Situated in Rotorua, Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership is an iconic visitor attraction spanning multiple attractions across 63 hectares. At the heart of Te Puia's sucess is a deep and authentic commitment to Te Ao Māori, woven through every aspect of the visitor journey. 

Te Puia exemplifies a tourism business delivering outstanding cultural leadership and operational excellence at scale. Its recent transformation has driven significant improvements that engage the domestic market while maintaining strong international appeal, ensuring this iconic experience will endure for generations to come. 

Tongariro River Rafting are a proudly family-owned business delivering unforgettable adventures in one of Aotearoa's most spectacular regions. Their small, mighty team blends heart, humour and hard graft to deliver world-class experiences that connect people to place and each other. 

Their strong value-driven ethos and "value over volume" approach ensures high-quality visitor experiences aligned with the Tourism Sustainability Commitments, exemplifying how dedication, innovation and responsible practices achieve lasting impact for visitors, communities and the environment. 

Service IQ Tourism Excellence Award (Small - Medium Business)  
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve   

Auckland Sea Kayaks (ASK) is a small business making a big impact, delivering award-winning guided tourism and education experiences across the Hauraki Gulf. At their core is a commitment to excellence, sustainability and people, providing safe, unforgettable marine-based adventures while protecting the places they paddle and building a workplace that attracts top talent.  

Doing good is embedded in ASK's DNA, with deep community connections creating meaningful opportunities for environmental engagement, empowering young people and proving small businesses can make powerful, lasting impact.    

Hind Management exemplifies leadership in employment practices through their unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability. Operating eight hotels, four restaurants and two spas, they foster a values-driven culture of care and collaboration.  

Their exceptional leadership supports staff by recognising individual limitations and implementing systems to assist where needed. Their unique inclusivity programme demonstrates a sustained commitment to creating a positive, high-performing workplace.  

Blue Duck Station is an internationally recognised destination in the Ruapehu district, surrounded by Whanganui National Park. Their unique landscape supports diverse opportunities including accommodation, fine dining, conservation, sheep and beef farming, honey, carbon and forestry.  

Their sustainability-first approach sees tourism support rather than drive the operation. By combining hands-on conservation, carbon initiatives and educational outreach, Blue Duck Station operates as a living classroom and catalyst for positive change.  

The Ōkārito Plant Project (OPP) is a business-led, regenerative initiative transforming the role of tourism in restoring nature and supporting thriving communities in South Westland. Co-founded by local and international tourism operators, the Ōkārito Native Plants Trust, landowners and Development West Coast's Nature Economy Project, OPP enables coordinated, on-the-ground action.  

This grassroots collaboration demonstrates how tourism, communities and environmental stewardship can align to deliver meaningful benefits for people and nature.   

Kapiti Island Nature Tours is a whānau business operating on Māori-owned land on Kapiti Island for eight generations, integrating conservation and cultural immersion into their unique tourism experience. They are committed to kaitiakitanga of our land, sharing its natural and cultural heritage with over 30,000 visitors annually through ferry transport, walking tours and overnight stays.  

Operating at a high level while maintaining strong community focus, they leverage international connections to deliver outstanding experiences that are culturally authentic, community-centred and globally influential.  

Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP) is a story of resilience and reinvention. Despite fires, floods, earthquakes, a pandemic and legal challenges in just eight years, CAP continues to lead through bold innovation.  

The world's first uphill zip-line positions New Zealand as a leader in adventure tourism, demonstrating exceptional operational excellence and leadership. The project reflects significant time and investment to achieve a globally unique experience.  

Driven by a deep passion for tourism, Zac is committed to making a lasting impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s visitor economy. A strong advocate for the power of technology, creativity, and people, he has spent the past decade helping businesses thrive. Joining Maverick three years ago, he has risen to be General Manager, leading a team of 13 and partnering with global businesses.

Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award 2025   
Nadine ToeToe - Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Ltd   

Scott Callaway has dedicated more than 50 years to New Zealand’s tourism industry. His career spans leadership roles with the Mount Cook Group, Air New Zealand, AJ Hackett Bungy, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, and as General Manager Tourism & Trade at Christchurch Airport. From pioneering Queenstown’s international ski reputation to creating South and Kia Ora South, Scott’s passion and vision have profoundly shaped Aotearoa’s visitor economy.