Finalists named for 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards

Recognising New Zealand's top tourism experiences, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has announced the finalists for the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2024. 

Showcasing and celebrating the very best of New Zealand tourism’s individual and business successes, the 47 finalists were drawn from over 120 entrants and include Kiwi businesses operating at global scale to a deeply personal offering by a single guide, providing a unique experience of people, place and environment.

Advising that says the breadth and quality of the entries are increasing year on year - indicating the industry’s commitment to providing outstanding tourism, TIA Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram stated “Aotearoa New Zealand is one of those places people from around the world dream about visiting. This is the industry’s way of recognising the people who deliver, and keep improving on, these experiences.

“These finalists are setting incredibly high standards – and serve as both an inspiration and benchmark for the industry."

Many of the categories were closely contested, with careful consideration to select the finalists. Three of the categories acknowledge outstanding performers in the industry, and ten awards recognise business excellence, industry alignment and values that are in line with the Tourism Sustainability Commitment.  

Ingram added “not only are all of the finalists great operators in terms of what they offer, they are also judged on their positive impact on local communities, how they restore and protect our natural environment, and how they build economic sustainability.

Winners will be announced in person at an Awards gala dinner on 6th November in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, following Tourism Summit Aotearoa.

The Summit, a key event in the national tourism calendar, brings together more than 300 business and government leaders from all sectors of the industry. The theme this year is Visitor Experience (VX) in a Changing World.  

New Zealand Tourism Awards 2024:
Categories and Finalists
Wayfinder Community Engagement Award 2024   
• Christchurch Adventure Park  
• iFLY Indoor Skydiving 
• Tohu Experiences 
• Tūhura Otago Museum   
 
NZME Visitor Experience Award 2024  
• Hobbiton Movie Set  
• New Zealand Trails 
• Tauhara North Tourism - Te Pā Tū   
• The Landing  
 
Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award 2024  
• GO Rentals    
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa   
• Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd 
• Millbrook Resort  
 
Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) 2024  
• Huka Falls River Cruise  
• Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd 
• Terra and Tide   
• The Seventh Generation  
 
Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business) 2024  
• Hell's Gate 
• Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa 
• Tauhara North Tourism - Te Pā Tū  
• Ziptrek Ecotours   
 
Johnston's Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) 2024  
• Discover Waitomo  
• GO Rentals  
• Hobbiton Movie Set  
• RealNZ 
 
KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award 2024  
• RealNZ  
• The Headwaters Eco Lodge 
• Wellington Airport  
• Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne   
 
Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award 2024  
• Kapiti Island Nature Tours  
• Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd   
• The MDA group  
• Tio Ōhiwa Harbour Cruise & Oyster Experience  
*Sponsored by New Zealand Māori Tourism  
 
Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Industry Collaboration and Alignment Award 2024  
• Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd 
• The Hotel Britomart   
• Tourism Bay of Plenty - Flavours of Plenty 
• Tourism Bay of Plenty - The Green Room 
 
Resilience and Innovation Award 2024  
• GO Rentals 
• Hobbiton Movie Set  
• LyLo Operations NZ Limited  
• Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa  
 
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 2024  
• Gavin M. Faull, Swiss-Belhotel International  
• David Kennedy, International Antarctic Centre  
• Nadine ToeToe, Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd  
 
Emerging Tourism Leader Award 2024  
• Charlotte Laurentin, Millbrook Resort 
• Anne Newman, Christchurch Adventure Park 
• James Stokes, Glenorchy Air   
• Zac Watson, Maverick Digital Tourism Marketing 
 
The Sir Jack Newman Award for Outstanding Industry Leader will also be presented at the Gala Dinner. 

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

Images: Hobbiton Movie Set is an award nominee (top) and TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram (below).