2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards finalists recognises top experiences

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has today named the finalists for the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards, recognising the quality and variety of tourism experiences on offer throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Advising that this year saw a record 150 entries received - up 25% year on year - Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram stated "we were thrilled by the huge number of high-quality entries received from a range of individuals and tourism businesses.

“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.

Ingram added "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."

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.

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

Click here for more information on the Tourism Summit Aotearoa in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images: Both Tongariro River Rafting (top, credit: Tourism New Zealand) and Christchurch Adventure Park (below) are finalists in two categories at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards.