospitality New Zealand, celebrate excellence and innovation in hospitality and accommodation across the country. This year’s event capped off the two-day HNZ25 Conference and drew a full house of industry leaders, operators, and supporters.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise resilience and excellence during a particularly challenging time for the industry.

“These winners embody the spirit of innovation and community leadership that defines the best of New Zealand hospitality,” he said. “They are setting benchmarks not just in service but in sustainability, creativity, and customer experience.”

The event’s Supreme Award went to Peekaboo Backyard Eatery, a standout winner from Kaitaia, who also collected Best Café and the Sustainability Champion Award. Owner Daniel Fasnacht said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to their local community and environment.

“Kaitaia has had a hard time the last few years,” Fasnacht said. “To be recognised at a national level is such an honour—it motivates us to keep making a positive impact.”

The People’s Choice Award once again went to Richmond Club, highlighting continued public support for the popular venue.

Lion New Zealand Managing Director Craig Baldie praised the sector’s tenacity and innovation.

“Even in a tough economy, the dedication we’ve seen tonight gives us real optimism for the future,” he said.

Full list of 2025 Lion Hospitality NZ Business Awards winners:

• Best Hotel: QT Auckland

  

• Best Motel: Whangaparaoa Lodge

  

• Best Accommodation Provider (non-hotel/motel): Craggy Range

  

• Best Destination Venue: Schnappa Rock Restaurant

• Best Local: The Keg Room

• Best Gaming Venue: The Tote

• Best Entertainment Venue: Wynyard Pavilion

• Best Bar: The Freeport with Cleaver & Co

• Best Café: Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

• Best Restaurant: Sherwood Queenstown

• Sustainability Champion Award: Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

• Supreme Winner: Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

  

• People’s Choice Award: Richmond Club

• Hall of Fame Inductee: Reg Hennessy

The awards night marked a celebratory close to HNZ25, as the industry looks ahead with renewed energy and community focus.

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