2025 Tourism Awards finalists recognises top tourism experiences

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has announced 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 – an increase of 25 percent on last year.

“We were thrilled by the huge number of high-quality entries received from a range of individuals and tourism businesses,” said Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of TIA.

“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 industry.

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“Each year the Tourism Awards give the industry a chance to reflect on 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 amazing achievements and successes realised,” Ms Ingram says.

The 35 dedicated judges were impressed by the exceptional quality of entries, with many commenting on the breadth of innovation, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by 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 industry with the tools, strategies and perspectives needed to remain competitive in a changing world.

New Zealand Tourism Awards 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

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