RealNZ crowned supreme winner at NZ Tourism Awards

AUCKLAND, Today: The New Zealand tourism industry’s big night ended with RealNZ clinching the Supreme Tourism Award, taking it back to the Deep South with immense pride.

Not only did they snag the top honour, but RealNZ also emerged victorious in both categories they were nominated for: the Johnston’s Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. Meanwhile, David Kennedy from the International Antarctic Centre bagged the Auckland Airport Tourism Champion Award.

The judges praised RealNZ for their steadfast dedication to sustainability, calling them a standout gem in New Zealand’s tourism sector.

Spread across the lower South Island, RealNZ offers a plethora of experiences, from Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound adventures to Queenstown rafting and the ski slopes of Cardrona and Treble Cone.

“RealNZ was founded 70 years ago this year, with a foundation of delivering exceptional experiences while being at the forefront of New Zealand conservation.” – Dave Beeche

CEO Dave Beeche expressed how the awards reflect RealNZ’s enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to both conservation and providing top-tier experiences.

“RealNZ was founded 70 years ago this year, with a foundation of delivering exceptional experiences while being at the forefront of New Zealand conservation. That is a legacy we are proud to continue to this day through the energy and passion of every single team member. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognised by the judges for this mahi.”

At the heart of RealNZ’s mission is a commitment to conservation, evident through projects like the Cooper Island Restoration and the Kākāriki Karaka translocation.

With three awards in tow, Dave’s message to the RealNZ team was clear: keep innovating and impressing guests.

“It’s up to us to keep shaking things up, going the extra mile, and making a difference so that every guest leaves with a great story to tell,” he says.