We’re thrilled to announce the finalists of the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
The New Zealand Tourism Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses from across the tourism industry, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership, while providing inspiration to other tourism businesses.
This year marked a second record breaking year in a row for the awards with 177 entries received. TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram says she was delighted with the 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. 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,” says Ingram.
The awards include three individual categories recognising outstanding performers in the industry, and eleven business categories celebrating business excellence, industry alignment and organisations that are living the Tourism Sustainability Commitment values.
Winners will be announced in person at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on 4 November 2026 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, following the Tourism Summit Aotearoa.
The finalists are:
Avis Budget 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 Raukura Te Wharewaka o Pōneke
- 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
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
Congratulations to all our finalists and thank you to everyone who entered.
Don’t miss the chance to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all finalists and winners at the Tourism Awards dinner.
