NZ Māori Tourism congratulates the four businesses named as finalists for the Toroa ā-Uta, Toroa ā-Tai Māori Tourism Award at the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
The finalists are:
- Muirs Tours
- Te Raukura Te Wharewaka o Pōneke
- Waka On Avon – Ko Tāne Limited
- Whanganui Tours
We are proud to see the breadth of Māori tourism recognised through this year’s award. We also acknowledge the whānau, hapū and communities whose people, places and stories are integral to the work of each finalist.
About the Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award
The Toroa ā-Uta, Toroa ā-Tai Māori Tourism Award recognises and celebrates businesses that integrate stories of identity and whenua across their operations.
Māori tourism businesses have a distinct role in sharing the many stories of people and place across Aotearoa. Through their experiences, they can support the aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi. They can also contribute to the holistic wellbeing of their communities.
The award reflects a vision of Māori tourism in which businesses can thrive economically and culturally while remaining socially and environmentally aware. It celebrates the role tourism can play in creating and contributing to healthy, vibrant communities.
The meaning behind Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai
The award draws its name and wairua from a karakia composed by NZ Māori Tourism kaumātua Professor Tom Roa CNZM.
The karakia likens the voyage of the toroa, or albatross, to the journey of a visitor. As the toroa travels across land and sea, it encounters and acknowledges people and communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
This journey reflects the many people, places and stories that make Māori tourism distinctive. In a similar way, Māori tourism operators guide manuhiri through the stories of their whenua. In doing so, they can help visitors and whānau alike realise their aspirations.
At the heart of many of these experiences is manaakitanga: the care and generosity extended to manuhiri. Therefore, recognition through this award sits with the whānau, hapū and communities connected to each business, as well as with the finalists themselves.
Together, the finalists demonstrate some of the many ways Māori tourism can shape how visitors experience and understand Aotearoa.
Celebrating excellence across the tourism industry
The New Zealand Tourism Awards recognise individuals and businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the tourism industry. Reaching the finalist stage reflects each operator’s sustained commitment to quality and to the people, communities and places behind their business.
Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch, following Tourism Summit Aotearoa.
We wish all finalists the very best and look forward to celebrating their achievements alongside the wider tourism industry.
Read TIA’s official release here: Tourism in the spotlight: Finalists announced for the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards