The New Zealand Tourism Awards 2025 saw many of our Māori tourism operators acknowledged for their manaaki in sharing the unique Māori cultural experiences we have to offer. Six Māori tourism operators were finalists across eight categories which speaks to the strength and world-class operations of our sector. To be recognised as a finalist at these prestigious awards is a testament to the dedication that sits behind each experience our operators deliver. While not everyone can take home the top award on the night, we see every one of our Māori tourism finalists as a winner in our eyes. Congratulations to Kapiti Island Nature Tours, Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, Te Puia NZMACI, Tohu Experiences, Franz Josef Glacier Guides and the Hotel Britomart for your recognition at the awards this year.
We were thrilled to see many of the awards go to our Māori tourism whānau, including the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award which is regarded as the top honour of the evening. This award recognises the organisation that has shown outstanding achievement across the full visitor journey and reflects excellence in a meaningful and consistent way.
New Zealand Tourism Awards 2025 – winners
Te Puia NZMACI returned to Rotorua with three awards, the NZME Visitor Experience Award, the Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award and the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award.
Nadine ToeToe from Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours was named Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours received the Toroa ā Uta, Toroa ā Tai Māori Tourism Award and accepted this tohu with their whānau beside them.
After our recent fortnightly webinar series it was special to see our Māori tourism operators stand together to perform our ngeri as the haka tautoko when Kapiti Island Nature Tours received their award, electrifying the room.
The results from this year’s Awards highlight the level of excellence of our Māori tourism operators and the way our sector continues to grow in kotahitanga. We acknowledge all of our finalists and winners and we look forward to seeing your mahi recognised in the busy summer season ahead.