Māori Tourism Leaders Named Among Finalists for Record-Breaking 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards

A record number of tourism operators and industry leaders have been named as finalists for the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards, with Māori tourism and environmental leadership taking a prominent place in the field. According to Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), 177 entries were received across 12 categories, surpassing the previous record of 150 entries set last year. TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram noted that the high level of participation reflects an industry that is increasingly proud of its achievements and the quality of visitor experiences provided in Aotearoa. The Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award, which specifically recognises Māori tourism businesses, sees Muirs Tours, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Waka On Avon – Ko Tāne Limited, and Whanganui Tours named as the 2026 finalists. These businesses are celebrated for offering experiences grounded in whakapapa, manaakitanga, and relationships with te taiao, providing visitors with authentic connections to the land and culture. Māori representation extends into several other categories this year. Waka On Avon – Ko Tāne Limited is also a contender for the Innovation Award, while Hapuku Kitchen – Te Kura Taka Kai has been named a finalist for the Tourism Excellence Award for Micro Business. Additionally, the Tourism Collaboration Award features a partnership involving Native Nations, Te Aka Trails, and The Visitor Promise, highlighting the strength of collaborative efforts in developing unique regional experiences. The awards also place a heavy emphasis on environmental stewardship through the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. Finalists in this category include the National Kiwi Hatchery, RealNZ, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and Ōkārito Kayaks. The nominations reflect a wider industry shift toward ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the communities and taonga that define the New Zealand experience.