RealNZ has been named the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Winner at the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards, the tourism industry’s highest accolade, marking the company’s second Supreme Award win in three years.
The awards were presented by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) on Wednesday 4 November at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch. RealNZ previously received the Supreme Award in 2024.
RealNZ also won the Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business) and was a finalist for the Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award.
Judges praised RealNZ for its passion, industry leadership and purpose, describing it as a conservation organisation fuelled by tourism, united by a clear purpose to make New Zealand a better place. They cited the company’s commitment to regeneration, its recruitment and training programme, and increased customer satisfaction as key reasons for the win.
RealNZ Chief Executive Dave Beeche said the award was a deep honour and recognition of an incredible amount of hard work from the RealNZ team.
“We love what we do, and we love delivering outstanding guest experiences day in and day out. We also love delivering on our purpose, which is to help the world fall in love with conservation. To have that recognised tonight is phenomenal,” says Beeche.
RealNZ operates cruises, excursions and experiences across Queenstown, Piopiotahi Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland and Rakiura Stewart Island, as well as Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone.
The 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards received a record 177 entries across 12 categories, with 48 finalists. The awards recognise businesses demonstrating business success, living the values of the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment and embracing kaitiakitanga.