Finalists announced for the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards
A record number of entries were received for this year's New Zealand Tourism Awards, including high numbers from first-time entrants
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has named the finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards, recognising the quality and variety of tourism experiences on offer throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year saw a record 177 entries received across the 12 categories, surpassing last year’s then-record of 150 entries.
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Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive for Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) said that the increased popularity of the annual awards is a sign of a thriving tourism industry.
“We’re delighted with the record number of entries received from a range of individuals and tourism businesses across the country. It shows that people in the industry are proud of what they’ve achieved over the past year,” said Ms Ingram.
“The judges remarked that the quality of the applications has also been extremely high, with more applicants taking the time to provide solid evidence to back their entries.
“The diversity of applicants this year is also a good sign for tourism; we’ve seen a high number of first-time entrants, both large and small, alongside several new tourism operators who are making a noted impact within the industry.
“These are the experiences that help showcase what New Zealand has to offer – both to international visitors and domestics travellers – and the awards serve as a benchmark of excellence and inspiration to the wider tourism industry; giving operators a chance to highlight and celebrate their amazing achievements and successes achieved.”
Related AccomNews article: TIA launches Tourism 2050 ‘Blueprint for Impact’
Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on Wednesday 4 November at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, following Tourism Summit Aotearoa.
This year’s Summit theme, Tourism Inc: Distinctive by Design, explores what it means to be ‘distinctive by design’ for both tourism businesses and New Zealand tourism. Through a mix of international and local perspectives, the event will examine how purposeful decisions can help create competitive advantage, drive innovation, strengthen global competitiveness and shape experiences that could only come from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Categories and Finalists
Avis Budget Group Community Engagement Award 2026
- Cycle Journeys
- Muirs Tours
- Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
- Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
NZME Visitor Experience Award 2026
- Mad Campers
- New Zealand Trails
- Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
- Redwoods Treewalk & Glowworms
Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award 2026
- Hahei Explorer
- Intrepid Travel New Zealand
- Shotover Jet
- RealNZ
Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business)
- 2026 Auckland Sea Kayaks
- Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga
- Hapuku Kitchen – Te Kura Taka Kai
- The Seventh Generation
ServiceIQ Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business) 2026
- EcoZip Adventures
- Hamilton Gardens
- Wild Kiwi Tours
- Ziptrek Ecotours
Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) 2026
- Intrepid Travel New Zealand
- RealNZ
- Shotover Jet
- Southern Discoveries
KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award 2026
- National Kiwi Hatchery
- RealNZ
- Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
- Ōkārito Kayaks
Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award 2026
- Muirs Tours
- Te Wharewaka o Poneke
- Waka On Avon – Ko Tāne Limited
- Whanganui Tours
FareHarbor Tourism Collaboration Award 2026
- ChristchurchNZ – Central South Island Collective
- Native Nations, Te Aka Trails & The Visitor Promise
- Kiwi North
- The International Travel College of New Zealand Ltd
GO Rentals Innovation Award 2026
- Air New Zealand
- Redwoods Treewalk & Glowworms
- Southern Discoveries
- Waka On Avon – Ko Tāne Limited
The Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award will be selected from these ten business award winners and will be presented at the Gala Dinner.
Individual awards
Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award 2026
- Craig Buckland, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve
- Gavin M. Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International
- Lisa Li, China Travel Service (NZ)
- Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings
Tourism Industry Aotearoa Emerging Tourism Leader Award 2026
- Carl Bennett, Millennium Hotels & Resorts
- Charlie Buchan, Tūhura Otago Museum
- Narissa Phipps, First Light Travel
- Ocean Mead, Auckland Sea Kayaks
The Sir Jack Newman Award for Outstanding Industry Leader will also be presented at the Gala Dinner.
