New Zealand's best tourism operators for 2006
01 Sep 2006
New Zealand's annual Tourism Industry Awards were held on 23 August 2006 in Wellington. The Awards, which are run by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), recognise and reward excellence within the industry and are the highest possible accolade for New Zealand tourism operators.
SUPREME AWARD WINNER
Dive! Tutukaka
New Zealand's largest dive charter operator was the star of the show at the Tourism Industry Awards. Dive! Tutukaka took home the Supreme Award, Major category and sub category awards and the new Department of Conservation Award - Conservation in Action.
Fiona Luhrs, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association, said that Dive! Tutukaka epitomised a successful tourism venture, focusing on customer service, profitability and sustainability.
The business has been operating for six years and offers eco-adventure jet-boat tours, dive charter trips, snorkelling, sightseeing and kayaking at the Poor Knights Islands, and dive training.
MAJOR CATEGORY - VISITOR ACCOMMODATION
WINNER
Heritage Queenstown
For the second year in a row, Heritage Queenstown has won the Hotel Accommodation sub category and the major category Visitor Accommodation.
Opened in 1996, Heritage Queenstown offers authentic southern hospitality. The Qualmark rated 4 star-plus hotel has 178 deluxe rooms, a range of self-contained suites and 36 three-bedroom villas.
SUB CATEGORY - BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION
Kawaha Point Lodge
The eight suite lodge set on the shores of Lake Rotorua has a collection of awards for both its food and accommodation and has added the 2006 Boutique Accommodation Award to its haul. Owners Margaret and Tony Seavill were North Island lamb breeders before they bought the property in 1997. Margaret says winning the Award is prestigious and a reaffirmation of the lodge’s status in the industry and amongst its peers.
MAJOR CATERGORY - VISITOR ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
SUB CATEGORY - CULTURE AND HERITAGE TOURISM
Wellington Cable Car Museum
The Wellington Cable Car Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the history behind the Wellington Cable Car that has been running since 1902. The Museum is now the second busiest attraction in Wellington behind Te Papa and has been awarded a Culture and Heritage Tourism Award for its success.
SUB CATEGORY - LEISURE ACTIVITY
Haast River Safari
Owners Lindsay and Myreen Kain say the secret to Haast River Safari's success is providing a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone to participate and enjoy. The company was awarded the Leisure Activity Award and runs four enclosed boats of varying seat size on the Haast River.
SUB CATEGORY - VISITOR ATTRACTION
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
For the third year in a row, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has won the Visitor Attraction category. General Manager, Graeme Abbot, is elated and sees it as a great way of putting the attraction on the international tourism map.
'It means that not only our pride in what we do is justified, but it can be quantified to our visitors by our consistent performance in the Tourism Industry Awards.'
SPECIAL AWARDS
GREEN GLOBE ENVIRONMENT AWARD
Nomad Safaris
Nomad Safaris offer adventurous half day safaris among the mountains and lakes of Queenstown including tours of the gold mining settlements of Skippers Canyon and quad bike rides across high country stations. The company won the Green Globe Environment Award as a result of staff being actively involved in the care and preservation of heritage sites they visit.
PATA YOUNG TOURISM PROFESSIONAL
Melissa Crockett, Potiki Adventures
Potiki Adventures provides authentic Maori experiences from their Auckland base to thousands of visitors a year. Melissa Crockett has gained international attention from Potiki Adventures, featuring in American Vogue and Lonely Planet, and is responsible for the financial and marketing aspects of the company.
QUALMARK TOURISM MARK OF QUALITY AWARD
Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences
Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences offer the widest range of choices to visitors in the Abel Tasman National Park with the only beachfront lodges within the boundaries of the park, as well as camping, boat-stay and hut accommodation options. The company has formed an alliance with the Wakatu Corporation, a body of Maori shareholder owners with pre-European settlement links to the Nelson region, in an effort to provide an accurate and authentic history of the region during their tours.
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